The Horse Capital Marathon was the 292nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 243rd largest in 2022.
This year 5.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.7% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Horse Capital Marathon the 376th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 266th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.80 ranks it as the 340th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Kentucky.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Horse Capital Marathon a PR Score of 97.80. This PR Score ranks it as the 283rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest in Kentucky.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Horse Capital Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 971 feet (296m) Min Elevation: 848 feet (258m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Horse Capital Marathon
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Loved the scenery. Horses running alongside you, beautiful horse parks all over, the scenery was divine. Very peaceful also
Dislikes: Constantly going up or down. Only the last mile is flat. Not a lot of cheering along the course as it is rural. Worst part was the heat, this marathon should be run in late April.
Neutral: Double loop with a spur at mile 17/18.
Race Tips
The hills are never a huge climb, but I had about 1750 feet in elevation gains over the entire course. It all drops, but that just burns the quads.
The scenery is gorgeous, be prepared to see lots of horses. The whole course is either up or down except the last mile, be prepared for lots of hills. The race is held the end of May so it is super hot and muggy - fortunately there was a little rain. Everything was set up nicely
Race Tips
Be prepared for lots of little hills. None are super huge or long, but again the whole time is either up or down. Also hydrate because it is hot and humid this time of year in KY.
I ran this marathon in 2018. It was very humid and rained some of the time. The course is very beautiful. It's hilly. The humidity and hills wore on me in the late miles. It's a very peaceful run and the scenery is excellent, especially if you're from out of town.
Scenery was lovely, rolling hills the whole way, nice quaint race, convenient. 2017 was warm combined with hills was tough. Minimal crowd support, great volunteers and race director....