The Second Most Famous Race on the First Saturday in May

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

The Kenwick Derby is Lexington’s proudest neighborhood tradition — held every year on the morning of the Kentucky Derby! Now entering its 7th annual running in 2026, this beloved event began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Tom Butler ran 47 laps around the Bassett/Preston block to raise money for relief efforts.Neighbors rallied, bourbon flowed, legends were born.No entry fees. No race timing chips. Just you, your neighbors, and the casual certainty that running 47 laps is a perfectly normal way to spend Derby Day.📅 Race Day 2026
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (Derby start)
Where: Corner of Bassett Ave & Monroe St, Lexington, KYFull Marathon: 47 laps
Half Marathon: 24 laps
10K: 12 laps
5K: 6 laps
1 Mile: 2 laps
"Please don't question the official lap count. Trust the science."📋 How to Join
No registration needed — just show up!
Bring your own bib (pin a piece of paper with your name on your shirt).
Bring a Sharpie to mark your lap counts.
Bring the kids! (The 1-mile race is perfect for young runners.)
Spectators: Bring chairs, signs, nerf guns, and Derby spirit.Participation Fee: $0.00
Fun Level: Immeasurable🏆 Course Records
Full Marathon: Tom "The Bassett Hound" Butler – 3:10 (2020)
Half Marathon: Antonio "Ant-Man" Marchi – 1:17 (2024)
Female Distance Record: Sonya Lindsey - 20 miles (2025)
Longest Run While Drinking and Holding a Mint Julep: Antonio "Ant-Man" Marchi and Greg "Gregacy" Humkey (2025)“You lose 100% of the Kenwick Derbies you don't participate in.”
– Wayne Gretzky (sort of)