American Bluegrass Classic Marathon to debut in Paducah this October

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) — Runners of all experience levels will have a new race to look forward to this fall as the inaugural American Bluegrass Classic Kentucky Marathon comes to Paducah on Oct. 17.

Presented by Baptist Health Paducah, the event will feature a full marathon, half marathon and four-person relay.

Race organizers said the course was designed to be one of Kentucky’s fastest, offering an opportunity for runners seeking a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualifying time, while also welcoming recreational runners and relay teams.

The race will wind through several of Paducah’s best-known neighborhoods, including downtown, the Lowertown Arts District and Midtown. The flat, multi-loop course features approximately 40 feet of elevation gain per 6.5-mile loop. Marathon participants will complete four loops, half-marathon runners will complete two loops and relay teams will each run one loop.

“This course was designed for speed and energy,” Race Director Eric Romanak said. “With its flat layout and looped design, it allows runners to maintain a consistent pace while giving spectators multiple opportunities to cheer them on throughout the race.”

Organizers said much of the course is newly paved, and it is expected to receive USA Track & Field certification.

The event is scheduled during Paducah’s fall tourism season, giving participants and visitors the opportunity to explore the city before and after the race.

Registration is now open, and organizers encourage runners to begin training and form relay teams ahead of the Oct. 17 event.