American Bluegrass Classic 2026

A brand-new race experience is coming to Paducah as the inaugural American Bluegrass Classic Kentucky Marathon, presented by Baptist Health Paducah, takes place Saturday, Oct. 17. The event features a full marathon, half marathon and four-person relay. Events begin at 7 a.m.

Designed to be one of the fastest courses in Kentucky, the American Bluegrass Classic offers something for runners of all experience levels, from those chasing a personal record or Boston Qualifying time to individuals and teams simply looking for a fun and rewarding challenge. 

The race will take participants through several of Paducah’s most recognized areas, including historic Downtown, the Lowertown Arts District and Midtown, showcasing the character and charm of the city along a flat, multi-loop course. Marathon runners will complete four loops, half-marathon participants will run two loops, and relay teams will each complete one loop. Each loop is slightly more than 6.5 miles and features approximately 40 feet of elevation gain.

The course is also expected to be USATF certified, offering an official and competitive opportunity for participants.

For more information or to register, visit American Bluegrass Classic Marathon.