Backside Trail Marathon

Welcome to the Backside Trail Marathon and Half

This race, started in 2012, offers a fun trail run through Cherokee Park in Louisville, KY, held the Sunday after the city's mini marathon. It's designed as a challenging yet enjoyable experience on tired legs, but you can also participate without doing the preceding road race.

The trails are located in the heart of Louisville and are part of the historic park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Packet Pick Up / Directions To Start

Packets can be picked up at Quest Outdoors on Saturday, April 26, from 4–6 PM, or at the start/finish line on race day at 7:00 AM. Quest Outdoors is located at 4600 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207.

Races will start by the basketball courts in Seneca Park at 8:00 AM. The nearest intersection is Cherokee Gardens and Pee Wee Reese Road. GPS coordinates of start/finish line: 38.240756, -85.674632.

There is a parking lot by the softball field with vendor tents set up in the nearby grassy area.

Awards

Every finisher in the marathon and half marathon will receive a medal. Special designations are available for those who "Double Down" (run both distances). Shirt sizes are unisex.

What is a Double Down?

For those who enjoy running back-to-back races, the "Double Down" option allows participants to run a nearby marathon or half marathon the day before and then this trail race. Special "bling" is awarded for completing a Double Down.

The Course

This is a trail run and is significantly harder than a typical road marathon. Expect adventure and fun on high-quality single-track trails. While described as gently rolling, this is subjective. For those new to trail running, these trails offer a great introduction, but do not expect to match road race times; expect 130% or more of your normal road time. Trail running footwear is recommended.

Aid Stations / Drop Bags

There will be three aid stations: one at the start/finish line and two on the course, approximately 2-4 miles apart. Runners may have one drop bag, which must be labeled with their name and bib number.

Time Cut

There is a strict 8-hour time limit for the course. Runners not on pace to finish within this limit will not receive a time, and their timing chip will be removed. This policy is in place for safety once aid stations and volunteers are no longer available.

Tickets

• 1/2 Marathon Registration: $65.00 (Total: $75.70 incl. taxes & fees). Price after Feb 28: $75.00 ($86.96 incl. taxes/fees).
• Marathon Registration: $80.00 (Total: $92.60 incl. taxes & fees). Price after Feb 28: $90.00 ($103.86 incl. taxes/fees).