Overall Rating
Overall Rating (27 Reviews)
4.6
(27 Ratings)  (27 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.2
SCENERY
4.2
PRODUCTION
4.4
SWAG
4.2
The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile race that starts at the historic Whisky Row in downtown Louisville, follows Cherokee Park’s Scenic Loop and finishes on Main Street in front of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – with great scenery, music and entertainment along the way. Participants in the Half … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 14):
  2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
 
H (°F)  71  83  82  72  61
L (°F)  41  66  47  46  47
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Recent reviews

    cknapp FIRST-TIMER '22

    After party was probably the best I have seen, beer, bourbon and great food and great live music. Course was scenic with a good mix of bridge, city and its … MORE

    After party was probably the best I have seen, beer, bourbon and great food and great live music. Course was scenic with a good mix of bridge, city and its neighborhoods and water views on bike path. I would recommend this race

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
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    mccomas_bridget REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Great showcase race for the city, possibly best after party I've ever attended! They changed the course to cross the Ohio which gave a nice challenge at the beginning when … MORE

    Great showcase race for the city, possibly best after party I’ve ever attended!

    They changed the course to cross the Ohio which gave a nice challenge at the beginning when you legs are fresh.

    Positioned in October, typically Great weather for a PR.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    hanna7671 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Great race, this was my first race at Urban Bourbon and 2nd half marathon. It blew my 1st half marathon out of the water! I loved the cheering from spectators … MORE

    Great race, this was my first race at Urban Bourbon and 2nd half marathon. It blew my 1st half marathon out of the water! I loved the cheering from spectators as well as the positivity of the volunteers along the course.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    CoachCass FIRST-TIMER '22

    Not only is the race great, but the whole bourbon experience from the post race bash to collecting pins on the urban bourbon walk is so much fun! Make this … MORE

    Not only is the race great, but the whole bourbon experience from the post race bash to collecting pins on the urban bourbon walk is so much fun! Make this a weekend experience, not just a race.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    elladams FIRST-TIMER '22

    If you’re a bourbon drinker or you like a party atmosphere after a race, this race is for you. I’ve done numerous races in Louisville but this was my first … MORE

    If you’re a bourbon drinker or you like a party atmosphere after a race, this race is for you. I’ve done numerous races in Louisville but this was my first UBHM. It wasn’t a bad morning – just not what I was expecting considering the old course was “urban legend” for how awesome it was. The thing is, I registered for this in January 2020 … it was moved in 2020 to a very non-urban course so I deferred. The 2021 course was closer to the original course but I deferred again since it would be on my regular running route (no challenge for me). I didn’t want to defer again and I’m glad I ran it – but there were so many different elements: asphalt, sidewalks, concrete, sloped roads, crushed gravel, tree roots popping through paved trails, potholes, plywood covered bridges, pea gravel/sand covered concrete bricks that sloped down to the Ohio River – if someone wasn’t careful or paying attention, there could have been some injuries. I did pass one guy who must have had a spectacular fall and the EMTs had him on a stretcher – basically, it was not a course to race on but one to have a nice jog on. The run over and back on the walking bridge was chaotic – it was early enough in the race that the runners were still clumped together (hadn’t spaced out enough yet) and since the other lane was full of runners coming back, there was no passing. One other issue – even with all the weaving and trying to get around the other runners, my tracker showed the course short. Several others had the same complaint as well. It was a great day weather-wise and I like supporting local races. More water stops and a course more open to spectators would be great.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    nursevamp FIRST-TIMER '22

    Corse was scenic! I trained for hills. There were definitely lots of hills and one at the freaking finish line! Not cool! BEST AFTERPARTY EVER!!!!! MORE

    Corse was scenic! I trained for hills. There were definitely lots of hills and one at the freaking finish line! Not cool!

    BEST AFTERPARTY EVER!!!!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    mwhite1097 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was my first half marathon and registering and picking up race materials were a breeze. The staff at pick-up and the finish line were very friendly. Also, the bourbon … MORE

    This was my first half marathon and registering and picking up race materials were a breeze. The staff at pick-up and the finish line were very friendly. Also, the bourbon was just what I needed. I was mainly a walker, so I recommend this race to walkers who can keep a brisk pace. I will train longer and run more of the race next year.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    amandalj81 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Located in the entertainment district of downtown Louisville with a finish line that crosses over into Fourth Street Live! The 13.1 mile run is very scenic with beautiful views. The … MORE

    Located in the entertainment district of downtown Louisville with a finish line that crosses over into Fourth Street Live! The 13.1 mile run is very scenic with beautiful views. The “Bourbon Bash” after party at Fourth Street Live! is the icing on the cake after the fun run! Beer, Bourbon, Burgoo, Pizza, and a live concert by The Crashers! The long sleeve tech shirt and medal are nicely designed. If you’re looking for a first time half marathon, to set a PR or simply looking for something unique, this is the race for you! I ran this race for the first time as a deferral from 2021 with a good friend who ran it as his first ever half marathon. The course photographer captured the best moment of us crossing the finish line! I will most definitely signup for it again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    aprilrae8 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Hands down one of my favorite 1/2’s - especially with the new course across the OH River and the scenic nature trails. I loved every mile (even miles 9-12, which … MORE

    Hands down one of my favorite 1/2’s – especially with the new course across the OH River and the scenic nature trails. I loved every mile (even miles 9-12, which let’s be honest, are always the WORST! 😂). Don’t believe me – here is photo evidence of me SMILING at mile 12!! 😁 Great post-race atmosphere, so bring a friend!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    Jessica_Agruso FIRST-TIMER '22

    The mile markers were off and the course was short, But nothing beats a half marathon with bourbon at the end. Fleet feet did an amazing job with the packets … MORE

    The mile markers were off and the course was short, But nothing beats a half marathon with bourbon at the end. Fleet feet did an amazing job with the packets and the training programs.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3
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    williamwiedemer REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Some elevation Good scenery of Louisville Plenty of aid stations Lots of cheering spectators Awesome after party with beer bourbon pizza and the Crashers on stage and off MORE

    Some elevation
    Good scenery of Louisville
    Plenty of aid stations
    Lots of cheering spectators
    Awesome after party with beer bourbon pizza and the Crashers on stage and off

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    Registration easy! Packet pick up nice and bourbon tasting perfect!! Course was great!! Ran through many different areas! Well supported! But the after party…amazing!!! Planning on running again and asking … MORE

    Registration easy! Packet pick up nice and bourbon tasting perfect!! Course was great!! Ran through many different areas! Well supported! But the after party…amazing!!! Planning on running again and asking lots of people!!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    kathythompson0727 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    This is a great race, the shirts are nice, the medals are nice, but the after-party featuring The Crashers is the BEST. I liked last years course better than this … MORE

    This is a great race, the shirts are nice, the medals are nice, but the after-party featuring The Crashers is the BEST. I liked last years course better than this year’s. I would prefer more out on the road than on the walking path. But that’s not a game changer for us. There were 7 in our group this year.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    BeckyElliott FIRST-TIMER '22

    The Urban Bourbon is a great half marathon! The course is fun (except for the whirly-whirl curvy ramp that seems to go on and up forever, leading up to the … MORE

    The Urban Bourbon is a great half marathon! The course is fun (except for the whirly-whirl curvy ramp that seems to go on and up forever, leading up to the ‘walking bridge’ that crosses the Ohio River into Indiana!). The volunteers are friendly, the finisher medals are top quality, and the celebration bash afterwards has a FANTASTIC band! The only drawbacks are as follows: the packet pick-up process was not as organized as other races I have run, and they did not begin the race with the National Anthem.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    TheWittyKnit REPEAT RUNNER '19

    This is my fourth time running in the Urban Bourbon, and this year was just as enjoyable as years past! Pre-race communication was timely and packet pick-up was easy. The … MORE

    This is my fourth time running in the Urban Bourbon, and this year was just as enjoyable as years past! Pre-race communication was timely and packet pick-up was easy. The Race Expo was fairly barren, but the race organizers say this is done purposely to focus on the bourbon experience. Still, it would be nice to see a few more local running stores or running-related charities at the expo.

    Getting into the race corral was very difficult this year, for some reason–I ended up at the very back of the pack after being unable to get into the corral any other way than through the gates at the very back. That was somewhat frustrating and probably added some minutes to my overall time. The course itself was much the same as years past, taking runners around the city to enjoy some of the fall foliage, period architecture, and the rolling hills through Cherokee Park. There ARE several hilly sections on the course, but they are largely manageable if you’ve run any hills during of your training.

    Plenty of food and hydration was available after the race, and the volunteers were very helpful! The medal was pretty standard this year, very similar to the medal two years ago, but still nice. The after-party in 4th Street Live was a blast—loved the bourbon, loved the burgoo, loved the Louisville Crashers! All in all, this is a great local race, and I’m already looking forward to next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
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    jsspinner FIRST-TIMER '19

    I went in to this race with high expectations based on reviews of previous years' races. The packet pickup was very basic. They needed more signage directing you where to … MORE

    I went in to this race with high expectations based on reviews of previous years’ races. The packet pickup was very basic. They needed more signage directing you where to go. The race start was typical. There wasn’t much for on course entertainment. On a personal note, I wasn’t ready for the hill that comes between mile 6 and 7. Everyone needs to be ready for that. There weren’t too many people out on course cheering which I could have used after that hill. The post race party wasn’t really going when I finished so I left and headed back to my hotel. I left the race wondering if a lot of the positive reviews are fueled by bourbon. I just want a well run race with great communication (it was okay), a great course (it was okay) and large community involvement (it was just okay).

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    rundirun FIRST-TIMER '19

    *Lots of hotel choices in easy walking distance to start/finish and local eateries, distilleries and bars *Great Swag - medal and option to buy a Jim Bean bottle engraved with … MORE

    *Lots of hotel choices in easy walking distance to start/finish and local eateries, distilleries and bars
    *Great Swag – medal and option to buy a Jim Bean bottle engraved with your finish time
    *about 3800 participants so lots of excitement without having to run the entire race in a pack
    *mostly flat with rolling hills, well placed water stops with good energy/support
    *great communication before/during and after the race
    *fun perks to motivate you to enjoy the city after your race

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    osborne_kaitlin FIRST-TIMER '19

    I absolutely loved this race! The course was awesome, with some hills around mile 6-7. The weather could not have been more perfect and I was able to get a … MORE

    I absolutely loved this race! The course was awesome, with some hills around mile 6-7. The weather could not have been more perfect and I was able to get a PR! The after party was awesome and I was very content with this race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    MissPatRuns Nov 11, 2019 at 8:31am

    I have this race on my list, but you could be right...bourbon fueled reviews, lol!!! Never thought of that but probably would not deter me since I am willing to… MORE

    I have this race on my list, but you could be right...bourbon fueled reviews, lol!!! Never thought of that but probably would not deter me since I am willing to try almost any race that isnt beer focused. I hate beer, even running a marathon does not make me like beer. Lol! LESS

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    amyg186 REPEAT RUNNER '19

    This race was going great for me -- great weather (overcast, 50 degrees, slight breeze) and then I hit mile 6.5/7. The hills for miles 7,8, and 9 were intense. … MORE

    This race was going great for me — great weather (overcast, 50 degrees, slight breeze) and then I hit mile 6.5/7. The hills for miles 7,8, and 9 were intense. The hills literally drained me. I finished the half not with a time that I was happy about but I finished.

    I won’t participate in the race again. Huge after party that looked like great fun – if you drink bourbon. Shirt is nice — long sleeve, tech shirt. Medal is okay — has a Jim Beam spinner in the middle of a Jim Beam bottle.

    Just like any race, you get out of it what you can/want.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    cmbrln7 FIRST-TIMER '19

    I was super impressed with the swag and postcards race party. Runners received a nice long sleeved tech shirt, cool medal, tons of food at the end, free beer and … MORE

    I was super impressed with the swag and postcards race party. Runners received a nice long sleeved tech shirt, cool medal, tons of food at the end, free beer and samples of bourbon. They had a live band playing at the post race party that was phenomenal! There is an awful hill in Cherokee Park, but the rest was smooth sailing. Sarah, the 3 hour pacer was awesome. I highly recommend this race.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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