LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of people participated in an annual spring race around Louisville.

Kentucky Derby Festival's 2024 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon was held on Saturday. 

IMAGES | Runners race around Louisville in Kentucky Derby Festival's marathon

Both races were run entirely on the south side of the Ohio River for the first time since 2019. Runners started on Main Street near Louisville Slugger Field going through downtown and then the Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Participants then went through Old Louisville to Churchill Downs, running a lap around the historic racetrack just one week before the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs president Mike Anderson said runners get an adrenaline rush going through the racetrack.

"When you get to Churchill Downs, there's something special about running through our gates, through our infield, seeing horses work out in the morning," Anderson said. "It's inspirational to get here."

Half-marathoners then made their northern return toward downtown Louisville to finish at Lynn Family Stadium. Marathoners continued south onto Southern Parkway and raced through Iroquois Park before returning downtown. 

The winners and their times from the races include:

Men's Marathon

    1. Antonio Marchi - 2:26:10.64 - 5:35 mile pace
    2. Brandon Page - 2:44:25.99 - 6:16 mile pace
    3. Adam Togami - 2:46:41.77 - 6:21 mile pace

Women's Marathon

    1. Caroline Gosser - 2:51:26.64 - 6:32 mile pace
    2. Anna Wells - 2:57:43.51 - 6:47 mile pace
    3. Jennifer Karkoska - 3:00:51.02 - 6:54 mile pace

Men's Mini-Marathon

    1. David Bett - 1:03:43.31 - 4:52 mile pace
    2. James Ngandu - 1:04:28.04 - 4:55 mile pace
    3. Jacob Thomson - 1:05:11.75 - 4:58 mile pace

Women's Mini-Marathon

    1. Joyline Chemutai - 1:12:43.42 - 5:33 mile pace
    2. Catherine Syokau Mwanzau - 1:13:28.55 - 5:36 mile pace
    3. Rachel Kennedy - 1:20:03.56 - 6:06 mile pace

For the first time, participants received a rose after crossing the finish line. KDF teamed up with Churchill Downs to the design the medal, commemorating Kentucky's largest day of road racing and celebrating the historic 150th Kentucky Derby. The Finisher's Medal features a red rose front and center against a black background with gold accents, highlighting the Kentucky Derby's signature color palette.

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