Baptist Health: The American Bluegrass Classic
- Date
- October 17, 2026
- Location
- 215 Jefferson St., PADUCAH, KY
- Distance
- Marathon · Half Marathon · 4 Person Relay
From the Organizer
Marathon - Half Marathon - 4 Person Marathon Relay
Experience one of Kentucky’s fastest and most runner-friendly courses at the American Bluegrass Classic. Set against the backdrop of the Ohio River and the energy of the Riverfront Fall Festival weekend (Octoberfest/Cars and Guitars), this race combines Kentucky charm with big atmosphere.
Whether you’re chasing a PR or your first finish line, our smooth, spectator-friendly looped course keeps you engaged from start to finish. The American Bluegrass Classic punches above it's weight to offer the perfect race for Boston Qualifiers and 50 Staters, while giving runners a chance to celebrate in the UNESCO Creative City of Paducah.
This Race is BUILT FOR SPEED!
Flat, PR friendly course
Loop design = constant energy and crowd support!
Ideal for first timers AND serious racers
Marathon runners will run 4 loops, half-marathoners will run 2 loops, and relay runners will run 1 loop (which is slightly longer than a 10K). The race will start and finish in our Historic Downtown.
There's something for everyone in the family on Oktoberfest weekend. Great music, food, beverages and even activities for the kiddos! In addition to Oktoberfest, Downtown Paducah is also hosting "Cars and Guitars" after the race. With more great live music and premium collection cars to line the streets of downtown.
This is everything a race weekend should be!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A 7-day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
71°
Typical Low
46°
Chance of Rain
24%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Brookport Dam 52, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About PADUCAH, KY
Population
26,894
as of 2023
Elevation
424 ft
Nearest Airport
PAH
Barkley Regional Airport · 6 mi
Major Hub
BNA
Nashville International Airport · 127 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Coming Up
More Running races near PADUCAH, KY
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Less than a mile away
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5K
9 miles away
Freedom 5K Celebration @ Independence Bank
5K
Less than a mile away
Spokes for Strokes 2026
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Baptist Health: The American Bluegrass Classic?
- Baptist Health: The American Bluegrass Classic is a running race held in PADUCAH, Kentucky on October 17, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Baptist Health: The American Bluegrass Classic?
- Saturday, October 17, 2026 in PADUCAH, Kentucky at 215 Jefferson St., PADUCAH, KY. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Baptist Health: The American Bluegrass Classic?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Baptist Health: The American Bluegrass Classic
Oct 17, 2026