
From the Organizer
Join us for the 2026 Spirit 5K in Bardstown on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Race time is 8:30am EDT.
The Tri-County Kentucky United Way Spirit 5K is a certified course that winds its way through Bardstown, Kentucky. All event proceeds benefit the United Way, which helps to improve the quality of life by supporting local health and human service programs and addressing local issues in Marion, Nelson, and Washington counties.
Heaven Hill Brands will be providing door prizes and a reception for all participants.
$20 per individual, $16 per group of 20 or more, $50 per family of 4 (must be from the same household).
Register by September 20th for the guaranteed race t-shirt.
The price increases to $25 after September 26th at 11:59 pm with NO RACE SHIRT GUARANTEE.
Groups of 10+: $16 (email director@tricountykyuw.org for more information)
Family: $50 (maximum of 4 runners, same address required for all in the family)
Virtual participation in the Spirit 5k is available. However, virtual participants will not be eligible for awards. Swag can be picked up in Bardstown at a later date. If swag needs to be mailed, shipping will be at an additional cost to the participant.
The Spirit 5K is part of the United Way Tri-County Trifecta, along with the Sorghum Festival 5K in Springfield and The Pokey Pig 5K in Lebanon. Cpmplete all three events and receive extra swag for your accomplishment.
All participants will receive a Spirit 5K shirt if registered by September 2oth.
And the first 150 runners registered will receive a special swag bag!
Overall male and overall female award
Top three winners in each category for each – male and female
Age categories are:
12 and under
13 – 17
18-24
25-29
30–34
35-39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–60
61 and older
The top three winners in each category for each – male and female - will receive medals.
Trophies for 1st place male and female under age 21.
Special Heaven Hill award for 21 years old and over to first place winners.
Overall male and overall female awards will each receive a $25 gift certificate.
The Organization with the most participants will receive the Spirit Award.
Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 7:15 am to 8:30 am.
Nelson County Civic Center, 321 South Third Street, Bardstown
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
72°
Typical Low
49°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Bardstown 5e, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
13,673
as of 2023
Elevation
585 ft
Nearest Airport
SDF
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport · 29 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Tri-County Kentucky United Way Spirit 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
124
Days to train
Coming Up
Heart and Sole Triathlon
43 miles away
French Lick Tri Kappa 5K In Memory of Sharon Collier
80 miles away
Tri Louisville
30 miles away
Hillcrest Youth Triathlon by Personal Best Racing
39 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
Three sports, one race — swim, bike, run in sequence, with transitions that are a discipline of their own.
Open water, open roads, and competition with yourself. Cross the finish line knowing what it took to get there.
Swim, bike, run — back to back. The sprint distance makes it far more accessible than most people think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Tri-County Kentucky United Way Spirit 5K
Oct 10, 2026