UK5K presented by Kroger Simple Truth

About the Event

Big Blue Nation invites you for a unique 5K (5000 meters/3.1 mile) run/walk taking you on a course with a close-up view of several UK athletic venues.

Kroger Simple Truth and UK Athletics along with support from the popular Girls on the Run youth running program are excited to offer this running or walking experience that starts outside of UK Football's home venue Kroger Field (Gate 12) and then FINISHES ON THE FIELD inside the stadium. During the race, you will take a journey around several UK sports facilities including Kroger Field (football), the football training facilities, Kentucky Proud Park (baseball), the Bell Soccer Complex, and the Tim Couch Practice Fields.

Join us for the UK5K on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 9:00am.

For younger runners (6 & under), we also offer the Jr. Wildcat Club Kids 100 yard dash race at 8:30am so that they can be a part of the Big Blue fun! A sprint race from end zone to end zone on Kroger Field.

The UK5K will be a chip-timed race, with prizes from Kroger for overall top 3 finishers. Each participant will also receive a medal, provided by Kroger.

The race includes a commemorative t-shirt and finishers medal (a replica of Kroger Field) for all participants.

Strollers and Pets are not able to participate due to the course terrain.

PACKET PICKUP

After entering, the packet pickup for your custom bib number and t-shirt will be:

Friday, April 24th from 4:00-6:00pm at the Kroger on Euclid/Chevy Chase (Address: 704 Euclid Ave, Lexington, KY 40502).

Saturday, April 25th from 7:00-8:30am near Gate 12 at Kroger Field (Address: 1540 University Drive, Lexington, KY 40506).

Races Offered

Jr. Wildcat Club 100 YARD DASH Kids Race (6 & under)

Apr 25, 2026

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Distance — 100 Yards

terrain

Type — Running

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08:30

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$15.00

5K Run/Walk - ADULTS (18 & over)

Apr 25, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$35.00

5K Run/Walk - YOUTH (17 & under)

Apr 25, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$30.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Lexington.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 8.8° / 19.5°

wb_sunny 5.4° / 16.9°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 13.7 /

water_drop 68.4%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 8.8° / 19.5°

wb_sunny 5.4° / 16.9°

air 13.7 km/h

water_drop 68.4%

About Lexington

Learn more about the host city, Lexington.

Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky, located in the Bluegrass Region. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington has traditionally been dominated by the horse industry and is also heavily influenced by the University of Kentucky, the state's flagship university and the largest employer in the city. The horse industry has greatly influenced Lexington's culture and scenic beauty; the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University contribute to a college town atmosphere with a richer and more diverse culture than some might expect from its size and location. Lexington's compact central downtown district is surrounded by historic neighborhoods. Lexington is in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky and is still home to hundreds of horse farms.