Celebrating the oldest 10K race tradition in Kentucky
Race History
In 1976 a group of Lexington runners decided to have a race on the 4th of July. Everyone thought they were going to regret it. Why run on what is sometimes the HOTTEST day of the year? It turns out…they did not regret it--although the bottoms of their shoes DID melt on the pavement. With that in mind, the following year they chose to hold the race early in the morning and here we are 50 years later, still running and kicking off the 4th of July!
In 1977, the race was officially named the Bluegrass 10,000 and the first ever winners of the race were recorded.
In 1980, the wheelchair race was added, led by competitiors Junior Rice and Judy Hale.
In 1981, the Athletics Congress and The Road Runners Club of America certified the race course for the first time.
In 1991, the Fun Run was added to the Bluegrass 10,000.
Celebrating loyal runners of the Bluegrass 10,000
We would like to celebrate runners who have participated in 40, 45, and now 50 Bluegrass 10,000 races!
Please contact Race Office Manager, Laken Ellis at lellis@lexingtonky.gov if you have participated for 40+ years!
