Celebrating the oldest 10K race tradition in Kentucky
Want to see more Bluegrass 10,000 history? Visit the BG10K History Display at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Community Gallery from June 15-July 6, 2026.
Whether you have participated in the race for many years or have only read about it in the paper, we invite you to check out our interactive history display- containing newspapers, photos, magazines, and more from the first race in 1976 to now. Before you leave, make your own mark on Bluegrass 10,000 history by signing our guestbook, which will be kept for future anniversary celebrations.
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, Swag Hartel and Paula Gaston.
In 1980, the wheelchair race was added, led by competitors 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 1983, Mark Nenow set the Men's 10K record (29:14) still held to this day!
In 1991, the Fun Run was added to the Bluegrass 10,000, making it a multi-race event.
In 1997, Paul Dietrich set the current course record for the Men's Push Rim (23:55)
In 2011, Greg Queen set the current course record for the Men's Hand Crank (17:52)
In 2014, Carley Pearson set the current course record for the Women's Hand Crank (25:44)
In 2018, Aerelle Jones set the current course record for the Women's Push Rim (32:09)
In 2021, Katy Kunc set the current course record for the Women's 10K (33:33)
