OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY – Wendell Foster, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving people with disabilities, is hosting the sixth annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K on March 22, 2025. The event is presented by Owensboro Health. With over 900 participants registered across 16 states and 146 cities, the organization is expecting sell-out numbers for the race. The race features four divisions: the 13.1 mile half marathon, the 3.1 mile 5K, the Duo Team Division, and the Steps Division, a unique division for individuals with disabilities. Participants in the Steps Division can complete either the half or 5K divisions by taking steps leading up to race day, and recording their progress on the race website. The Duo Team Division, which has existed since the race’s inception in 2019, allows runners to push a person with a disability in a racing chair in either distance.
Race Director, Kara Howard, expressed her excitement for this year’s race, stating, “We are thrilled to bring our community together once again for this incredible event in support of Wendell Foster. Each year, we see participants of all abilities come out to race and celebrate this accomplishment together. Whether you’re running, walking, stepping, or strolling, your participation helps us continue our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities. We can’t wait to see everyone at the starting line!”
The race weekend kicks off with an expo on Friday, March 21 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Owensboro Convention Center. At the event, athletes check in for race day and visit over 20 vendor booths to collect promotional items. Participants can also register for the race at the Expo if they haven’t already done so. Registration is not available on race day, but runners will be able to pick up their bibs the morning of the race at the Convention Center.
The fast and flat half marathon course will start in downtown Owensboro and travel through Owensboro’s beautiful streets, neighborhoods, and Greenbelt. Participants will run through Wendell Foster’s campus at mile one in both the half marathon and 5K divisions. Local residents are encouraged to cheer on the runners as they make their way through Owensboro. “One of the most special moments of race day is when participants run through Wendell Foster’s campus at Mile One. Seeing our residents and supporters cheering on the athletes is a powerful reminder of why we do this event. The energy and encouragement from the community make all the difference, and we invite everyone to come out and be a part of this inspiring experience,” said Howard. After the race, athletes and their families are invited to attend the Official After-Party at Goodwood Owensboro, located near the finish line at Smothers Park.
Owensboro residents can expect road closures and delays on Saturday, March 22. Total road closures include J.R. Miller Boulevard (18th Street to Salem Drive) and Veteran’s Boulevard starting at 7:00 am. Delays can be expected from 7:30 am to 11:35 am on Locust Street, Veach Road, Ford Avenue, Lewis Lane, West Byers Avenue, and South Griffith Avenue. Drivers should proceed with caution and drive slowly.
Those interested in learning more about the event can visit, wendellfoster.org/halfmarathon. For additional information, please contact Race Director Kara Howard at [email protected].