Wendell Foster is hosting the seventh annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Owensboro Health, on March 28, 2026. The event has over 1,000 participants registered across 16 states and 161 cities, and one international country, Germany. 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 allows runners to push a person with a disability in a racing chair in either distance.
Owensboro Health has been the event’s presenting sponsor since the race’s inaugural year in 2019. “From the very beginning, Owensboro Health has been proud to stand with Wendell Foster as the presenting sponsor of the Half Marathon,” Owensboro Health President and CEO Mark Marsh, said. “This event represents so much more than a race. It reflects a shared commitment to caring for people and strengthening our community. The work Wendell Foster does each day is deeply meaningful, and we are honored to support a mission that brings dignity, opportunity and hope to so many lives.”
Race Director, Kara Howard, expressed her excitement for this year’s race, saying, “It is an honor to bring this incredible event to life once again in support of Wendell Foster. Every step taken on this course supports Wendell Foster’s mission to empower people with disabilities to live meaningful, independent lives.” Howard emphasized the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community, stating, “We like to say that this race is a truly a race for everyone. Whether you’re running, walking, rolling, or cheering on participants as a volunteer, every person matters in making the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K a success. We’re also excited to bring in some new community partners this year to provide fresh experiences for our athletes during race weekend.”
The race weekend kicks off with an expo on Friday, March 27 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 check-in tent in Smothers Park. Online registration is also available on the race website, wfhalf.com, until 4:00 pm on March 27. New for this year is the Official Pre-Race Party at Owensboro Racing & Gaming, a silver sponsor for this year’s race. Race participants can visit Owensboro Racing & Gaming from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm after the Expo for a complimentary pasta dinner, a $10 free play card, and entertainment.
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 by 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. “Every year, we hear that a favorite moment of race day is when participants run by Wendell Foster’s campus at Mile One. Watching our residents and supporters cheer for the athletes is a meaningful reminder of the purpose behind this event. The enthusiasm and support from the community have such a big impact, and we welcome everyone to join us and experience this inspiring event,” said Howard.
After the race, athletes can stop by the nutrition tent in Smothers Park, sponsored by the Kentucky Poultry Federation. KPF will be providing various protein options, along with other nutritious snacks and drinks. Athletes and their families are also 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 28. Total road closures include J.R. Miller Boulevard (18th Street to Salem Drive) and Veteran’s Boulevard starting at 6:30 am. Delays can be expected from 7:00 am to 10:45 am on Locust Street, Veach Road, Ford Avenue, Lewis Lane, West Byers Avenue, Griffith Avenue and South Griffith Avenue. Drivers should proceed with caution and drive slowly.
Those interested in learning more about the event can visit, wfhalf.com. For additional information, please contact Race Director Kara Howard at [email protected].