J.A. Laub Photography
RunTheBluegrass has become a fixture in central Kentucky spring race schedule with its half marathon (13.1 miles) as well 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) in Lexington. Runners from across the country came every year to this event for its beauty and unique challenges.
This year’s event had about 1,400 combined finishers at Talon Winery, its first year at this location in southern Fayette County.
I have participated in the race before and had planned to again this year before a pulled hamstring changed my plans. However, I volunteered at a water stop on the course and had a great time. I decided that was my role in half-marathons and had already planned to volunteer again in 2025.
Unfortunately, there will not be another RunTheBluegrass. Race director Eric Marr posted the news on the Run The Bluegrass website Friday. Here is what he posted:
“RunTheBluegrass (“RTB” to so many of us) had a great run. Fourteen years of making unforgettable memories and the world’s very best friends from all over the country and planet. That’s the very hardest part of saying goodbye.
“We reached and sold out at capacity for several years in a row there, before COVID hit. You helped us win accolades (as America’s prettiest half marathon) and awards from every corner of the racing industry. I’ll never forget the year, it might have been 2017 or ‘18, when it seemed like every single one of you brought us some kind of local treat from your specific necks of the woods, creating this massive mountain of gifts and goodies on our Volunteers table that became the talk of the weekend.
“Life really changed on March 12, 2020, when the sports world shut down across America. We were never the same after that day, a day I’ll never ever forget. We tried our best, though, to adapt and grow in different directions, but financially, RunTheBluegrass really struggled once the pandemic took over.
“It isn’t all on the pandemic’s shoulders, though. Much of this is my own life’s priorities. I always struggled being seen as ‘just a race director.’ I am so much more than that — so I’ve wanted out of that pigeonhole for quite some time. I’m not 100% exactly sure what I am, and I know I can organize and promote events well, but that’s not my entire life. Not by a long shot.
“So I’ll figure it out. Onto the next big things, my friends. I can’t wait to see you all again in life’s other beautiful adventures!”
So rest in peace RunTheBluegrass and know many of us will certainly miss having you on our annual schedule.
