FAQs

When and where is packet pickup?

Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Pivot Brewing, located at 1400 Delaware Avenue. Click here for a map and read our Race Information Page for more information.

Parking at Pivot is available to the right of the building in two lots, a paved lot and a second gravel lot. Please do not block the entrance to the gravel lot.

 

Can I pick up a packet for a friend or family member?

Yes.  You will need his or her race number.  We will have a list of race numbers on site. If you are picking up a number of packets, you may want to bring a bag to hold all the bibs, shirts, and socks (if applicable).

What is the Start/Finish location for the race?

November 23, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. The race start/finish will be near Barn 2 at the Keeneland Racecourse (4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510). For a course map click here.

What is your cancellation or refund policy?

Our race benefits local charities.  Therefore, we do not provide refunds for any reasons.  No exception.  If we have severe weather (thunder/lightning) we will work with local police to determine if we can wait out the storm and proceed with the race. But, again, if we have to cancel the race there will be no refunds. Thank you for supporting your local non-profits!

Will I be charged any fees?

BGR does not collect any money other than your registration fee. The service we use to process registrations, RunSignUp, does charge a fee for the use of their service that gets paid to it. The fee is based on a sliding scale that changes depending on the total amount of your registration fees for that transaction. For example, if you total is over $50, the fee is 6%. If it is $30.01 – $50.00 then the fee is $3.00. If it is $10.01 – $30.00 then the fee is $2.50. So, you can save a couple of dollars if you register everyone in your group/family at the same time. You can see the table of fees by clicking here.

Can I bring a stroller or pet on the course?

We understand that Thanksgiving is a family holiday and that for some families, they cannot participate without bringing their stroller or dog. Because these present unique safety considerations, especially in a race of this size, ALL participants must be registered. To provide the most enjoyable and safest race experience for everyone:

• A $5 untimed bib must be purchased for each stroller and each dog. Untimed bibs will be available for purchase during registration and on race day.
• All participants with strollers and/or dogs MUST start in the designated area located BEHIND all the runners and walkers
• Participants with strollers and/or dogs must be personally responsible for any strollers or dogs and not disrupt any other participant on the course.
• NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE PERMITTED.

If you do not follow these, or any other rules, or do not purchase a bib, you will be removed from the course.

Will you have race day packet pickup?

Yes, we will offer race day packet pickup at Keeneland Barn 2 starting at 7:30AM. If you choose race day pickup, please make sure to arrive at least one hour early to avoid traffic and parking delays.

Do I have to register online?

We love technology and RunSignUp, it has let our race reach so many more people and benefit our charities! And as a run club, technology is helpful because we do not have a permanent location or staffing to take paper registrations easily. We do allow onsite registration at Packet Pick Up and on race day (if we have not sold out), but be aware that shirts will be very limited in availability (if available at all) at that time. We highly suggest early, online registration.

Can I exchange my shirt for another size?

This may be surprising, but we have to order our shirts before registration for the race even starts! So, we order shirts based on sizing from prior years’ races. We understand it can be frustrating if the size shirt you choose does not fit or if you do not get the size you requested.

Shirt exchange will take place after the race in the finish area. We will have all available shirt sizes on hand at that time. Please note we cannot exchange shirts that have been worn.

What kind of race shirts are being provided?

New for the 40th anniversary, there are new options for your race shirt:

Standard
Short sleeved technical shirt with dye sublimated design (no additional cost)

Premium
Upgrade to a quarter-zip jacket with dye sublimated design for $20

Need both?
Choose the short sleeved shirt in the beginning of registration and add the quarter-zip as an optional add-on later in the registration process ($35) 

We are offering both adult shirts and children’s shirts. Sorry- quarter zip is available in Men’s and Women’s only.

For the adults, we have pre-ordered premium short sleeve technical shirts in women’s specific and gender neutral (unisex) cuts (see images below). The quarter-zip is also pre-ordered in women’s and men’s cuts (images below). Once our inventory is exhausted, we will do our best to get you some other type of swag, but nothing is guaranteed, so please register early!

We are again using Greenlayer as our shirt vendor. In the sizing chart below, measurements are of the shirt:

Ladies, still having trouble picking a size? Here are a few of our club members wearing most of the sizes:

For the kids, we are providing soft poly long sleeve navy shirts sized as follows:

Youth S (6-8)  ||  Youth  M (10-12)  ||  Youth L (14-16)  ||  Youth XL (18-20)

We will only order 150 kids shirts, so register early!

New for 40th anniversary half zip sizing:

2023 Shirt Design:

What are PRO Compression socks and how are they sized?

As our premium for the first 1,000 adult registrants only, we are excited to offer low trainers with the BGR logo from PRO Compression. This is a small company that makes all of its socks here in the U.S.A.! These are true performance, graduated compression socks. We will have two sizes: S/M and L/XL. We will have limited numbers of each, so pick up your packet up early for the best selection!

Will there be water on the course?

Yes, we will have one water stop on the course that you will pass by two times.

Will there be porto-potties on the course?

No, but we will have at least 20 porto-potties at/near the start/finish. There will be plenty!

Will there be post-race refreshments?

Yes! Continuing our long tradition, we will have doughnuts at the finish. We will also have bananas, hot chocolate, and hot cider.

Will there be a photographer at the race?

Yes! After the race, you will receive an email with information on how to find your photos. We will also post information on Facebook and on this site.

How will the race be timed?

The race will be chip timed by BlueGrass Timing using their “chip on bib” RFID technology. You will need to wear your bib on your chest/stomach area (in view for timers and volunteers) in order to ensure accurate timing. You will receive an email with your finishing time, and we’ll provide a link to the final results.

Who are the charitable beneficiaries of the Thoroughbred Classic?

Click here to see the local charities that receive the proceeds from the Thoroughbred Classic. We have a link on the registration site that will allow you donate additional money to those charities directly.  Many of these charities depend on the funds from this race each year for their operational budgets.

What surface will we be running on?

The entire course will be paved roadway within the grounds of the Keeneland Race Course.

Is parking available near the start/finish?

Yes, we have ample parking in the Keeneland parking areas near Gate 2.

Are there any spectator areas on the course?

Bring the family! Because the race is entirely within Keeneland’s grounds, there are plenty of spots only a short walk from the parking area where you can cheer on your family members as they run.

How will I learn my race time/result?

If we have your email address you will receive an email with your finishing time following the race. BlueGrass Timing will post printed results on their timing trailer and post online overall and age group results by early afternoon following the race.

How will the course be marked to keep runners on course?

The course will be marked with arrow signs, mile markers, and safety cones where necessary. We will also have lead bike escorts. On-course marshals/pointers will be stationed at key turns and turnarounds.

What are your age divisions?

Awards will be provided to the:

• top 3 overall male and female finishers
• top 3 overall male and female masters (40-49) finishers
• top 3 overall male and female grand masters (50-59)
• top 3 overall male and female seniors (60 & over)

We will also provide awards to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups:

• 1 – 9
• 10 – 12
• 13 – 15
• 16 – 19
• 20 – 24
• 25 – 29
• 30 – 34
• 35 – 39
• 40 – 44
• 45 – 49
• 50 – 54
• 55 – 59
• 60 – 64
• 65 – 69
• 70 – 74
• 75 – 79
• 80+

Each FINISHER in the 1-9 age group who finishes the course, unassisted, on his or her own two legs (that is, not in a stroller with a stroller bib), will receive a finisher’s medal!

Will there be medical personnel on-site at the race?

We expect the LFUC Fire Department to be on site with their educational opportunities.

Will the course be closed to vehicular traffic?

Yes.

Can I wear headphones/listen to my music player/iPod/phone?

The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, the Bluegrass Runners encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Thoroughbred Classic.

We believe your race experience and those around you will be greatly enhanced by leaving the headphones at home or in the car. Running headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your fellow runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer. Plus, volunteers and spectators will be on course cheering you on and providing directions to help get you to the finish line.

Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a top priority for our event. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.