Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K
Hopkinsville's Hoptown Half offers a charming taste of western Kentucky scenery and hospitality.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Hopkinsville, KY
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Hopkinsville, Kentucky
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,002
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K, now in its 8th year, offers a genuine slice of western Kentucky charm. This community-focused event, first run in 2019, typically sees around 150 finishers, drawing participants from about 14 states.
The course winds through downtown Hopkinsville, picturesque residential streets, and the rolling Christian County countryside. A unique feature is the quarter-mile Rail Trail bridge, Kentucky's longest non-water bridge span. While some reviews mention slight hills, the course is generally considered fast, with one runner achieving a personal best. The race concludes downtown on the Hopkinsville Greenway/Rail Trail.
Runners receive a long-sleeve tech shirt and a unique medal. While packet pickup is straightforward rather than a large expo, the local community's hospitality and the scenic route make it a race many choose to run again, with about 18% of participants returning.
Race-provided description
The 8th Annual Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K is a joint road race through Hopkinsville, KY, scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026. The updated Half Marathon and 5K courses will Start and Finish in the front of the iconic Christian County Justice Center. The Half Marathon course winds through downtown Hopkinsville, residential areas, through beautiful Christian County countryside, and returns to finish downtown on the Hopkinsville Greenway/Rail Trail. The Half Marathon course also includes the unique quarter-mile Rail Trail bridge, the longest non-water bridge span in Kentucky. Half Marathon and 5K runner packages include a unique medal and long-sleeve moisture-wicking performance shirt. Come experience the beauty and charm of west Kentucky scenery and hospitality in Hopkinsville - or Hoptown as we call it - at the Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K. The race Start/Finish line and race day packet pickup is in front of the Christian County Justice Center, 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Long Sleeve Tech Shirt
Start Location
100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville, KY, 42240
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
+0.13 m
Separation
1.2%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
KY21003DJR · Hoptown Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout695 years running
~154 finishers a year
shrinking
18% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 14 states
winner 1:18:28
typical high 68°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
48°
Afternoon (High)
68°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
64%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,002 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,002
Median time
2:19:11
Latest turnout
152
States
26
Turnout by year
2019–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K?
The Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K take place?
It takes place in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
What distances does the Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K is a rolling hills, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,002 runners who have completed the Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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