
The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Lexington's Gobbler Half Marathon winds through scenic bluegrass horse country, offering a Thanksgiving-earned challenge.
Race Date
Nov 22, 2026
Location
Lexington, KY
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 22, 2026
- Location
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Virtual Runner/Walker
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 2,147
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Gobbler Half Marathon, now in its 11th year, offers a scenic escape through Kentucky's famed bluegrass horse country. Runners can choose from a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, with a virtual option available for those who prefer to race on their own terms. The event, typically held in late November, provides a unique opportunity to earn your Thanksgiving feast with a run through picturesque landscapes.
This road race starts and finishes at Mereworth Farm, home to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, and winds through rolling hills dotted with horse farms and golf courses. While the course is noted for its beauty, reviews suggest preparing for gently rolling hills that can add to the challenge over the distance. Spectator support may be limited, but frequent aid stations and dedicated pacers aim to keep runners on track.
Finisher's medals, commemorative long-sleeved shirts, free race photos, and post-race refreshments contribute to the race's appeal. With a median field size of around 217 finishers and recent fields growing to approximately 555, the Gobbler Half Marathon draws participants from about 16 states, with a loyal 21% returning in subsequent years.
Race-provided description
THANKSGIVING WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN! Join us for the 11th Annual Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 8:30am at Mereworth Farm in West Lexington. Earn your Thanksgiving feast the following Thursday with a scenic Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K through beautiful bluegrass horse country. RACE FEATURES: Scenic country course through horse countryStart/Finish on Mereworth Farm (Home of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption)Finisher's medals for all 3 racesCommemorative long sleeved performance race shirtsDJ James Hummel/Freestyle EntertainmentFree Race Photos (Ruby Cline-Eaton and JA Laub Photography)A distance for everyone --- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Virtual OptionOverall & Age Group Awards for all 3 races (5-year age divisions)Berserker Brew Coffee & Hot CocoaFood, fun and fellowship for a great cause In addition to our in-person race, we are also providing a VIRTUAL OPTION for those who can't join us in person (or who are not ready for an in-person race). Those who register as a virtual participant can run/walk/hike their race on their own schedule and on their own course. Virtual participants will earn a commemorative shirt and finisher's medal. We will mail out virtual packets to those who live outside of the Central Kentucky area. The registration fee for the virtual race (any distance) is $45. Our race charitable beneficiaries will be New Vocations Racehorse Adoption. Read more about this worthy local charity below. Our scenic half marathon course will traverse through beautiful horse country and past a number of our horse farms. IMPORTANT NOTE: Because our race starts and finishes on a horse farm, dogs are not allowed in this race as their presence could disturb the horses. Commemorative long-sleeved shirts (men's/women's sized) are on a first come, first served basis. When you register if your size is not available, you can either select another size or "no shirt option" to SAVE $5.00. We will have a SHIRT SWAP immediately following the race for anyone who either did not receive a shirt or got a size that they would like to trade with another participant. If we have race no shows, their shirts will be available for swap following the race. There will be a 15 minute/mile (3:15 total time) pace limit imposed for the half marathon race per contract with the City of Lexington. Walkers and strollers are welcomed in the 10K and 5K races. No dogs are allowed. PACKET PICKUP - 3 ADVANCED OPPORTUNITIES TO PICKUP FOR YOU AND FRIENDS/FAMILY Thursday, November 19th from 5-7pm at J&H Running Company (197 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503)Friday, November 20th from 4-6pm at J&H Running Company (197 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503)Saturday, November 21st from 1-4pm at J&H Running Company (197 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503) There will also be limited race day PPU from 7:15-8:30am mostly designed for our out of town/out of state runners. This will be a Mereworth Farm our race venue. HALF MARATHON COURSE CLICK HERE 10K COURSE CLICK HERE 5K COURSE CLICK HERE VOLUNTEERING Please consider volunteering for our benefiting charities at this race (or having friends/family do so). Our race day shift generally runs from 6:30am-12:00pm. Once you sign up, we'll be in touch with you about more details, duties, etc...
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Start Time
8:30 AM
Giveaway
Dry Fit Performance Men's/Women's Cut T-Shirt
Start Location
Mereworth Farm, Lexington, KY, 40511
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite839 years running
~217 finishers a year
growing or steady
21% returning runners
5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 16 states
winner 1:11:07
typical high 52°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
36°
Afternoon (High)
52°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,147 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
2,147
Median time
2:06:35
Latest turnout
290
States
39
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K?
The The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM.
Where does the The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K take place?
It takes place in Lexington, Kentucky.
What distances does the The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Virtual Runner/Walker.
Is the The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,147 runners who have completed the The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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