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Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC

Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC

Wilderness Road Half Marathon offers a historic out-and-back course celebrating America's 250th and honoring the USMC.

Race Date

Sep 20, 2026

Location

Stanford, KY

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Location
Stanford, Kentucky
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
29

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Well Marked

The Experience

The Wilderness Road Half Marathon winds along a historic route in Stanford, Kentucky, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and honoring the USMC. This unique event traces the path of early American expansion, following in the footsteps of historical figures like Isaac Shelby and William Whitley.

The out-and-back course starts and finishes in downtown Stanford. With a cap of 250 participants, the race offers an intimate experience. Proceeds benefit the William Whitley House Endowment, adding a charitable element to the day's festivities.

Race-provided description

Please join us for the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K.  These races are a one of a kind event along the Historic Wilderness Road and this year we are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our country, as well as, honoring the United States Marine Corp.  These races will take you back in time to the establishment of Fort Logan and the nation's expansion west of the Alleghany Mountains.  Runners will follow in the footsteps of Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky and William Whitley, the owner of the first brick house west of the Alleghany Mountains.  William Whitley shook the world when he ran all of the horse races on his property counter clockwise.  This was in the direct opposition the British custom of racing horses clockwise.  Now in North America all Nascar, track and field and horse racing, etc. run their races counter clockwise.  We are honoring the United States Marine Corp this year as Lincoln County was the home of Anthony Gale, the 4th Commandant of the USMC.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the William Whitley House Endowment.  The out and back course will start and finish in downtown Stanford, KY.  Join us in celebrating our county's 250th Anniversary while we honor the brave men and women of the USMC.  The event will be capped at 250 participants total.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

201 E Main St., Stanford, KY, 40484

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

road

Scenery

Small Town

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage2/20

1 year running

Size7/15

~29 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw3/10

runners from 3 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:33:52

Weather0/10

typical high 81°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

61°

Afternoon (High)

81°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

72%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 29 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

29

Median time

2:16:17

Latest turnout

29

States

3

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:30p50 median ≈ 2:153:30
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC?

The Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC is held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC take place?

It takes place in Stanford, Kentucky.

What distances does the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles.

Is the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC course flat and good for a PR?

The Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC is a ultra-flat, out & back course.

How many people run the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC?

HalfRuns has finish records for 29 runners who have completed the Wilderness Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K Celebrating USA 250 & USMC.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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