The Tri-County Kentucky United Way Spirit 5K

Join us for the 2026 Spirit 5K in Bardstown on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Race time is 8:30am EDT.

The Tri-County Kentucky United Way Spirit 5K is a certified course that winds its way through Bardstown, Kentucky. All event proceeds benefit the United Way, which helps to improve the quality of life by supporting local health and human service programs and addressing local issues in Marion, Nelson, and Washington counties.

Heaven Hill Brands will be providing door prizes and a reception for all participants.

Registration

 $20 per individual, $16 per group of 20 or more, $50 per family of 4 (must be from the same household).

Register by September 20th for the guaranteed race t-shirt.

The price increases to $25 after September 26th at 11:59 pm with NO RACE SHIRT GUARANTEE.

Groups of 10+: $16 (email director@tricountykyuw.org for more information)

Family: $50 (maximum of 4 runners, same address required for all in the family)

Virtual participation in the Spirit 5k is available. However, virtual participants will not be eligible for awards. Swag can be picked up in Bardstown at a later date. If swag needs to be mailed, shipping will be at an additional cost to the participant.

The Spirit 5K is part of the United Way Tri-County Trifecta, along with the Sorghum Festival 5K in Springfield and The Pokey Pig 5K in Lebanon. Cpmplete all three events and receive extra swag for your accomplishment. 

Spirit 5K Swag

All participants will receive a Spirit 5K shirt if registered by September 2oth.

And the first 150 runners registered will receive a special swag bag!

Awards

Overall male and overall female award

Top three winners in each category for each – male and female

Age categories are:  

12 and under  

13 – 17

18-24

25-29

30–34

35-39

40–44

45–49

50–54

55–69

61 and older

60 - 64

65 - 69

and 70 and above.

The top three winners in each category for each – male and female - will receive medals.

Trophies for 1st place male and female under age 21.

Special Heaven Hill award for 21 years old and over to first place winners.

Overall male and overall female awards will each receive a $25 gift certificate.

The Organization with the most participants will receive the Spirit Award.

Packet Pickup

Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 7:15 am to 8:30 am.

Nelson County Civic Center, 321 South Third Street, Bardstown

All event proceeds to benefit our local United Way and its fight for education, financial

stability and health of every person in every community in Marion, Nelson, and Washington

Counties.