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Land Between the Lakes Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Grand Rivers, KY, USA
- Race Date: 03/13/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: No
World Marathon Majors: No
Land Between the Lakes Marathon Description
The Land Between the Lakes Marathon takes runners through the scenic 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in western Kentucky. Starting at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, the course heads to the trailhead before completing two loops of the Canal Loop Trail, a mostly single-track dirt path with rolling hills near Lake Barkley and steeper climbs along Kentucky Lake. Part of the Great American Trail Race weekend alongside 50-mile, 60K, and 23K distances, this marathon offers a true trail running adventure through peaceful forest and shoreline scenery.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Land Between the Lakes Marathon Additional Details:
Runners at Land Between the Lakes take home a genuinely hefty finisher medal, and those who double up by running the companion Louisville Lovin’ the Hills race earn a bonus medal for completing both. On course, four aid stations are spaced two to three miles apart, a comfortable interval given how remote and quiet this trail race feels compared to road marathons. Because the marathon shares the course and starting line with 50-mile, 60K, and 23K runners, there’s a genuine ultra-community feel among the field, with veteran trail runners often mixing in encouragement for first-time marathoners. It’s a low-frills, high-character race built for runners who want solitude, wildlife, and forest quiet more than crowd energy.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Mostly Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 12 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 250
Marathon: 100
Ultramarathon: 140
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: Unknown
Elevation Loss: Unknown
Average Temperature
- Low: 36°F
- High: 57°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Plans for every ultra distance, from your first one to your longest day yet.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Things to Do in Grand Rivers, KY, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Elk & Bison Prairie
Drive the loop road through the Elk & Bison Prairie in Land Between the Lakes to spot free-roaming elk and bison — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend a rest day.
Outdoors & Trails
Land Between the Lakes Trails
Hike or bike more than 90 miles of paved paths and trails woven through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — choose an easy segment for tired legs.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Grand Rivers Walking Trail & Jetty
Walk the jetty along the Grand Rivers Walking Trail, past the harbor’s sailboats and on toward Lake Barkley — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Sports & Entertainment
The Badgett Playhouse
Catch a live show at The Badgett Playhouse in downtown Grand Rivers, the town’s year-round entertainment venue — a relaxed, seated way to spend an evening after race day.
Museums & History
Golden Pond Planetarium
Catch a show at the Golden Pond Planetarium inside Land Between the Lakes, featuring astronomy and nature programs — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Land Between the Lakes Marathon
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