The Waverly Winter Warrior is a running race held in Louisville, Kentucky, featuring a 6.6-mile option and a half marathon distance. Taking place on December 13, 2026, the event starts at 9:00 AM from Waverly Park Road. Entry fees range from $25 to $40, making it an affordable option for winter racing. If you're unable to participate in person, the race offers a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. This winter event provides flexibility for endurance runners looking to stay active during the holiday season while traveling to Louisville.
From the Race Organizer
Beat the winter blues and stay motivated by participating in our brand new Winter Warrior Series! Each race will highlight a different local park and keep you motivated for spring racing. This time we are hitting the trails of Waverly park for a 6.6 mile loop or go all out for a half marathon. Will there be a virtual option? Yes! As with our Cryptid series in the summer, the Winter Warrior Series does offer a virtual option by request and we bump everyone over who did not finish in person to this option after the race. Instructions will be sent after the race with details of how to complete the virtual option. That said, virtual finishers count toward the Winter Warrior status, but are not eligible for Event or Series awards. Complete all of the Winter Warrior Series to earn your Warrior status. Deam Lake Winter Warrior Waverly Winter Warrior Rose Island Winter Warrior Ol' Silty Winter Warrior Awards Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female. You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races to earn your Winter Warrior Medal and Shirt! Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Restrooms We will be using the on-site restrooms near the start line. Aid Station We will have an aid station about halfway through the course. Just a reminder our trail races are cupless. Please bring your own water bottle or hydration vest. This greatly reduces litter and waste from our trail events. Course Description The Start/Finish line will be near the Playground Parking Lot. We will be starting at the Playground heading toward the lake. Just past the lake the course enters the trail next to the dog park follows the right most trail options for the majority of the course. As always we plan to have bright colored course markings throughout the course as confidence markers. Trails included are the Twisting Bends, Clinic Loop, and Fresh Air Loops. Total course distance will be between 6 and 6.5 miles. Course: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/245269882 Packet Pick-Up Packet pick-up will be on-site at the Playground Parking Lot. We will be set up and ready for you about 8:00 AM. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start. T-Shirts Shirts for this series are an optional add-on. This keeps the cost of the race reasonable for families. We will have a limited number of shirts available for sale on race day. If you know you want a shirt, please pre-order during registration. Parking--ARRIVE EARLY & CARPOOL We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Playground Parking Lot. We want to be respectful of the parks so we are able to have many more great events in the future. Carpooling is preferred to make space for everyone planning to participate. If you are planning to run with a friend, we encourage carpooling. Water/Snacks This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 13.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Louisville, KY.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Waverly Winter Warrior 2026 — Louisville, KY?
Waverly Winter Warrior 2026 — Louisville, KY takes place on December 13, 2026. The race is held in Louisville, Kentucky.
Where is Waverly Winter Warrior 2026 — Louisville, KY held?
Waverly Winter Warrior 2026 — Louisville, KY is held at 4800 Waverly Park Rd in Louisville, Kentucky.
Where can I find hotels near Waverly Winter Warrior 2026 — Louisville, KY?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Louisville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
