Kentucky Cryptid Series - Bigfoot 2026

Description

The Bigfoot Race is the fourth in a series of trail runs through Louisville's beautiful parks. This is an eight mile run through the trails of Jefferson Memorial Forest. We'll start at Horine Reservation and make our way winding through Red/Orange Trails with a couple miles toward the Welcome Center and back.

5 Mile Option Added! If you are a bit timid to tackle the 8 Miler at JMF, then we have some good news for you! We have added a 5 mile option to the race. Just let us know at check-in and we can adjust your registration in seconds. Not registered yet, but that 5 mile option sounds too tempting to pass up, register today!

Bigfoot! We have reached our favorite Big Guy! From Native American stories and early pioneer accounts to present day reports of Sasquatch, Night Howler, Yeahoh (Yahoo), Wild Man, Ohio Howler, Hebbardsville Hillbilly, Spottsville Monster, Big Mo to name a few, Bigfoot is no stranger to Kentucky. Of all Cryptids, Bigfoot has a very long history around the world and is even protected by law in places. We close out the Kentucky Cryptid Trail Series recognizing the Big Guy!

Awards

Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female.

You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races either In-person or Virtually to earn your Cryptid Series Survivor Medal and Shirt!

Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe

This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.

Restrooms

Those familiar with JMF will already know the drill, but for those who are new, there are classic outhouse restrooms at the start/finish area. Some fondly refer to these as the outhouses from hell. There are additional portable restrooms about 1/8 mile down the gravel campground lane which are much cleaner and better maintained. All of these will be open and accessible to race participants.

On Course Water Stop

We will have an on course water stop for the 8 Milers as you come back off of the Red trail heading out toward the lake. 5 Milers will have plenty of water and refreshments awaiting them at the finish area. 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 gate to the campground in the parking lot.

Course Map (below). https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/308088120

Course Preview Video: https://youtu.be/wN9o8K2iZEk

Alternate 5 Miler Option:

Course Map: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/307887667

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will be on-site near the parking lot prior to race start. We will be set up and ready for you about 7:00 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 Horine Reservation. 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.

Virtual Option

If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.