P.A.C.E. Races for Youth Athletic Scholarships

Warren County Parks and Recreation is hosting the 3rd Annual P.A.C.E. Marathon and Half Marathon in 2026! PACE stands for Parks and Community Events, and the goal of this race is to have people experience these two communities. This year's race will feature the communities of Smiths Grove and Oakland, a truly beautiful section of Warren County, KY. All marathon and half marathon participants will receive a shirt, and marathon and half marathon finishers will receive a unique medal that features these two communities. This is a rural route that will have you oohing and aahing as you run. 

Early packet pick-up for ALL races will be available Friday, May 8th from 6:00-9:00pm at Ed Spear Park. Please arrive to check in and pick-up your bib and t-shirt no later than 6:15 am on Saturday if you are unable to pick up on Friday. BOTH Half and Full marathon will begin at 7:00am. This race will begin and end at Ed Spear Park. Over 90% of the route is paved, the remaining 10% is gravel. There are moderate hills on this course! There are also several railroad crossings, so you may be stopped at some point. 

Quote from a runner last year "If you're looking for a small town marathon without the hassles of a big city, do this race!"

All participants of the Half Marathon and Marathon will receive a shirt and a medal. Awards will be distributed by age and gender categories. 

Introducing the Puppy Pace 5K (previously the Pup-kin 5K!)

The Puppy Pace 5K is moving to the beautiful Smiths Grove area and will take place alongside the PACE Marathon and Half Marathons for a full, fun-filled spring day of activities. Hosted by the Warren County Public Library in partnership with Warren County Parks & Recreation, this family-friendly and dog-friendly race is perfect for runners, walkers, and four-legged companions. While this race is not Halloween-themed, we will always be excited to see a dog in a costume!

All participants of the 5k will receive a t-shirt and trophies to 1st through 3rd place in each age group/gender, as well as prizes for the top three finishers and bandanas for the puppies! 

All proceeds will go to Friends of Warren County Parks and Recreation, a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to provide "scholarship opportunities to ensure that children have the fundamental right of being engaged in sports programs"

Special thanks to the Warren County Public Library, the city of Smiths Grove, and the city of Oakland for all their support and assistance with this event! 

Join fellow runners on May 9, 2026 for the P.A.C.E. Races for Youth Athletic Scholarships. It's a fantastic Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Smiths Grove.