On Saturday, April 25, many of Atherton’s students, staff, and alumni gathered at the starting line of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Road Races. From the Humana Marathons to the Triple Crown Relay, participants joined thousands of runners in one of Louisville’s most anticipated Derby celebrations. Everyone had their own reason for running, and their own story to tell.
It is known that runners make up a whole race, but spectators such as families, friends, and teammates contribute just as much. For many, their most unforgettable moments came not at the start line, but along the course itself. Elliot Williams (11) ran his first Mini Marathon this year and was one of many who said the support from outsiders was his favorite part.
“I liked seeing all the people and reading all the different signs, a lot of them were really funny,” said Williams.
Many elaborated on this sense of community that was brought by the Derby Festival Races. Two Atherton students, Abbygail Milburn (12) and Callie Thornton (12), were positioned along the course and at the finish line to photograph runners throughout the race and with their medals. Susan Gasaway has run many Mini Marathons and competed in the Triple Crown Relay last Saturday. This year, Gasaway mentions that one of her most memorable moments was delivered by Atherton students themselves.
“It was awesome seeing Atherton’s National Honor’s Society students volunteering at the finish line of the Derby City 10K [2nd race],” said Gasaway.
Despite all the motivating cheers, no race comes without its challenges. The course, which stretched all around the Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs, and even Iroquois Park, required a lot of physical and mental strength to conquer. Milo Westbrook (11) also experienced the Mini Marathon for the first time and said the changes in the course were the most challenging to come by.
“Throughout the tunnel area in Churchill Downs, it got really humid or really dry. It changed a lot and it made my breathing really hard,” said Westbrook.
Mindset played a huge role in pushing through these difficult moments. Elise France (11) is an experienced runner who just completed the Mini Marathon for her third year in a row. France, along with many other runners, emphasized staying positive and having fun, even when their bodies felt exhausted.
“My main mindset was to take it easy,” said France. “A few days before I was so fixated on beating my times from the previous years, but soon I realized that the goal was just to enjoy the morning.”
Alongside positivity, consistency was another common theme amongst participants. Preparation varied from person to person, but incorporating endurance training led everyone to the finish line. Gasaway raced for her first time in five years, and explained how her and her niece, Emily, got ready to step back onto the course.
“We started running several times a week in January and February,” said Gasaway. “We made sure to hydrate a lot the week before, made sure we got a lot of rest, and spent a lot of time stretching.”
In the end, the 2026 Derby Festival Road Races meant more to people than just miles and times. For many, it was about gratification, confidence, and connection. It was a first time experience for many Ravens, which makes this year’s races all the more special. Everyone crossed the finish line with stories that carry remarkable memories. These notable moments will hopefully bring everybody back to the start line for next year’s Derby Festival Races.
