Land Between the Lakes Trail Run - March 14th, 2026

For over 20 years, the Land Between The Lakes Marathon has been a premier event in Mid-America. What makes this race stand out and thrive after two decades is a fantastic combination of camaraderie, organization, and an exceptional course. Over the years, our racing family and volunteers have continued to come back and grow. We look forward to a challenging run during the Land Between The Lakes race and a day filled with opportunities to make new friends. To show our appreciation to our runners, we work hard to provide them with quality shirts, hats, bags, awards, and the coveted belt buckles for 50-mile and 60k finishers in the Land Between The Lakes ultra event!

The race begins and ends with paved road, but most of it takes place on the 'Canal Loop,' which is approximately 11.3 miles of mostly single-track, nicely packed dirt. The course offers breathtaking views of both Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, and you might even spot an occasional bald eagle. Not only have we hosted countless elite runners from across the nation, but with our four different distances to choose from, the lbl trail run has become an event that everyone can enjoy.

Choose your distance! CLICK HERE to Register

23km - Marathon - 60km - 50 miles

March 14th, 2026 6:30am CST

View course maps by clicking here

Cut-off times: There is a 12-hour limit on all races. We will take down the finish line at 6:30pm. Cut Off Times: For the 60k, you must start your final loop by 2:15pm. For the 50-mile, you must start your final loop by 3 pm. If you miss the cut-off times, you will be directed to run back to Grand Rivers for the finish, where you will receive your time and award for the distance you finished.

Course Record Challenge

$1000* to anyone who sets a new Course Record in the 50 mile or 60km

$500* to anyone who sets a new Course Record in the Marathon or 23km

* In the event that the course has to take a detour due to lake flooding, there will be no Course Record money awarded. However, if the winning time is faster than a previous course record, that runner will receive $300.

Check out the course record times to beat by CLICKING HERE

Hosted in the stunning 170,000-acre National Recreational Area between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, the Land Between the Lakes Marathon offers a scenic landscape that is a highlight of many runners' careers. This race, which includes options for both the Land Between the Lakes Race and the Land Between the Lakes Ultra, begins and ends in the wonderfully hospitable village of Grand Rivers, KY. This beautiful community features great antique shops, the nationally acclaimed restaurant Patti's 1880s Settlement, and two world-class resorts, Lighthouse Landing and Green Turtle Bay. CLICK HERE for more information, including lodging options for your Kentucky marathon experience.

In addition to the wonderful attractions and restaurants in Grand Rivers, the Land Between the Lakes hosts an incredible amount of attractions. This includes The Golden Pond Planetarium, the 1850's Homeplace Working Farm, Elk and Bison Prairie, Woodlands Nature Station, and opportunities for camping and hiking. Plus, it's the perfect backdrop for adventures like the Kentucky marathon, the Land Between the Lakes marathon, and the exciting Land Between the Lakes race. For those looking for a challenge, there’s also the Land Between the Lakes ultra and the LBL trail run. You can see the whole list of family-friendly offerings LBL has by CLICKING HERE.