Spoonbread Festival 5K

Lace up your running shoes for the 30th Annual Spoonbread Festival 5K on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in scenic Berea, KY. This beloved event offers both a 3.1-mile run/walk and a 1-mile untimed walk, catering to all paces and ages. The course itself is a highlight, featuring a flat, paved route along the picturesque Berea City Trail, making it ideal for setting a personal best or enjoying a leisurely stroll. Strollers and leashed dogs are also welcome, ensuring a truly inclusive experience for the whole family. Typical race day conditions in late September offer pleasant running weather, with historical highs around 80F and lows around 58F, and only a 13% chance of precipitation.

What truly sets the Spoonbread Festival 5K apart is its integration with Berea's renowned Spoonbread Festival, a multi-day celebration of Appalachian culture, regional food, and community spirit. The race kicks off amidst a festive atmosphere, promising free race photos, lively music, delicious food, and a strong sense of fellowship at the finish line. Participants will receive commemorative soft race shirts and can vie for overall and age group awards, with chip timing ensuring accurate results. Packet pickup conveniently takes place on race morning in the parking lot of the Russel Acton Folk Center.

Beyond the race, the broader Spoonbread Festival draws thousands annually, offering a vibrant array of activities including a hot air balloon glow, live performances, carnival rides, and a marketplace showcasing local artisans and food vendors. This unique blend of competitive running and rich cultural celebration makes the Spoonbread Festival 5K an unforgettable event, benefiting the Berea Chamber of Commerce and contributing to the community that hosts it.