Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear, First Lady Announce First Annual ‘Derby Dash’ Races for Children at Governor’s Derby Celebration

Frankfort YMCA to host races, registration is free and currently open

FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear today announced a brand new children’s activity at this year’s Governor’s Derby Celebration.  The first annual “Derby Dash” races for children will be hosted by the Frankfort YMCA on Kentucky Derby morning, Saturday, May 5, in downtown Frankfort.

“The Derby Dash is a fantastic new way to involve children and families in the fun, competitive spirit of the Derby day,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Thank you to the Frankfort YMCA for organizing this event and best of luck to all our young racers!” 

 There will be four separate races as part of the Derby Dash for children ages 2-12.  The different race categories are divided in to age groups.  The groups, each race’s distance and the start times for each race are as follows: 

Age Group       Distance      Start time
Ages 2-3           1/4 mile           9 a.m.
Ages 4-6           1/3 mile        9:15 a.m.
Ages 7-8           3/4 mile        9:30 a.m.
Ages 9-12       1 1/4 mile        10 a.m.

*1 ¼ mile is the same distance as the Kentucky Derby

Each child must pre-register to participate in the races.  Participants can register online at Derby Dash Registration or sign-up in person at any Frankfort YMCA location.  Thanks to the support of Whitaker Bank and Good Shepherd School, there is no cost to register or participate in the event. 

The shorter races will take place on Broadway in downtown Frankfort and the longer race course will be a route throughout the downtown area.  Each participant will receive a special “Governor’s Derby Celebration” racing bib and signature Derby medal. 

“The Frankfort YMCA is proud to be a part of the Governor’s Derby Day Celebration and excited to offer a fun, healthy activity to the children in our community,” said Zack Hall, branch executive director of the Frankfort YMCA. 

Earlier this month, Governor and Mrs. Beshear announced that the 76th annual Governor’s Derby Celebration will be held in historic downtown Frankfort for the second year in a row.  This year’s celebration will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eastern time and is free and open to the public.  More information on the event is available at http://governor.ky.gov/derbycelebration/.

The Frankfort YMCA has served the local community for more than one hundred years, promoting and supporting healthy-lifestyle activities through honesty, respect, caring and responsibility.  For more information on the Frankfort YMCA and locations in the area, please visit http://www.frankfortymca.org/.

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