Kentucky Cryptid Series - Goatman 2025

Short review

The Goatman Race is the first in a series of trail runs through Louisville's beautiful parks. This is a family and beginner friendly five mile run through the trails of Cherokee Park.  We'll start at Hogan's Fountain and make our way around the park. 

When you think of Kentucky Cryptids, particularly in the Louisville area, what is one of the most well known....GOATMAN! The Goatman is a cryptid who is said to be half-man, half-goat. Although his origins are unknown, the most popular origin story is that he had once been a scientist who worked at Beltsville Agriculture Research Center in Maryland, who experimented on goats. Unfortunately, during one of these experiments, he was mutated into a goat/human hybrid, and went insane. The Kentucky Goatman has a similar origin story who is said to have been a goat farmer who sold his soul to Satan in exchange for immortality or dark magic. As many stories have been told, the Kentucky Goatman lures his victims to the trestle bridge near Pope Lick often just before a train crosses the bridge leaving his victims 90 feet up on a 700 foot long bridge.*

*Please never trespass on the bridge in search of Goatman. Multiple untimely deaths as well as heavy fines and penalties for those who venture too far.

Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female / Non-Binary Winners.

This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.

The Start/Finish line will be near Hogan's Fountain. Heading to the right onto the trail following the main 5 Mile Trail Loop.

LINK to Course Map

Packet pick-up will be on-site near Hogan's Fountain prior to race start. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.

Shirts for this series are an optional add-on.  This keeps the cost of the race reasonable for families. We will have a limited number of shirts available for sale on race day. If you know you want a shirt, please pre-order during registration. Or use the link at the top of the page. Be sure to place your order by the first week of April!

We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Hogan’s Fountain. We want to be respectful of the parks so we are able to have many more great events in the future. Carpooling is preferred to make space for everyone planning to participate. If you are planning to run with a friend, we encourage carpooling.

This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.

If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.