Central Kentucky is renowned for its incredible terrain — as well as for its bourbon and basketball. It’s where rolling hills boast limestone soils covered in Kentucky Bluegrass — and where some of the best horses in the world graze.
These hills – and the effort it takes to run up them – are incredible training grounds for both human and equine athletes. So it was only natural that a new race now allows both two- and four-legged competitors to run over the Kentucky Horse Park, home to some of the most hallowed ground of horse sport. It’s called the Lexington Equine Medical Group Hunter Pace and 5K (LEMG 5K).
The LEMG 5K will be held on September 6 in Lexington, KY, when runners will be led by two horseback riders over a mowed course of varying terrain. Even better, runners will be encouraged to run through water and jump the horse jumps, same as their equine counterparts. And after the 5K is completed, runners are welcome to a meet their hooved leaders while horse-and-rider teams will tackle the same course. Runners are encouraged to stay and watch.
“The LEMG 5K is ‘Pure Kentucky,’” explains Bob Baney, owner of Race Rise, which oversees the race. “Runners traverse the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned cross-country course, allowing them to experience terrain like the champion show horses and riders do at famous events like the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.
“I orchestrate over 60 races each year in Central Kentucky and this one really stands out for the scenery and one-of-a-kind nature of the course,” he adds.
This unique race is the brainchild of Dr. Rocky Mason, founding partner of Lexington Equine Medical Group, an all-ambulatory equine veterinary practice based in Lexington. An avid runner and rider, Dr. Mason knew there were many other horse owners like him who enjoyed seeing the countryside while running as much as from riding. He decided to combine his two passions to create this inaugural event — and to donate the funds raised to an organization he is deeply dedicated to: the Kentucky Horse Council.
“I try to run even when work takes me away from Kentucky,” says Dr. Mason. “Each time I travel and then come home and run, I’m reminded of how incredible our state really is — we get to run past grazing horses, foals playing in the fields and some of the most legendary horse farms in the world.
“I wanted to create an event that capitalized on this incredible place I call home, but knew it needed to be as unique as our home state — and offer prizes that align with our equestrian roots.”
Thus the idea for the Lexington Equine Medical Group 5K was born.
“As a runner who has been involved in the thoroughbred [racehorse] industry for most of my life, I have to say that racing doesn’t get much better for me than the Lexington Equine Medical Hunter Pace and 5K at the Park,” points out participant Sara Wiley. “This race has some of the best awards I’ve seen — custom buckles for the overall male and female winners, quality horse-show ribbons for top age-group finishers, and a super-soft performance shirt for all participants.
“This exceptional race also supports a crucial organization for Kentucky’s equine community: The Kentucky Horse Council, which offers key educational resources, emergency aid and community outreach statewide,” she adds.
A former Kentucky Horse Council board member, Dr. Mason has helped expand the welfare and support services offered by the charity and he’s seen first-hand the good work the organization does. By donating proceeds from the weekend’s events to the nonprofit, Dr. Mason helps ensure Kentucky horses – and the people who love them – have somewhere to turn when times get tough.
lexingtonequinemedical.com/hunter-pace-5k
