FUNNEL CAKE 3K
Run for kids. Earn a funnel cake.
3 Kilometers
1 Funnel Cake
Frankfort's sweetest 3K.
9:00 AM kickoff. 3 kilometers (1.86 miles). Ends with a funnel cake at the finish line.
Held during Capital Expo Festival, Frankfort Kentucky’s longest-running summer tradition, the Funnel Cake 3K is a family-friendly run and walk that supports a great cause and rewards every finisher with the festival’s signature treat.
The course starts and ends at Hancock Pavilion in Lakeview Park — flat, fast, and stroller-friendly. Runners, walkers, families with kids, and casual joggers all welcome. Cross the finish line, grab your funnel cake, and stick around for the rest of the festival.
Everything you need to know.
Quick reference for race day — bookmark this page or save the details.
Date & Time
9:00 AM EDT start
8:30 AM check-in
The Course
Flat & fast
Stroller-friendly route through Lakeview Park
Awards & Treats
Medals across all age categories
Race bib + goodies for every runner
Location & Parking
Park Ave & Steadmantown Ln
Frankfort, KY 40601
Free parking on-site
Run for a reason — support local kids.
Your registration directly funds We Wanna Play, Inc., a Frankfort-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pays sports participation fees for Franklin County middle and high school students who can’t afford them.
Every runner helps another kid play. Whether you run, walk, or just want to support the cause, your participation makes a real difference for student athletes right here in our community.
Get registered in three steps.
Sign-ups are handled through RunSignup — quick, secure, and you’ll get your bib confirmation by email.
Pick Your Race
Choose the in-person 3K at Hancock Pavilion or the Virtual 3K — run anywhere over race weekend on your own time.
Register Online
Sign up on RunSignup. Early pricing closes May 16 — register early to lock in the lower rate and guarantee your race bib.
Race Day
Check in by 8:30 AM. Race kicks off promptly at 9:00 AM. Cross the finish, grab your funnel cake, and stay for the festival.
Frequently asked questions.
A 3K is a 3-kilometer race — about 1.86 miles, shorter and friendlier than a 5K. Most participants finish in 20–40 minutes depending on pace. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a fun morning run.
Absolutely. The Funnel Cake 3K is open to runners, joggers, walkers, and strollers. There’s no minimum pace — show up, move at your own speed, and earn your funnel cake at the finish.
Yes! The 3K is family-friendly. Kids of all ages are welcome with a parent or guardian, and the flat course works great for strollers. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to community races.
Sign up for the Virtual Funnel Cake 3K — run anywhere, anytime over race weekend. You’ll get the same medal, same support for the cause, and you can complete it on your own schedule.
Your registration directly funds We Wanna Play, Inc., a Frankfort-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pays sports participation fees for Franklin County middle and high school students who can’t afford them.
Free parking is available at Hancock Pavilion and throughout Lakeview Park. We recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before the 9:00 AM start to allow time for parking, check-in, and warming up.
Yes — water stations along the 3K route, plus hydration at the finish line alongside your funnel cake. The course is short enough that one or two stations is plenty for most runners.
Email us at info@kyexpo.com or reach out to any of the Capital Expo Festival board members listed at the bottom of this page. We’d love to have your support.
Questions? Talk to the board.
Our board members are happy to answer questions about the Funnel Cake 3K, race-day logistics, volunteering, or sponsorship.