STANFORD – The streets of Stanford will be a little busier than usual Friday night as the 2017 Bourbon Chase is once again expected to bring a slew of runners through town. 

According to Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Director Andrea Miller, over 2,000 runners are expected to come through Stanford Friday, Oct 13. 

The first runners should arrive in Stanford at about 8 p.m., and continue through the early hours of Saturday morning. 

The theme for this year’s 200-mile journey across Kentucky is “The 80’s” and Stanford homeowners are encouraged to decorate their homes in true 1980’s style. 

“The runners love to get encouragement, so if you want to stand outside and cheer them on, please feel free,” a letter from the chamber to Stanford residents reads. “Main Street in Stanford will be rocking as the teams hand off to their next runner.” 

The annual race is an overnight relay that travels along the historic Kentucky Bourbon Trail, beginning at the Jim Beam Distillery near Bardstown and finishing in downtown Lexington. 

Stanford, which has won the Most Spirited Community award several times in the past, aims to once again earn the title this year for it’s hospitality to runners during the race. 

A hospitality room with refreshments, hot and cold drinks and bathrooms will be available for runners this year, along with music and a possible appearance by the Lincoln County Cheerleaders. 

With so many runners on the road, safety is of the utmost concern to the city, Miller said. 

“We are asking everyone on Danville Avenue, Portman and Lancaster Street to please turn on any porch lights or outside lights that you have,” the letter states. 

Miller said the local Bourbon Chase event committee is credited with setting the stage for this year’s race. 

“We are extremely excited to welcome the Chasers this year again to our community,” she said. “The committee has worked really, really hard to make it a fun experience not only for the runners but for our community as well.” 

Commemorative ornaments that say “Had a barrel of fun in Stanford, Kentucky” will be available for purchase. 

Other communities along the Chase include: Shepherdsville, Bardstown, Springfield, Perryville, Danville, Harrodsburg, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, Midway and Lexington.