Overall Rating
Overall Rating (15 Reviews)
4.3
(15 Ratings)  (15 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.5
SCENERY
3.1
PRODUCTION
4.8
SWAG
4.3
The largest and most fun half marathon in Nebraska! The Good Life Halfsy is known nationally for providing a fast, beautiful course that provides you with ample PR opportunities. With 13.1 miles of parks, water features, tree-lined boulevards and Lincoln’s most notable landmarks, this point-to-point, net downhill course begs to be … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 05):
  2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
 
H (°F)  61  65  78  52  52
L (°F)  31  40  34  33  38
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Recent reviews

    Ladyt69 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Course was nice, great participation. Lots of support from neighbors. If it wasn’t so warm and windy, would have been more enjoyable, but that’s Nebraska. Lol MORE

    Course was nice, great participation.
    Lots of support from neighbors. If it wasn’t so warm and windy, would have been more enjoyable, but that’s Nebraska. Lol

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    Profile photo of Michelle Ackerman-Booher
    ack221 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Most people love this race. While I agree that it is very well organized, the volunteers were plentiful and there were plenty of water stations, I had a hard time … MORE

    Most people love this race. While I agree that it is very well organized, the volunteers were plentiful and there were plenty of water stations, I had a hard time because 95% of this race is on concrete. Unfortunately I am injury prone and a concrete surface has no give. Blacktop is actually much more runner friendly. So, this really put a damper on my performance.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    DrewRowe FIRST-TIMER '22

    Overall, this race was fantastic with amazing swag, support, after-party, and just a great overall feel! I definitely had to Embrace The Suck with this unseasonably warm weather. MORE

    Overall, this race was fantastic with amazing swag, support, after-party, and just a great overall feel! I definitely had to Embrace The Suck with this unseasonably warm weather.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    rajarvis91 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    I love this race, I have ran it every year and it gets better each year! I love the Pink Gorilla events, they know how to do events and take … MORE

    I love this race, I have ran it every year and it gets better each year! I love the Pink Gorilla events, they know how to do events and take care of their participants. I actually won a free race entry for this, which was awesome!
    Everything was great, my Performance was not. I did this race 7 months pregnant, so I think that may have had something to do with it.
    I definitely recommend this race!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    rajarvis91 REPEAT RUNNER '21

    I run this race every year. This year it was soo sad that they canceled it due to lightening. They gave the option for runners to continue running, but you … MORE

    I run this race every year. This year it was soo sad that they canceled it due to lightening. They gave the option for runners to continue running, but you run on your own accord, or finishing the race virtually. The course is pretty flat. There is a small incline towards the beginning and towards the finish- you run up a little bridge. The crowd support is awesome. I love the Pink Gorilla events, they do a good job with everything. I know there is nothing you can do about Mother Nature and they called it for the safety of everyone involved, as they should.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    Ckrueger4 REPEAT RUNNER '21

    I have done this race several times now. This time was a little different. The morning started out rainy and windy. Lightning struck so the race officials canceled the race … MORE

    I have done this race several times now. This time was a little different. The morning started out rainy and windy. Lightning struck so the race officials canceled the race about 1/3 through. This led to some confusion among participants. We were advised to seek shelter and that buses would pick us up or we could continue at our own risk unsupported. I paused my watch and waited to see what the storm would do. After a brief pause my group decided to continue with the race, but run on the trail instead of the road because the lightning had dissipated. The rain continued throughout the day turning into a pour within the next hour. When we finished the course, we found that many of the volunteers where still waiting at the finish line giving out bags of food, drinks, and thermal blankets. We went into the old train station, got messages, then changed out of our wet clothes. Because the race was “canceled” everybody that was running in person was switched to a virtual race. I am submitting my race from the day as my virtual race. All in all I had a great time running with my group. Hopefully next year the weather is a little more cooperative!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    3

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    weedy12 REPEAT RUNNER '20

    This is a mainly flat course. The whole town comes out and cheers you on. Think about people lining the course for the whole course to wish you well. Local … MORE

    This is a mainly flat course. The whole town comes out and cheers you on. Think about people lining the course for the whole course to wish you well. Local bands play music at different spot and lots of kids with signs. And the end of course area is one big “fun fest” Just so much fun overall!! I do this run every year, but had to review this one as it was my PR!! If you want to get Nebraska, this is the race to do.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jmskafidas FIRST-TIMER '20

    I signed up for this race not only to check off Nebraska, but because it was one of the few in-person races offered in 2020. It was so nice to … MORE

    I signed up for this race not only to check off Nebraska, but because it was one of the few in-person races offered in 2020. It was so nice to be amongst the racing community again! Race production did a great job with communication prior to the event regarding their COVID-19 policies and procedures. We were assigned timeslots for packet pickup, as well as a corral for race day. You were required to wear a mask in the pre-race area, as well as in the corrals. One thing I noted was they had an abundance of porta potties prior to the race, as well as along the course, and hand sanitizing stations as well. They did offer gels and water stations with canned water along the way, but I opted to carry my only supplies as a precaution.

    I truly didn’t know what to expect out of Lincoln, NE, but was pleasantly surprised by how pretty the course was. The first half of the course consisted of rolling hills, which were tough on my tight legs in chilly conditions. But hang in there because this is a net downhill course and you will fly to the finish line if you don’t take off too quickly. I only wish we were able to do more in the area, but we chose to remain in our Airbnb for the majority of our trip. The finish line is right in the heart of the downtown area, and I bet it would be a blast to visit the restaurants and bars any other year. With that being said, the production team did their best to make you feel celebrated at the finish line with opportunities for photos with your medal and a PR gong!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    bjrobinette FIRST-TIMER '20

    It is hard to compare races pre and post covid-19. I want to thank the sponsors and organizers for doing what they had to do to allow us to run … MORE

    It is hard to compare races pre and post covid-19. I want to thank the sponsors and organizers for doing what they had to do to allow us to run an actual race.

    The start was in corrals and within the corrals they still did 5 second intervals between groups. People who started in the rear began almost an hour after the first group. But you have to do what you have to do to have the race.

    Prerace packet pickup and expo was obviously greatly reduced. Mostly packet pickup, merchandise booth ($5 pint glasses), and a couple of booths.
    There were plenty of port-a-pots at the start. No waiting!! Which is an obvious plus.

    The first 5 miles or so were rolling hills. After that, the race was pretty flat. The course was your pretty typical run through neighborhoods and a park. Reduced spectators along the course due to the pandemic but there were still some people out and supporting the racers. The course was well marked and well staffed.

    The medal and shirt are nice. Nice bag of snacks at the end including gatorade and water. I thought the organizers did a great job under the circumstances. I bet this is a really great race when they are limited by covid restrictions.

    We stayed near the finish line so we were close to the Haymarket area. Easy walk to restaurants, microbreweries, and bars.

    Overall a good experience. Liked the town, liked the race. Happy to be running in person again!!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    runnincarrie FIRST-TIMER '19

    This was a huge race! I was very impressed with the production. It was very chilly waiting but there was a lot going on to keep us moving and warmed … MORE

    This was a huge race! I was very impressed with the production. It was very chilly waiting but there was a lot going on to keep us moving and warmed up. This was my second half marathon of the weekend and was hoping they were correct in the description that it was mostly flat and downhill but not so much! I know I had tired legs but there was a lot of hills. But I still enjoyed it. There was a plenty of the usual snacks at the finish and supposedly a free beer somewhere but that was not readily available at the finish. I guess we had to go somewhere else to use our ticket but never figured that out, that was disappointing. The medal is huge and the long sleeve performance tee really nice with thumbholes. I would consider it again but have more states to hit right now 🙂

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    cmbrln7 FIRST-TIMER '19

    The race production was top notch! Lots of swag too! We finished downhill into a narrow shoot to lots of fan fare! Great crowd sport, plenty of port a potties … MORE

    The race production was top notch! Lots of swag too! We finished downhill into a narrow shoot to lots of fan fare! Great crowd sport, plenty of port a potties and said stations. My only complaint would be a long stretch on an open road. There was a car accident while we were running on it and my heart leaped in worry for runners. Luckily the accident didn’t cause a runner to be injured.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    jsspinner FIRST-TIMER '19

    Pre-race communication was on point. The expo was well organized and packet pick up was a breeze. The race start was very well organized and the atmosphere was fun. The … MORE

    Pre-race communication was on point.
    The expo was well organized and packet pick up was a breeze.
    The race start was very well organized and the atmosphere was fun.
    The course is downhill for the most part until mile 9. The rolling hills start at this point that could do you in. The pedestrian bridge at the end was not to fun to go up, but it made for a fun finishing straight. The cheer tunnel that was created definitely helps push you across the line.
    The city of Lincoln definitely turns out to support runners which I can’t say for all of the races I’ve run.
    The post race party was very well organized.
    Post race communication has been great too.
    A great race that deserves a run.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    cjstephens FIRST-TIMER '17

    The race production is top-notch, and there was good fan support along the way. Not too hilly, and the course ended with a lively festival. Nice combination of roads and … MORE

    The race production is top-notch, and there was good fan support along the way. Not too hilly, and the course ended with a lively festival. Nice combination of roads and parks.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    klucht FIRST-TIMER '16

    Packet pickup was easy and the expo was of medium size. The course wasn't super rememberable (review a year later), but I agree with other reviews that the race was … MORE

    Packet pickup was easy and the expo was of medium size. The course wasn’t super rememberable (review a year later), but I agree with other reviews that the race was well branded. I loved getting them snack box. Also the medal was a cute Lincoln bottle opener.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Kyle Kranz
    kjkranz FIRST-TIMER '16

    This is one of the later in the year midwest half marathons, which is why I did it. I was able to run the Crazy Horse Half in October and … MORE

    This is one of the later in the year midwest half marathons, which is why I did it. I was able to run the Crazy Horse Half in October and then have a month to recover and sharpen back up for this Halfsy.

    If you meet specific time standards you can get in to this event after it fills up, which is what I did.

    I cannot say enough good things about this event. I LOVE the branding and marketing behind it. Pink Gorilla does a GREAT job really showing their passion for what they do. The social media is fantastic, the swag is some of the best I’ve ever seen, even just their colors, designs, etc etc is all SO well done.

    As for the race itself. Packet pickup was a breeze. The starting area had plenty of parking and portapotties. We had an unseasonably warm day for Novemeber but if it was a typical November morning it would have been a very cold wait at the starting area. Luckily the cars are very very close by so you could wait in there if necessary. I gave some volunteers my drop back and was easily able to retrieve it at the finish.

    The course goes all throughout Lincoln, but I honestly don’t remember much of it. I know very little about the town so it was all just…town to me. Nothing much to see, but I was not really paying attention anyway 😉 There does seem to be constant crowd support and the aid stations were great. The first 5k has a few hills and if you’re a flatlander you’ll notice them. The middle 10k is sort of rolling but nothing drastic and this is where the race’s net downhill takes place BUT you don’t really feel it since it’s a rolling net downhill. The final 5k is fairly flat but there’s a pretty steep uphill finish. You can see the stadium for a little bit off so you know when you’re close but you have to climb that darn bridge to get to the finish!

    The buses start going shortly after the first 100 people come in, so even if you finish up front you won’t have to wait long to get back to your car.

    Oh, and they provided free race photos!!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    My Report
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    M_Sohaskey Nov 15, 2016 at 9:55pm

    Great fall racing season you're having Kyle, congrats on another near-PR! I ran the Omaha Marathon in September, and Lincoln sounds much like Omaha in being a nondescript Nebraska town,… MORE

    Great fall racing season you're having Kyle, congrats on another near-PR! I ran the Omaha Marathon in September, and Lincoln sounds much like Omaha in being a nondescript Nebraska town, the difference being the folks at Pink Gorilla who clearly go above and beyond to roll out the red carpet for their runners. Sounds like you found a hidden gem! But really, whose sadistic idea was it to put an uphill bridge within sight of the finish line? ;-) LESS

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    kjkranz Nov 16, 2016 at 8:50am

    I've done many races all over North America and Pink Gorilla Events takes the cake when it comes to management and just how COOL the event is!

    I've done many races all over North America and Pink Gorilla Events takes the cake when it comes to management and just how COOL the event is!

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