Join the first Saturday of April as runners from many states and countries take in Abraham Lincoln sites during this scenic half marathon. This USATF certified course will immerse you in Lincoln history unlike any other race!
The race starts and finishes at the Old State Capitol where Lincoln gave his famous House Divided speech. Just across the plaza from the Capitol, within the first quarter mile of the race, is the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices. This is the only building still standing where Lincoln practiced law during in his 25-year career. Not even a mile into the race, runners go back in time for two blocks, passing by the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. During mile nine, runners enter Oak Ridge cemetery and are able to view Lincoln’s final resting place. Mile 10 takes runners through the local city park named after the 16th president. During the final mile of the race, runners will pass by historic Union Train station directly adjacent to the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, which is just one block from the finish line.
So much history in just 13.1 miles! Whether you are interested Lincoln history or not, we promise this race is well worth it!
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Fun Race with Great Swag
First half of the course is fairly flat with some hills in the back half. I can only recall 2 hills that were challenging. Hydration stations were great. 2 of … MORE
First half of the course is fairly flat with some hills in the back half. I can only recall 2 hills that were challenging. Hydration stations were great. 2 of them had Gatorade and 1 had gels. Some nice spectators chearing you on thruout. Great swag including a top notch finishers medal, running shirt, beanie with a pom pom on top, hoddie and a few extra little goodies. Post race snacks included water, milk, donuts, chips and bananas. Was a fun race and I would consider doing it again. Well done Springfield!
Got My Lucky Penny!
Packet pickup was held at the host hotel - President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton. There was an independent garage next to the hotel. Parking was $7 without … MORE
Packet pickup was held at the host hotel – President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – DoubleTree by Hilton. There was an independent garage next to the hotel. Parking was $7 without in/out privileges. Free street parking was also available after 5p at meters. Expo was well organized with photo opportunities with ‘Abe and Mary’. A few vendors and local companies were available giving out freebies, raffle chances, and selling merchandise including race shirts and a blanket from previous years.
The race started and finished within a few blocks of the host hotel. There were pacers as well. One unique feature of this course was that it ran right in front of Lincoln’s home. The course was well marked with mile markers and water stations were available every two miles or so. The race started downtown before going through a park. The hills showed up then 🙂 Lots and lots of hills, some rather disrespectful LOL. GU was available on the course around mile 6.
Post race, there were a few things available outside the Old State Capitol building. Looked to be self-serve. There were bananas, sticky donuts, water, milk and chip available.
Big, beautiful medal with the (lucky) penny…..ofcourse!
I enjoyed this race and would recommend it.
Good!
This was one of the smaller races I’ve done (1200 people) but it was still so fun! The packet pick up took no time at all and we got a … MORE
This was one of the smaller races I’ve done (1200 people) but it was still so fun! The packet pick up took no time at all and we got a nice cozy sweatshirt, a long sleeve tech shirt, and a hat. The medal at the end was top notch too! I ran with the 1:40 pacers almost the whole time and they were amazing! They were very helpful and knowledgeable about the course. I seriously don’t think I could’ve reached my goal without them. Overall, it was a solid race!
Awesome race! Very well done.
This is a great race! I loved every minute of it. I stayed at the host hotel where the expo was-Lincoln Hotel. The expo was amazing! Just for signing up … MORE
This is a great race! I loved every minute of it. I stayed at the host hotel where the expo was-Lincoln Hotel. The expo was amazing! Just for signing up short, hoodie, and knit hat for winter. Plus, nice extras for purchase. Everything related to Abe Lincoln is within walking distance. The race course captures the history of Lincoln including the breath taking view of his tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Plenty of water, Gatorade, and Gu on the course. Plenty of potties. Well done lots of volunteers. Mostly flat course. And the medal is amazing! Highly recommend.
FUN in historical Springfield, IL!
I had such a good time during this race. This was their 60th Anniversary and boy did they represent! They gave out a lot of swag with the bib pick … MORE
I had such a good time during this race. This was their 60th Anniversary and boy did they represent! They gave out a lot of swag with the bib pick up. The expo was in smaller and crowded room, but they had a lot going on there. The put on a great race before, during and after. Post race party was hopping and fun. The city was beautiful to run through. We ran by some historical sites of Lincoln. That was pretty cool. The parks were absolutely BEAUTIFUL to experience and was one of my favorites about this race. Flowers hadn’t bloomed just yet. So I missed that, as the city is known to be gorgeous during spring blooms. So much to visit there. The weather was perfect for the morning race. No complaints with this race!
Excellent production, perfect weather
This race is so well done with great support along the way. There were some challenging hills, but the great SWAG made it all worthwhile. The weather was perfect this … MORE
This race is so well done with great support along the way. There were some challenging hills, but the great SWAG made it all worthwhile. The weather was perfect this year which was also a plus. It was great fun being escorted across the finish line by Mary Todd Lincoln! LOVE the huge penny medal, shirt, sweatshirt, AND blanket that we received. Small race in a small town, and we walked to some good restaurants and tourist attractions. This race needs to be on everyone’s must do list!
Spectacular 60th anniversay celebration
This race celebrated 60 years in 2024. Amazing accomplishment!! Thus this year, the organizers went all out with swag, support and activities to celebrate. The Penny medal was brought back … MORE
This race celebrated 60 years in 2024. Amazing accomplishment!! Thus this year, the organizers went all out with swag, support and activities to celebrate. The Penny medal was brought back which I personally was waiting for. Being an out of stater, the course was relatively easy. Historic homes, monuments and blooming flowers & trees was scenic for me.
Beautiful and Well Put on Event
My performance for this race was on target for a PR at the 10K mark. About mile 6.5 my ankle started hurting and I was doing a run/walk. By mile … MORE
My performance for this race was on target for a PR at the 10K mark. About mile 6.5 my ankle started hurting and I was doing a run/walk. By mile 7.5 I was walking. I proceeded to finish the race walking and RAN through the finish line.
So while not my best time, I endured as us runners do and finished. (On the way home my ankle was on fire and red….yep broke my fibula…so yep ran the race on a broken fibula).
HOWEVER, with all that the course if gorgeous. Because I was walking I was able to take photos. There are a few of what I consider minor hills nothing too crazy. Swag this year was amazing because it was an anniversary run. Although I’m still waiting for my blanket. Medals were large and so shiny.
We went up a night before hand and hit a few local bars in town. So much history and fun things to do there so plan to take the weekend and enjoy the city.
Great race, great communication, great fun.
60th Anniversary Run makes History
Besides the most friendly respectful race staff, residents are helpful. A visit to the Lincoln Museum is a must. I learned so much about President Lincoln and his life! He … MORE
Besides the most friendly respectful race staff, residents are helpful. A visit to the Lincoln Museum is a must. I learned so much about President Lincoln and his life! He is buried there. Lived 25 years in Springfield. What a life! Tour his home too. Park staff are knowledgeable. The run itself- beautiful course. I would do it again. The hills did not bother me, trained well.
60th Anniversary Race did not disappoint
This race has been around for 60 years! I had run this race three times before and didn't plan on running again until I saw the swag. 5 inch penny … MORE
This race has been around for 60 years! I had run this race three times before and didn’t plan on running again until I saw the swag. 5 inch penny medal, shirt. And then they added a hoodie and a finisher blanket. The folks putting this race together really take pride in it.
There is no other run option. This is a half marathon and nothing else.
You get to run past all of the Lincoln sites in Springfield, IL. You start by the Presidential Library and old capital building. You run past Lincoln’s home, past the “new” capital, and head to Washington park. The route there, surrounding neighborhoods, and the park itself are quite nice to run through.
Then come the hills. You leave Washington park at the 10k mark and proceed directly up hill. You run down Lincoln (of course). The next two plus miles are nothing spectacular. But there isn’t really anything (aside from more hills) between Washington Park and Lincoln’s tomb.
After a quick trip through the cemetery, you head to and around Lincoln Park before heading back downtown. Two more hills in the park. The last mile and a half is flat. You finish one block from the start on the other side of the old capital.
A local brewery made a special brew just for the race. And it was quite good.
This is not a PR race. I went out to fast and paid for it on the hills. But if you don’t want to mess with a city like Chicago, then Springfield is definitely a worthwhile option.
I’ve ran it enough times, only because there a lot of other races the same weekend I want to do. Maybe when it turns 75, I’ll be back.
Smalltown Race
I have a love for Lincoln, so this race was on my list for a while. We stayed at the host hotel, which is convenient for the race expo/getting your … MORE
I have a love for Lincoln, so this race was on my list for a while. We stayed at the host hotel, which is convenient for the race expo/getting your bib, and being close to the start line. The course runs through some small towns and parks and in certain areas, is not closed off to traffic. In one situation, an SUV on the course came extremely close to me and other runners, causing some anxiety. Overall a decent race, smaller field size.
Well organized run through history!
Race went off without a hitch even with some crazy weather interrupting the expo/bib pickup. Race expo was small, but well staffed and spirited. The guy dressed as Lincoln was … MORE
Race went off without a hitch even with some crazy weather interrupting the expo/bib pickup. Race expo was small, but well staffed and spirited. The guy dressed as Lincoln was gracious and posed with everyone for a picture. Course was nice some doable hills. Weather made it challenging with 25 mph winds and felt colder than it was. Course takes you by Lincoln House/Capital Bldg/Lincoln’s grave. Great to visit these sites after run and the Dana-Thomas House (Frank Llyod Wright) was stunning – all free!
nice race, terrible weather!
this race takes you through all things Lincoln, even the cemetery. The race was hillier than I expected. Our weather was horrible, unbelievable winds gust and cold. Plenty of water … MORE
this race takes you through all things Lincoln, even the cemetery. The race was hillier than I expected. Our weather was horrible, unbelievable winds gust and cold. Plenty of water stops, some had Gatorade as well. One GU station. It was a nice race but nothing I would repeat.
Run where Lincoln walked
I have eyed this race for a really long time due to the fun theme and they used to have large penny finishers medals. They have since changed the medals-still … MORE
I have eyed this race for a really long time due to the fun theme and they used to have large penny finishers medals. They have since changed the medals-still nice but just not as iconic as the penny.
This year brought some interesting turns with tornado warnings on Friday during the expo-totally new experience for an East Coast person to have to go into the basement of the hotel and extremely strong winds during the race. The race was not only windy but cold as well.
The expo was a tad disorganized-where the signs pointed to for last names was incorrect and the lines super long. Not too many vendors but had the essentials if you needed something last minute.
Race morning was smooth-the course is ok. You run past Lincoln’s home, the old & new capital, Lincoln’s grave but a lot of the race was through some pretty rundown neighborhoods. The course is on a mix of asphalt, brick and some packed gravel. With the high winds, you did have to battle debris and lots of potholes. The course isn’t overly hard, however, most of the hills were after mile 9.
The swag was nice for this race-a bag, long sleeve tech shirt, hats and other varied goodies in the bag.
Not too many spectators on the course but assume that was due to the weather as there are plenty of cheering places.
I didn’t get a ton of time at the after party as the hotel was not allowing late check out (FYI if you stay at the host hotel). Many local businesses seemed to participate though.
Overall solid choice for Illinois.
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
This was an ok run. The course has some hills, but they weren’t terrible. The downtown scene was nice, but much of the run was in residential areas and they … MORE
This was an ok run. The course has some hills, but they weren’t terrible. The downtown scene was nice, but much of the run was in residential areas and they weren’t as nice.
Race production was smooth. Volunteers were very energetic and encouraging. There is a 3:30 limit, but thankfully it wasn’t strictly enforced. I loved the costumed volunteers… especially Mrs. Lincoln.
The swag was pretty good for a race this size. Nice medal, nice long sleeve running shirt… and a knit hat to boot.
This wasn’t my favorite run, but it is a solid choice if you are looking for an Illinois run.
Great small race through Abe Lincoln sit
Third time running this race. There are some hills in the end but a good overall course. It can be chilly at the start. I think it was 41⁰ and … MORE
Third time running this race. There are some hills in the end but a good overall course. It can be chilly at the start. I think it was 41⁰ and windy this last year. Great support. The changed up the finisher medal. It was a lincoln penny for years.
organized, cold and amazing! LOL
Didn't expect it to be 37 degrees with a wind chill lower, but we survibed! Great small city, very quiet. Picked this race for our Illinois state and so glad … MORE
Didn’t expect it to be 37 degrees with a wind chill lower, but we survibed! Great small city, very quiet. Picked this race for our Illinois state and so glad we did! Being from Florida, nit used to the hills, but the beauty was amazing. Great race communication, discount hotels. Expo was great I thought, lots vendors, very organized, everyone was in a good mood happy. Started on time, and the immense amount of support from the city if Springfield and the locals was incredible. It was better then a Rock N Roll Race, they were everywhere supporting the runners start to finish. Super nice long sleeve shirts, kick ass medals, lots of snacks at the end. They had these foil wrap warmers at the finish line, suppossedly you put them around you and it keeps you warm, well I wanted to fit in, so I used it and it worked, lol. The brewery after gave us a free beer which was nice. Next time I would tale a Baileys and hot chocolate, haha. We shopped at local bookstores and gift shops all within walking distance after the race. The race bag had a couple little things in it, nothing crazy. They did have a table selling ALL past race shirts for $2 and hats. So we left with a bag full!
Fun half in the Land of Lincoln
Lots of great scenery, plus the capitol and cemetery. The pacer I ran with shared a lot of historical info about the area which I really enjoyed. Mostly flat though … MORE
Lots of great scenery, plus the capitol and cemetery. The pacer I ran with shared a lot of historical info about the area which I really enjoyed. Mostly flat though a steeper hill or two in the cemetery. I loved the medal and there was some other cool swag – stickers, gloves, Serious lip balm (which is great, a local company)…the only thing I didn’t like was the shirt. They moved to a more comical version of Lincoln rather than hot Abe in a sweatband. Ah well.
Abe would be proud
Extremely well-organized with a great finisher's medal for the 55th annual running. I chose this race over several other regional options that weekend in part because of the cool medal … MORE
Extremely well-organized with a great finisher’s medal for the 55th annual running.
I chose this race over several other regional options that weekend in part because of the cool medal and the atmosphere (medium-sized with plenty of community support; a good-sized field to have company on the run yet not too crowded).
The course is what they say: flat first half, some gradual and rolling hills in the second half before flattening out again in the final mile. It is scenic for those into that, running past Lincoln’s home, the state capitol, Lincoln’s tomb and two nice parks.
I caught just the end of the pre-race expo to pick up my packet and a nice quarter-zip tech pullover top. The race info booth was very helpful. While there was not a course elevation map, she explained the hills accurately. The biggest climb seems to be just after the water station at 7.75 miles but three others follow in the cemetery and park.
A Lincoln impersonator speaks before the muskets signal the race start. There were pace runners. Plenty of aid stations and enthusiastic supporters all along the course. Very good community support.
The race is chip timed with a split at the 10k mark, just before the first of the hills.
Lincoln was on hand at the finish and for photo opportunities as well.
Good post-race atmosphere at the Old Capitol with a live band, doughnuts, one free beer, much more.
Dined the night before at Saputo and stayed at Wyndham. Everything was within walking distance.
I’m not one for race pictures but the photographers were at various spots on the course and a good array of photos were available for purchase.
Lincoln half has class!
My first half marathon and I thought I couldn't have made a better decision to run this race as my first. Very well mapped out course with plenty of scenic … MORE
My first half marathon and I thought I couldn’t have made a better decision to run this race as my first. Very well mapped out course with plenty of scenic stops along the way. The race was very well organized, let’s just say it just flowed from start to finish! I can get pretty comfortable running this race every year, new to the Springfield area and gave me a new appreciation for the city! Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a race in the Midwest at the top of Spring! We had some lovely weather =)