Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
Springfield, IL
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Join this 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 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 11):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 69 | 56 | 69 | 78 | 67 |
| L (°F) | 39 | 40 | 51 | 52 | 46 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Four Score and Seven Miles to Go
Four score and 83 years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address — arguably the most historically significant speech in American history — America celebrates our nation turning 250 … MORE
Four score and 83 years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address — arguably the most historically significant speech in American history — America celebrates our nation turning 250 years old and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. I decided to commemorate these two occasions with a trip to Springfield, Illinois, for the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon.
This race took place on April 11, 2026. We welcomed the perfect race weather – 44° with a breeze that never exceeded 7 mph throughout the day. The humidity was at its peak at 92%, but quickly waned as the miles rolled by during the race, making for extremely comfortable conditions throughout. Even though the weather was perfect for racing, it was a bit chilly before the start of the race, and thankfully runners were permitted to go inside the Old State Capitol to stay warm before the race started.
While inside the Capitol, we took advantage of the photo opportunity with Abe and Mary, who later joined us at the finish for post-race photos. Being that Abe was also a registered participant in the race, it was hilarious seeing Lincoln run where Lincoln walked, 165 years later. At 7:15 A.M., we began to trickle out of the Capitol, and lined up in the general vicinity of our pacers. Even though this was a smaller event compared to some of my previous races, I never felt alone on the course and there was always a group to join, no matter the pace. If you are a walker or back-of-the-packer, this race was extremely walker and back-of-the-pack friendly, with a generous 3 hour and 30-minute cut-off time. No participant went without a medal or snack at the finish.
We headed south on 6th Street, and passed the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices – where Lincoln practiced law – within the first quarter of a mile. Before even completing the first mile, we hit our second historic landmark, Lincoln’s home, and passed through the cute historic neighborhood I’d explored the day before. Mile 5 took us through Washington Park, where we looped around from Grand Avenue to Williams Boulevard.
By this time, I’d assessed that the course was not entirely flat – there were some very tiny inclines throughout while running through the neighborhoods, and then some formidable hills later in the race, where volunteers cheerfully perched atop every single one shouting, “This is the last hill,” when, in fact, it was not the last hill. To add insult to proverbial injury, a photographer never failed to be positioned at the top of each hill, presumably in cahoots with the mischievous volunteers.
Miles 6 to 8 took us through the Historic West Side, and once we reached Mile 9, we entered the Oak Ridge Cemetery, home of President Lincoln’s final resting place. As we crested the hill and passed the monument that rests 10 feet above the Lincoln Tomb, we were treated to a spectacular view of a ceremony in progress. Many of us stopped mid-run to capture pictures of the ceremony. After exiting the cemetery, we passed through Lincoln Park during Mile 10, where plenty of race photographers were positioned along the path, and one of the pacers alerted us to smile when we reached them.
The final block from the finish line featured the historic Union Train Station, adjacent to the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The race production was impressive and flawlessly executed, but the turnout from Springfield was even more impressive. Our race finish felt like a warm welcome, and soon after crossing the finish line, we were directed to move to the Old Capitol lawn for post-race snacks and drinks. Finishers were presented with what is now one of my top favorite medals I’ve ever received – a double-sided gorgeous medal featuring a penny on one side, and Abe on the other in a cute little Ford Thunderbird, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
The food at the finish festival included donuts from Mel-O-Cream Donuts, and if you didn’t already know, donuts are one of the best post-race treats you could possibly have after running 13.1 miles. Springfield surpassed my expectations and turned out to be everything I imagined it would be: charming, historical, and adorable. If you are a 50 stater or just someone looking to visit Springfield, I highly recommend this spectacular race.
Had to Redeem Myself
This is a great race with great swag! 2024 I broke my ankle while running this race (and finished it), so I came back in 2026 to redeem myself and … MORE
This is a great race with great swag!
2024 I broke my ankle while running this race (and finished it), so I came back in 2026 to redeem myself and I had a friend from out of town running it.
Great production, beautiful scenery, good beer.
The only real hills are when you get to the park and there are a few.
Highly recommend.
Surprisingly
This race small town race had the production of big city races. I was not expecting the course to be that exciting considering its in the middle of Illinois but … MORE
This race small town race had the production of big city races. I was not expecting the course to be that exciting considering its in the middle of Illinois but it had lots to see. Got to run through so much history the road Lincoln grew up on, though some pretty parks, amazing views of the downtown and state capital, along parts of route 66 and even by Lincolns tomb. Abe was even running in the race! The swag was amazing, huge cool medal, they give you a shirt and a jacket. They give you free race photos and I loved the free Photo Booth after the race to get that photo and even a print out copy (since I travel alone this was nice). Lots of cheering and spectators on the course. I highly recommend this race to anyone thats looking for a good Illinois run.
Great race and organization
I’ve had FOMO on this race for several years watching other friends run it. I’m a fan of history so running where Lincoln walked was appealing! Additionally, the huge penny … MORE
I’ve had FOMO on this race for several years watching other friends run it. I’m a fan of history so running where Lincoln walked was appealing! Additionally, the huge penny medal and the swag! Lol.
I stayed at the Lincoln presidential Doubletree, which was the host hotel and walkable to the race start and finish as well as the majority of the things to see in Springfield.
They are known for their fabulous swag and this year was no different. We got these really great jackets as well as a shirt.
I don’t think the city of Springfield is much to look at, but it was pretty well done and pretty flat!
There wasn’t much of a race party, but I went back to my hotel to shower to go and enjoy the Lincoln presidential Museum.
I would recommend this race for Illinois!
cold, wet race
first half of the race pretty flat, second half not so much. my lack of training and the weather was a contributing factor to this being a tough race for … MORE
first half of the race pretty flat, second half not so much. my lack of training and the weather was a contributing factor to this being a tough race for me
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.