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.
Please login to reply to this review.
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.
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!
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 =)
Awesome Race!
Amazing race with tons of great views and attractions along the course. Plenty of course workers providing a lot of support along with drinks and GUs throughout the race. Plus … MORE
Amazing race with tons of great views and attractions along the course. Plenty of course workers providing a lot of support along with drinks and GUs throughout the race. Plus the finisher medals are sweet!
Historic Springfield run
This half marathon takes you through history where you can see many important Abraham Lincoln sites. It’s a relatively flat course and very scenic. There are 3-4 difficult hills in … MORE
This half marathon takes you through history where you can see many important Abraham Lincoln sites. It’s a relatively flat course and very scenic. There are 3-4 difficult hills in the race, but there is a lot of volunteer and spectator support to get you through them! This was my first half marathon, and I would definitely do it again!
Lots of Lincoln sites!
My favorite half marathon! Scenic and relatively small, but still decent crowd support. Lots of Lincoln sites including his law office, house he owned, and his tomb. Historic race. Abe … MORE
My favorite half marathon! Scenic and relatively small, but still decent crowd support. Lots of Lincoln sites including his law office, house he owned, and his tomb. Historic race. Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd also make an appearance.
Perfect Weather, Fun Course...
Loved the Penny Medal. Loved running past Abe Lincoln's tomb, just wish there wasn't a hill associated with seeing it! Wish that the long sleeve shirts would have fit a … MORE
Loved the Penny Medal. Loved running past Abe Lincoln’s tomb, just wish there wasn’t a hill associated with seeing it! Wish that the long sleeve shirts would have fit a bit better. I ordered a woman’s medium – which is what I ALWAYS order – and the sleeves are SO short its ridiculous!
Loved it
I had a great experience and it was my first half marathon. The course was good (a few hills, but nothing too bad until mile 11). And the finish area … MORE
I had a great experience and it was my first half marathon. The course was good (a few hills, but nothing too bad until mile 11). And the finish area had lots of food and drinks.
One of my favorite races!
I should note that I am a total Lincoln fan and history buff. I loved all the Lincoln touches this race gave. Pros: -Small-ish, well organized (Clearly a lot of … MORE
I should note that I am a total Lincoln fan and history buff. I loved all the Lincoln touches this race gave.
Pros:
-Small-ish, well organized (Clearly a lot of thought goes into it, several nice, small touches), GREAT volunteers (Except the guy who told me it was the last hill, it wasn’t)
-Great medal
-Nice course, even past the Lincoln sites, there was enough variety to keep me interested
Cons:
-Hillier than expected (note: none are terrible, but I’m a flatlander who took the course description at it’s word)
-Shirt wasn’t great in 2015
Bottom Line: I’d totally run this again. It really hit all my sweet spots: small, well organized, friendly, good volunteers.
Add to your bucket list!
For more details about race shirts, finisher medals, post-race party, accommodations, places to eat, and photos of it all, visit https://www.serialrunner.com/half-marathon-race-recaps/lincoln-presidential-half-marathon. MORE
For more details about race shirts, finisher medals, post-race party, accommodations, places to eat, and photos of it all, visit https://www.serialrunner.com/half-marathon-race-recaps/lincoln-presidential-half-marathon.