Overall Rating
Overall Rating (6 Reviews)
3.7
(6 Ratings)  (6 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.2
SCENERY
2.8
PRODUCTION
4.2
SWAG
3
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon Race Series begins and ends on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds with the after party celebration right amidst the festivities of the fair. The course is known for being one of the “fastest and flattest” in the nation. Participants run on city streets, on the hike … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 24):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  104  92  92  95  88
L (°F)  75  65  70  68  70
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Recent reviews

    cvschmid FIRST-TIMER '23

    The course runs through my hometown and I ran because it runs by my parent's house a few times in a lake area. It is done during a relatively hot … MORE

    The course runs through my hometown and I ran because it runs by my parent’s house a few times in a lake area. It is done during a relatively hot part of the year for Nebraska, but luckily it was only in the 60-low 70’s during this particular year. A few days before it was up to 100F. The packet pick up is easy, but nothing fancy. Just a table with your shirt and packet at the YMCA. Not a race for swag, but a large, nicely made race medal. The course is very flat, and very easy, but more difficult for me due to difficulty with training this season. You get a free admission to the state fair and it is fun to spend time there after the race. It would not be my first choice for views, but the relatively flat course may be good for someone within Boston qaulifying time range, if the weather was not really hot. There is a change it could be very hot though, so there may be other options that would be better, as it is almost always a high of 80-90’s at least during this time of year.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    My Report
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    2

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    usamhall REPEAT RUNNER '21

    I came to Nebraska having run this marathon in 2018. I knew it would be hot however this time I planned better for it. I had run some very hot … MORE

    I came to Nebraska having run this marathon in 2018. I knew it would be hot however this time I planned better for it. I had run some very hot days in Oklahoma training. 1. The expo was just a bib pickup, you had the option of same day pickup. 2. The scenery was great in the neighborhoods however we had long straight aways 4 times of which 3 were done twice with little shade. My friend told me, it would have been better and easier to do two Half loops. 3.We ran on a lot of concrete- not my favorite surface however the concrete was in better shape than the asphalt street. 4. The stops had water, gatorade, and gels. Some had 12oz bottles which I picked up every time. 5. My plan was to pour water on me every mile and take salt every hour. Doing this did keep me much cooler than my first race here. 6. The finisher and AG awards are pretty nice and you get a long sleeve cotton shirt. 7. The marathon course has many turns in one neighborhood and I was looking for signs they were few and not well placed, fortunately I was able to ask a volunteer. This seems to have been a problem with the faster runners as some were a little lost. Overall, this is a close race for me to do but it isn’t my favorite because the weather this time of year can be challenging.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    Joerobe FIRST-TIMER '21

    The Nebraska State Fair marathon was wonderfully organized with outstanding volunteers. We had no issues with packet pick up, race start, or direction on the course. The volunteers were very … MORE

    The Nebraska State Fair marathon was wonderfully organized with outstanding volunteers. We had no issues with packet pick up, race start, or direction on the course.

    The volunteers were very friendly, and always eager to help. I am sincerely thankful for the neighbors who faced their lawn sprinklers toward the road, those little burst of cold were a lifesaver.

    This race was as advertised – flat and fast. I was expecting to be about 5:15 – 5:30 with my injured leg, so imagine my surprise when it was a 4:37…what???

    The day was hot, and I expect it will probably always be that way in Nebraska in August, but there was plenty of Gatorade and water, along with GU’s, fruit snacks and cuties. The aid stations were every 2 miles on the mark, we’ll done!

    The swag was pretty decent; a nice custom medal and a long sleeve tech shirt.

    The one thing I didn’t love, is that there were no really salty electrolytes on course. I usually bring my own, but forgot them at the hotel…the day was hot enough that the Gatorade wasn’t doing the trick and many people were cramping up on course. I don’t blame the race for this, just caution future runners not to forget yours.

    All in all, a wonderful race to cross Nebraska off of your state list or to simply cross a marathon off of your bucket list.

    Happy running!!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    This was my first half marathon and it was a fun one. I finished everything in under two hours. Was really pleased with myself. The only thing I can complain … MORE

    This was my first half marathon and it was a fun one. I finished everything in under two hours. Was really pleased with myself. The only thing I can complain about is the rain on the path that wasn’t draining, but it is what it is.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    42kStraley FIRST-TIMER '19

    This was a great race. From the expo to the start of the race, nothing was confusing or out of order. Weather (rain/thunderstorms) threatened the race every step of the … MORE

    This was a great race. From the expo to the start of the race, nothing was confusing or out of order. Weather (rain/thunderstorms) threatened the race every step of the way. Organizers had to change the course last minute due to flooding. They did so in a manner that was easy to adjust to. Having never been to Grand Island, I was not confused once because there were abundant volunteers and signs. This is a small but very well organized race. Grand Island is passionate about their race. The only downsides I can think of are that the course is 95% on concrete and the Red Coach motels is very unkempt.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    usamhall FIRST-TIMER '18

    I am sure that this race is known for being a BQ race. My problem was the heat and the humidity were horrible that day. Top it off with no … MORE

    I am sure that this race is known for being a BQ race. My problem was the heat and the humidity were horrible that day. Top it off with no shade.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    2

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