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Lincoln Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Lincoln, NE, USA
- Race Date: 05/02/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Lincoln Marathon Description
The Lincoln Marathon is a Boston qualifying race run each May through the heart of Nebraska’s capital city. The mostly loop course starts and finishes near the University of Nebraska campus, rolling through tree-lined neighborhoods, past the State Capitol, and finishing on the university’s football field at Memorial Stadium. Rolling hills add character throughout without overwhelming the course, and enthusiastic local crowds line the streets. A half marathon runs the same morning, drawing thousands of runners for one of the Midwest’s most community-spirited race weekends.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Lincoln Marathon Additional Details:
Aid stations along the Lincoln Marathon course show up roughly every two and a half miles, each staffed with a physician, a level of medical support that’s unusual for a race this size. Water comes served with lids and straws for easy on-the-run drinking, alongside Gatorade and ice at every stop. But the real reward comes after the finish: runners crossing the line inside Memorial Stadium are greeted with pizza, chocolate milk, and a spread of recovery food that regulars say beats the usual banana-and-bagel routine. Free parking and a genuinely well-organized morning round out a race locals describe as one of the most runner-friendly events in the Midwest.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hr 15 min
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 3,900+
Marathon: 801
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 520 ft (158 m)
Elevation Loss: 522 ft (159 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 49°F
- High: 75°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Lincoln, NE, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Nebraska State Capitol
Tour the Nebraska State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark topped by the gilded Sower statue — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Wilderness Park
Explore the 1,500-acre Wilderness Park, a wooded corridor along Salt Creek that feels worlds away from downtown Lincoln — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Lincoln Children’s Zoo
See more than 400 animals at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, with a giraffe feeding station and butterfly pavilion — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Sheldon Museum of Art
Wander the outdoor Sculpture Garden and American art collection at the Sheldon Museum of Art, designed by architect Philip Johnson — a relaxed, indoor-outdoor way to spend a taper day.
Museums & History
University of Nebraska State Museum
See an enormous mammoth skeleton and exhibits on the formation of the universe at the University of Nebraska State Museum — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Lincoln Trail Network
Bike or walk a flat stretch of Lincoln’s 183-mile trail network, including more than 140 miles of hard-surface paths — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Shopping
Historic Haymarket District
Browse boutiques and antique shops along the brick streets of the Historic Haymarket District, a restored turn-of-the-century warehouse district — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Lincoln Marathon
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