This was my first 1/2 marathon. I thought the event was very organized from start to finish. Loved how we were set up by pace to start, the many water stops (with lids and straws!), the nice people cheering all the way, and all the refreshments upon finishing. A great run overall, but it was not as flat as people say it is. If I run another 1/2 or full marathon, it will be in Lincoln, NE.

Having done the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corp Marathons, running the National Guard seems logical. The race is really well organized and the aid stations for the second half were well placed. Describing the course as flat is not quite accurate - especially for a runner from Chicago. There are hills.

Great expo and pasta dinner Saturday before the race. Great course with nice scenery. Would love to do it again next year.

It was very well organized. Thanks to all of the volunteers and national guardsmen. I had a great time and hope to be back next year. THANKS!

- Kelly

The race is fine. If you live within 1-2 hours of Lincoln, I can see making it an annual event. That being said, there is no reason to travel to do this race. The course is flat. A little too much concrete for my taste, but not horrible. The fan support in the first half and last couple miles is pretty good. Miles 12.5 to 15 are a ghost town. Miles 15 to 21 are better, but don't compare to other Midwest marathons like Twin Cities, Fargo, or even Green Bay. Organization is fine, but nothing special. The shirt was ugly, in my opinion, and the medal was average. Massages are a nice perk. Shower facilities were good, but you needed to go down three flights of stairs to get there (ouch).

What amazing support from the staff, volunteers, and spectators! There's someone cheering you on from start to finish and there's help at every turn. Thank you so much, Lincoln!

Lincoln puts on a good show, with excellent organization (as good as any large race I have run - marathon or half). My only gripe: what's up with the design of this year's shirt?

Thank you to Lincoln for an amazing warm welcome and response to the race! I am absolutely amazed at the number of people that came out to cheer. The course support was first-rate too. I fed off of the crowds... their enthusiasm was contagious.

The trails at miles 6-8 are too narrow for that size crowd. If you're going to use the trails, have the 1/2-marathoners split off beforehand. Also please ask the walkers not to take up the middle of the streets 3-4 wide.

The expo was disappointing. It didn't seem like there was much vendor or service interest at all. There should have been a map to tell you where to park, find the pasta dinner, and find the shower/massage facility hanging very obviously on the wall.

The pasta dinner was very nice and very well done. Thank you!

The start/finish area was well laid out and the restrooms and porta-johns were plentiful.

This was a good race that, with effort on the course and expo, could become a great race.

This was my first marathon and I loved it. The spectators were amazing and supportive! I loved the costumes. I will definitely do this again.

This is my 3rd race here (2 full, 1 half) and this topped the others. Best change this year was telling people where to line up at the start. Fans were the best I've seen too! Organization is top-notch, especially when you consider it is a track club run event with a reasonable price! Great volunteers, great people reading out splits. I wish my performance had been as good as the race was. I still wish that they would get off the bike path, but the wider trail at 27th helps a ton!