This was my 4th marathon, and first Lincoln Marathon. The marathon is well organized without a lot of the frills like bands, fancy water stops or post-race amentities. The course is well marked with timers at every mile marker yelling out times. And the cups with the lids and straws are a great idea that I can't figure out why more races don't have. For the traditionalist, they also had cups without lids.
The course does run along some highly used roads and at times we were breathing exhaust fumes from the cars that were driving by. There are hills, with one at the 25 mile marker that at that point is kind of nasty. Good crowd support.

The free pasta dinner the night before was good, as it is open to all runners and their guests, which made for a real family atmosphere. Only real negative is that there was only soda pop, water, bananas and oranges for the finishers; you would think someone could scrounge together some bagels, yogurt or cookies.

I really had know idea what to expect but came away from it really enjoying the whole experience. The race set up was extremely convenient with free and close parking to the start/finish, pasta dinner, and packet pick up. The course was a nice mix of residental, parks, and University of Nebraska campus. The course was a little hilly and there is one good one right at mile 25... ouch. The volunteers were extremely helpful and cheerful. The shirts were good and Nebraska red and the finisher's medal was really cool with a portrait of Lincoln on it. The only complaint was that the water stops were every 3 miles for the 1st 12 miles... which were just a little to spread out for my liking. The next 14 miles the water stops were every where and I really liked the water cups having covers and straws which made it easier to drink. Thanks to all the military service people who helped out not only for the marathon but for everyday.

I ran the half in Lincoln and the thing that stood out the most to me in this race was the amount of spectators. There were hundreds of fans holding signs, playing music and encouraging everyone. It was incredibly motivating and probably contributed to my personal best finish.

Also, the organization was great and the course is a fast route that is mostly flat and for a few miles goes onto to paved trails which was a nice change.

All in all this race was very enjoyable and I will definitely be signing up again next year.

I really didn't know what to expect coming into the race but without a doubt it was a quality marathon. The race was one of the most convenient races I've gone to... plenty of free and close parking for the packet pick up and start/finish line. The course for the marathon was a stroll through some very nice neighborhoods, the university, and parks. The last couple of miles were an out-and-back section, but because of this there were a lot of fans on that section. There are some rolling hills in this course so do a little hill work and the last hill around 25 felt awful on the legs, but there was no way I was stopping.

The T-shirts were great and in Nebraska red and the medals were very cool and even had a portrait of Lincoln on it. The complaint I did have was that for the 1st 12 miles the water stops were spread out around every 3 miles. After 12 miles they were all over the place but scarce for the 1st half. The workers at the water stops were excellent and cheerful and I loved the fact that the cups had lids and straws on them which made them into little water bottles and much easier to drink on the run. Thanks to all the military service people that helped out - not only on that day for the marathon, but for helping out everyday.

Overall the Lincoln Marathon is a well run, first-class event. The course is essentially flat with a few hills of little significance at mile 9 and 19. The first half of the run is more scenic taking runners through beautiful neighborhoods and past the Lincoln Country Club. It is also well protected from the wind, which tends to blow in Lincoln in the spring. The second half of the course is flat but can be windy. It is also less crowded as 75% of the runners run the half marathon and are off the course by then. The first half of the course felt crowded especially a 2-mile stretch on a narrow bike path. Spectators are great, as is the National Guard. Aid stations are fairly sparse, as the first one didn't come until mile 3. They are better in the second half, as the route is essentially out and back. Nice medal, great shirt and the rose at the end was a nice touch. Free pasta feed and free massages. Good value and a great experience for those looking to run a Nebraska marathon.

The course was flat, and it was very well organized with plenty of water stops. In a couple of areas there were also residents along the course handing out water. It was a fun time. There were not a lot of spectators, but the ones out there were vocal. Great course protection from Lincoln's finest. The only thing I would have liked to change was the wind. Too much of it, but what can you do about that? I highly recommend this race. It was a great time.

This was my first half-marathon, and being only thirteen, I wasn't all that sure of myself. All of that was put behind me once I got on the course. All of the spectators were supportive. There wasn't much tough terrain along the way.

The pasta-thon and other food offered were great. Not only that, but there was plenty of water and Allsport at each aid station along the way.

Even if you aren't a runner, it is a great experience no matter how old you are. It's so fun and you'll want to do it again.

This was my first half-marathon, and actually, my first real organized race. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous, but the organization was exceptional and things were fine on race day.

Plenty of NICE bathrooms (not porta-potties) available to use before the race. Well marked course that is relatively flat, drinks every 2 miles, and a nice pasta-thon dinner the night before the race.

I will definitely run this again next year. Great fun.

A great experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow runners and volunteers before and after the race. It was great hearing everybody's training and running experiences.

Organization and execution was first-class. The race started on time and in an area (at the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln campus) where runners can stretch, go to the restroom, and relax before the big moment.

The route was neat because you go through downtown Lincoln, seeing the Capitol, beautiful residential district, beautiful running trail, and then back to downtown.

Post-race celebration includes food, drink, music, and lots of people to talk to about their experience. My wife and I felt very welcome.

There seemed to be every level of athlete at this race from the ironmen and ironwomen studs to the weekend warriors.

Everyone that lined the streets, the friends, families, volunteers and the wonderful Linclon Police Dept. were all very supportive and encouraged us the entire way. I know I could not have done my best without hearing and seeing their applause and needed words of encouragement!!!