Lincoln Marathon

This was our first race back post-Covid and we couldn't have chosen a better one. We've found any race that's organized by a running group is typically done very well and this was no exception. This is the longest running marathon in Nebraska and Lincoln is a great city to visit. Unfortunately, they had to cancel the Expo due to Covid. The course provides a nice tour of the city and normally finishes in the Lincoln Memorial Stadium (where the Cornhuskers play) though we finished in the track & field stadium. The half and full run together for entire time until right at the end where anyone doing the full can see and hear the finish line party as you trudge away to do another 13.1! Lincoln has a lot of nice greenways. You run on them some, but there is more street running with coned off traffic. The last half of the marathon is primarily an out and back. The aid stations were very good and well stocked. I'd describe the fan support along the course as strong. The swag included a medal, t-shirt, and marathon themed face mask (let's hope that ends up being a one-time keepsake)! Lincoln is a fun college city. The downtown area around the Historic Haymarket is always hopping, a very fun atmosphere. There are lots of other attractions in the area, the zoo was particularly enjoyable. And we actually escaped from an Escape Room for a change! You can get a good feel of the race, place and taste from our YouTube video at Race The Nation.

Lincoln is likely not your idea of a destination marathon. Maybe it should be. The course, 1st half was full of positive energy from the city. You even run past Nebraska's unique 14 story state house. The 2nd half was a semi lonely stretch out and back finishing up in Memorial Stadium, home of the Cornhuskers football team. Loved hearing my name and town announced over the loudspeaker as I approached the 50 yard line. CHOCOLATE Milk, fountain Pepsi products, gatorade, were a nice touch right off the field under the bleachers. Medal was great compared to to years ago, mediocre by todays standards, but you don't run a marathon for the medal anyway. Right?

I was worried about the the last half of the race after reading previous comments on this site but must say I was pleasantly surprised! I would have liked a little more shade on the back half but overall I enjoyed the course! Spectators and volunteers were amazing throughout...couldn't have survived the hot day without them. Thank you Lincoln for a wonderful experience!!!