The 2026 Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois, United States. The event starts at the Old State Capitol Plaza and finishes near the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, offering runners a scenic and historically rich route through the heart of the city. Springfield’s weather on April 11 is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F and mostly clear skies. Participants will have the opportunity to run through some of the most significant locations in Lincoln’s life, including his home, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, and his final resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The course is USATF certified and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for runners of all levels.
What is the distance of the event?
→Half Marathon: 13.1 miles
What is the start and finish location of the event?
→Start: Corner of Washington and 6th Street, by the Old State Capitol Plaza
→Finish: One block from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library
What is the cut-off time for the event?
→3 hours 30 minutes, which equates to a pace of approximately 16 minutes per mile
Are there pace groups available for the event?
→Yes, pace groups are available for finishing times ranging from 1:30 to 3:30
What is the course like?
→The course is a fully paved road route that takes runners through Springfield's most iconic Abraham Lincoln historical sites. Key landmarks include the Old State Capitol, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln's Home, Washington Park, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lincoln Park, and the Union Train Station.
When is packet pickup available?
→Packet pickup is available on Friday, April 10, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Old State Capitol
→On race day, packet pickup is available from 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM at the same location
What hydration and nutrition options are available on the course?
→Water stops at miles 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 11
→Gatorade available at stops #2 (mile 3), #4 (mile 7), #5 (mile 9), and #6 (mile 11)
→GU Nutrition available at stop #3 near mile 6
Where are the porta-potties located on the course?
→After the Lincoln Home area (~mile 1)
→Washington Park (~mile 6)
→Near the water stop at mile 7.5
→Lincoln Park (~mile 10)
What happens after the race?
→Post-race festivities will be held at the Old State Capitol
→Drink tickets are redeemable at Bloom Wine Bar or Anvil & Forge
→Awards will be given for Overall (1st), Masters (1st), and Age Groups (1st–3rd), ranging from 14-and-under to 80-and-over
→No awards ceremony will be held; awards must be picked up at the awards table past the finish line on race morning only
What is the event schedule?
→Start Time: 7:30 AM
→Packet Pickup: Friday, April 10, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and race morning, 6:30 AM – 7:15 AM
What facilities are available on the course?
→Porta-potties at strategic locations along the course
→Hydration and nutrition stations at designated miles
→Water and Gatorade stops for runner refreshment
What should participants know about the weather?
→Springfield's weather on April 11, 2026, is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F and mostly clear skies
→Runners are encouraged to dress in layers and prepare for potential temperature fluctuations
Are there any road closures on the event day?
→Washington St (between 5th and 6th) will be closed from 4:00 PM on Friday
→6th Street (northbound) will be closed between Cook and Madison from approximately 6:30 AM on Saturday
What is included in the race registration?
→Access to the course and all hydration/nutrition stations
→Participation in the post-race festivities
→A race bib and timing chip
→A finisher’s medal and drink tickets
Are there any restrictions on the event?
→No awards ceremony will be held; awards must be picked up on race day
→Participants must complete the course within the 3-hour 30-minute cut-off time
→Pace groups are available for runners aiming to finish between 1:30 and 3:30 hours
