The Lincoln Marathon is run on a citywide course that starts and finishes on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Marathon and haf-marathon runners share a common start and run a loop route past the Nebraska State Capitol, along Sheridan Boulevard, past Union College, along the Highway 2 bike path, past the Lincoln County-City Building and back to the Half-Marathon finish on the UNL Campus. Marathoners then follow an out-and-back route to Holmes Park passing the Sunken Gardens, Folsom Children's Zoo and Antelope Park.
The Lincoln Marathon was the 90th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 114th largest in 2022.
This year 13.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 11.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Lincoln Marathon the 156th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 101st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.86 ranks it as the 224th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in Nebraska.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Lincoln Marathon a PR Score of 98.86. This PR Score ranks it as the 166th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Nebraska.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Lincoln Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1306 feet (398m) Min Elevation: 1146 feet (349m)
The best thing about this marathon is the volunteers. They were always looking at race bibs and encouraging us by name. Since there were only 800 full marathoners I guess each one was special.
Race Tips
It seemed more hilly than advertised, rolling hills, but nothing not doable. It was actually a great course. We had great weather so that helped. The aide stations all have water and Gatorade. After the halfers split off they have Gu at most stations. Sometimes they are just on the table so you have to look for them.
The downtown hotels are definitely walkable. I was concerned that I would do too much walking before the race but it was fine. Don't drive and park---there's so much road closures it would be another marathon getting out!
Tw's review of 2023 Lincoln Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great atmosphere
Pot holes
More port a potties at the start
The half marathon is absolutely terrific - very well organized, lots of crowd support, great after party, and a fast flat easy course. Very highly recommended for a NE half marathon!
The marathon can be very challenging. My friends & I ran into very hot weather three of the last five years. Early May is too late in the spring in NE to have a good chance at cooler temps. There is almost no shade on the last 13 miles of the course and we encountered temps in the 80s & full sun for hours 3 and 4 of the race. Many racers who typically finish around 4 to 5 hours were impacted. The course is flat and the organizers did a great job with extra water stops & watching over the runners. The heat & sun may prevent a fast run or BQ on the full.
Race Tips
Run the half - it is a terrific race!!! For a full in NE look for another race in April or October to have a better chance at cooler temps.
Watch the timing if you are traveling from out of town. Several years the event was scheduled the same weekend as Warren Buffetts annual conference in nearby Omaha which lead to high air fares & hotel prices. We flew into Kansas City & drove up for the race.
DJD's review of 2019 Lincoln Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Lincoln is a hidden gem, both the town and the race. It is a qualifier for the National Guard, so there a lot of military personnel and veterans groups, which is cool. The front half is a loop through town, and the back half is an out and back. You finish on the 50 yard line of Husker Stadium. If you're sub 4 hour you will likely pass within arms distance of the elites. Smaller expo, and after race amenities, but great community support, and the race seems like it is growing.
Race Tips
It can get warm on the back half. Bring sunscreen. If you're in for the full
Book your hotels early and get out to dinner early. It is often the same weekend as the university's graduation ceremony, but it didn't seem to make much of an impact on availability for those who plan ahead. Plenty of parking near the start/finish.
RS's review of 2017 Lincoln Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I did the half in 2016 and the full in 2017. Very well organized and lots of spectator support! The pacers are awesome! They base the splits on the course elevation and if you can stick with them the race will be a lot more fun! I would like to say this is a great PR course, and it could be if it wasn't so crowded. Unfortunately, the first 13 miles are crowded with half-marathoners so it is impossible to run the tangents and you will do some weaving. But if you are fast and can get out front, then this is a course for you!
Race Tips
The course is mostly flat with some small hills. But nothing too bad. I am terrible on hills and they didn't bother me too much.
Stay downtown near the race start. There are several nice hotels within walking distance. The downtown area is very nice with lots of good restaurants. There is a downtown farmer's market on Saturday that is fun to visit.
