Lincoln Marathon

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lincolnmarathon.org/
2025 Marathon Date: 04/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 03/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:21:58
% Sub-3s: 5–10%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Lincoln Marathon, held each May in the capital city of Nebraska, is a long-established event with a loyal following across the Midwest running community. Known for its grassroots charm and smooth execution, the race delivers a reliable experience for athletes targeting serious marathon goals.

The course begins near the University of Nebraska campus and winds through city streets, parks and suburban roads before returning to Memorial Stadium for a dramatic finish on the football field. The terrain is largely flat with a few gentle rollers, especially in the later miles, but nothing steep or sustained. The surface is fast and consistent throughout.

Weather conditions in early May are generally favourable, with cool morning temperatures and low humidity. The race starts early enough to avoid rising warmth, though occasional wind can appear on the more open stretches of the course.

Crowd support is focused in the downtown area, around the university, and at designated cheering zones. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, with a strong volunteer presence and clear community engagement. Hydration stations are frequent and well-managed.

The Lincoln Marathon typically draws a strong field of club runners and regional competitors. While the event isn’t large, it consistently attracts a solid number of sub-3 athletes, offering enough pacing company without overcrowding the course.

Organisation is a strong point—everything from packet pickup to the post-race setup is efficient and thoughtfully managed. The finish inside Memorial Stadium adds a memorable flourish to what is otherwise a quietly focused race.

For sub-3 hopefuls seeking a dependable spring marathon with a personal touch, the Lincoln Marathon is a smart choice. It offers good conditions, manageable terrain, and a serious but low-pressure race environment.