Course Map
About this Race
The Philadelphia Marathon is a fast, fairly flat course through the historic American city, passing Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the famous Rocky steps of the Art Museum before an out-and-back along the Schuylkill River to Manayunk. The gentle profile and smooth roads make it a popular Boston-qualifying and personal-best target, with only modest rises to interrupt the rhythm. Held in November, it offers crisp, cool autumn conditions ideal for hard racing. Enthusiastic crowds line the early downtown miles, thinning along the river out-and-back. It suits the PB-focused runner who wants a fast course steeped in American history at the tail end of the fall racing season.
Course Insight
Lincoln is a flat, fast May marathon across Nebraska, smooth and BQ-friendly with wind as its main variable. The level terrain leaves restraint to you on the open early kilometres. A strong prairie breeze can build, so tuck into a pack on exposed stretches. Late-spring warmth is worth managing with fluids. Pace it evenly and the flat course delivers the time you trained for.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 136m
- Elevation loss
- 133m
- Highest point
- 397m
- Lowest point
- 347m
- Net drop
- 3m
- Start
- 4th and Vine Streets
- Cutoff time
- 6h 15m
Race History
The Lincoln National Guard Marathon was first held in 1978 and became a long-running, well-organized favorite among Midwestern runners chasing a Boston qualifier. Its flat, gently rolling course through the Nebraska capital kept the focus on even pacing. From its founding it built a reputation as a reliable qualifier. Held each May, it draws a field to the welcoming college town.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Lincoln (LNK), Omaha Eppley (OMA)
- Best area to stay
- The Haymarket downtown for proximity to the route and lively stays, the campus area for value options, and South Lincoln for quieter motels.
- Getting to the start
- The start is near the university/downtown; walk from downtown hotels, with the finish inside Memorial Stadium.