Course Map
About this Race
The Lincoln Marathon is a flat, fast course through the Nebraska capital, a long-running favorite among Midwestern runners chasing a Boston qualifier. The course winds past the university campus and downtown neighborhoods before finishing inside Memorial Stadium. Held in May, it typically offers mild spring conditions, though a strong prairie wind can build on exposed stretches. The crowds are warm and collegiate, especially near campus. It suits runners who want a reliable, well-organized qualifier course in a welcoming college-town setting.
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 elevation
- +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.