Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K

Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails – with the course entirely situated within the Garden - will test runners’ stamina over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic Garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield, and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds.  And, not to be left out, the kids can enjoy a Fun Run around the pond at the Cawley Meadow.  

We greatly appreciate the following very positive comments from previous races:

                                            “The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful,

                                                      and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”

                                                             “Thanks for the great race.  I really enjoyed it!”

                                        “This was one of the best marked trails I have ever been on.  There wasn’t

                                                              a chance anyone could get lost on that course.”

                    “You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it.”

On-line registration is now open and will remain open until race day or until the 300-person participation limit has been reached.  See the different registration prices below.  Register early and receive a $5 discount off the regular price.  

Race Particulars  

8K Start Time:  7:30 a.m.        Kids Fun Run Start Time:  9:00 a.m.

Registration site:  https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/LincolnMemorialGarden

8K Trail Race  - Registration ends at race time.  Regarding late/race-day registrations, you will need to register on your own phone/computer; there will be no manual registration or on-site computers for registration at packet pickup or on race day.

Each participant receives a dry-fit shirt and a wooden tree branch medallion at race finish.  Food and drinks are provided after the race to participants.

Kids Fun Run  -  No limit on number of participants.  Each participant receives a dry-fit shirt and a finishing medal.  Age groups:  4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over.  The Youngest age group will run a straightaway next to the pond; the Middle group runs one lap around the pond; and the Older kids will run 2 laps around the pond.  Registration ends at race time.  Regarding late/race-day registrations, you will need to register on your own phone/computer; there will be no manual registration or on-site computers for registration at packet pickup or on race day.

Packet pickup:  Friday 4-6 p.m. at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield. Race-day pickup at LMG starts at 6:30 a.m.

The 8K is a no-spike race – the start/finish area is sidewalk and porous pavement.  There are also many wood-plank bridges throughout the course that spikes would damage. The bulk of the course is wood-chipped trails, fine-chip gravel trails, and grass trails.  There is also a short length of gravel driveway.

Course Map:   https://runsignup.com/Race/LincolnMemorialGarden/Page/CourseMap 

Awards for the 8K will be given to the winning man and woman finishers, to the first finishing man and woman Masters runners (40 and over), and then to the top three men and top three women finishers in the following age groups:  19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over.  The winning man and woman runners and the first finishing man and woman Masters runners will also receive $50 gift cards from the Springfield Running Center (Thank you Tracy!).

Special Project:  Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project?  LMG would like to buy a spotting scope for wildlife viewing to enhance visitor experience when coming to the Garden.

Check out the LMG Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/lincolnmemorialgarden/   Thanks to contributions from last year's runners, we were able to purchase a sound system, so that visitors can now "hear" the birds from inside the Nature Center.  You are the best; thank you, runners!! 

LMG website:  https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/

Thank you for your participation and support of Lincoln Memorial Garden!