The event has passed.
The Lincoln National Guard Marathon is a premier Nebraska race starting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serving as the official time trials for the All-Guard Marathon Team.
Course Highlights
The Lincoln National Guard Marathon offers a scenic and city-wide running experience that showcases the heart of Nebraska’s capital. The course begins on the vibrant campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, near the historic Memorial Stadium. Runners traverse a large loop through the city, passing through downtown and catching a grand view of the Nebraska State Capitol Building. The route winds through charming residential neighborhoods and public parks, including the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Holmes Lake Park. A notable stretch of the course utilizes the city’s extensive greenway and bike trail system, providing a natural backdrop before returning to the University campus for an energetic finish at the Champions Club.
Race Details
Typically held on the first Sunday in May, the event features both a full 26.2-mile marathon and a 13.1-mile half marathon. The races operate with a wave start beginning at 07:00, with wheelchair and rucksack athletes departing five minutes earlier at 06:55. The course is relatively flat with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain, though marathoners face a challenging incline around mile 19. Participants must adhere to strict time limits: 4 hours for the half marathon and 6 hours and 15 minutes for the full marathon. Aid stations are conveniently spaced every 1.5 to 2.5 miles, providing water, Gatorade, and medical support. The race is a USATF-sanctioned event and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Why Runners Love It
Runners frequently praise the Lincoln Marathon for its exceptional organization and pervasive community support. One of the most unique aspects of the race is its long-standing partnership with the National Guard. For over 40 years, the event has served as the official time trials for the All-Guard Marathon Team, and seeing hundreds of Guard members running in uniform or rucking adds a powerful patriotic atmosphere. Spectator energy is high throughout the course, with locals providing unofficial aid like popsicles and fruit snacks. The finish line experience is a particular highlight, as runners complete their journey just steps away from the iconic “Sea of Red” at Memorial Stadium, receiving a high-quality medal and celebrating at a well-stocked post-race party.
At a Glance
- Location: Lincoln, NE — United States
- Next Date: 2026-05-03
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.lincolnmarathon.org
The Lincoln National Guard Marathon is a premier Nebraska race starting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serving as the official time trials for the All-Guard Marathon Team.
Course Highlights
The Lincoln National Guard Marathon offers a scenic and city-wide running experience that showcases the heart of Nebraska’s capital. The course begins on the vibrant campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, near the historic Memorial Stadium. Runners traverse a large loop through the city, passing through downtown and catching a grand view of the Nebraska State Capitol Building. The route winds through charming residential neighborhoods and public parks, including the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Holmes Lake Park. A notable stretch of the course utilizes the city’s extensive greenway and bike trail system, providing a natural backdrop before returning to the University campus for an energetic finish at the Champions Club.
Race Details
Typically held on the first Sunday in May, the event features both a full 26.2-mile marathon and a 13.1-mile half marathon. The races operate with a wave start beginning at 07:00, with wheelchair and rucksack athletes departing five minutes earlier at 06:55. The course is relatively flat with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain, though marathoners face a challenging incline around mile 19. Participants must adhere to strict time limits: 4 hours for the half marathon and 6 hours and 15 minutes for the full marathon. Aid stations are conveniently spaced every 1.5 to 2.5 miles, providing water, Gatorade, and medical support. The race is a USATF-sanctioned event and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Why Runners Love It
Runners frequently praise the Lincoln Marathon for its exceptional organization and pervasive community support. One of the most unique aspects of the race is its long-standing partnership with the National Guard. For over 40 years, the event has served as the official time trials for the All-Guard Marathon Team, and seeing hundreds of Guard members running in uniform or rucking adds a powerful patriotic atmosphere. Spectator energy is high throughout the course, with locals providing unofficial aid like popsicles and fruit snacks. The finish line experience is a particular highlight, as runners complete their journey just steps away from the iconic “Sea of Red” at Memorial Stadium, receiving a high-quality medal and celebrating at a well-stocked post-race party.
At a Glance
- Location: Lincoln, NE — United States
- Next Date: 2026-05-03
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.lincolnmarathon.org