Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race
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Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K
The event comprises an 8K trail race held entirely within Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield, Illinois, plus an accompanying Kids Fun Run around the pond at Cawley Meadow. The 8K course follows scenic trails and pathways within the Garden, along trails next to Lake Springfield, and across the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds.
The course surface includes wood-chipped trails, fine-chip gravel, grass trails, a short gravel driveway, and multiple wood-plank bridges. Spiked shoes are not permitted because of sidewalk, porous pavement, and fragile wooden bridges. Registration opens February 1, 2026; early registration for the 8K is listed at $32 with a higher rate after April 15, 2026. The 8K has a maximum of 300 participants; the Kids Fun Run has no participant limit. There are no refunds and no rain date scheduled.
Participants in the 8K receive a shirt and a wooden medallion at the finish; kids receive a t-shirt and a finishing medal. Awards for the 8K include top overall men, women, and non-binary finishers, masters winners aged 40 and over, and age-group awards. Some winners receive a $50 gift card to the Springfield Running Center. Packet pickup is available Friday at the Springfield Running Center and on race day at Lincoln Memorial Garden.
Distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 8K Trail Race (8 kilometers, 4.97 miles)
- Kids Fun Run: 34 yards, 225 yards, 415 yards
