Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K

Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K

The latest edition of the Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race and associated Kids Fun Run in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 30, 2026. 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.

Previous Race Feedback

• Well Laid Out: "The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful,
• Post-Race Treats: "and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”
• Great Experience: "Thanks for the great race. I really enjoyed it!”
• Exceptional Markings: "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.”
• Positive Impact: "You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it.”

Fun Run Information

And, not to be left out, the kids can enjoy a Fun Run around the pond at the Cawley Meadow.

Registration Details

• Opening Date: On-line registration will open on February 1, 2026.
• Early Registration Discount: Register early and receive a $5 discount off the regular price for the 8K.
• Race Date: May 30, 2026 (No rain date is scheduled and there are no refunds available for this race).
• Start Times: 8K Start Time: 7:30 a.m. | Kids Fun Run Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

Registration Fees

8K Trail Race: Early Registration is $32: $37 after April 15, 2026 plus a variable signup fee.

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.

Registration is open to a maximum of 300 participants. Each participant receives a shirt and a wooden medallion at race finish. Food and drinks are provided after the race to participants.

Kids Fun Run

No limit on the number of participants. Registration is $10 plus a variable signup fee. Each participant receives a t-shirt and a finishing medal. Age groups: 4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over.

• Youngest Group: Will run a straightaway next to the pond (34 yards).
• Middle Group: Runs one lap around the pond (225 yards).
• Older Kids: Will run 2 laps around the pond (415 yards).
• Registration Cutoff: Ends 15 minutes before race time.

Packet Pickup

Friday from 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.

Course Information

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.

Awards

Awards for the 8K will be given to the winning man, woman, and non-binary finishers and to the first finishing man and woman Masters runners (40 and over). These race winners and Masters winners will also receive a $50 gift card to the Springfield Running Center.

Special Project

Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project? Thanks to these extra donations from runners, LMG has purchased a spotting scope and tripod for wildlife viewing, an audio system for the bird feeder area, and shade material for an enlarged covered stage area, which will be used for summer camp kids.

Useful Links

• Race Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/LincolnMemorialGarden
• Course Map: https://runsignup.com/Race/LincolnMemorialGarden/Page/CourseMap
• LMG Website: https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/

Thank You!

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