Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K

🌳 Race Overview

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.

💬 Runners' Feedback

• Positive Remarks: "The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful, and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed."
• Enjoyable Race: "Thanks for the great race. I really enjoyed it!”
• Well Marked Trails: "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."
• Happy Runners: "You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it."

🏃‍♂️ Kids Fun Run

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

🗓️ Registration Details

On-line registration will open on February 1, 2026. See the different registration prices below. Register early and receive a $5 discount off the regular price for the 8K.

📅 Race Particulars

• Race Date: Saturday May 30, 2026 (No rain date is scheduled and there are no refunds available for this race).
• 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
• Registration Opens: February 1, 2026.

💰 Registration Fees

• 8K Trail Race: Early Registration is $32: $37 after April 15, 2026 plus a variable signup fee.
• Capacity: Registration is open to a maximum of 300 participants.
• Participant Benefits: Each participant receives a shirt and a wooden medallion at race finish, along with food and drinks provided after the race.
• Fun Run Registration: No limit on the number of participants: $10 plus a variable signup fee, each participant receives a t-shirt and a finishing medal.

📦 Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be held on 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.

🚫 No Spike Policy

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 Information

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

🏆 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. Awards will also be presented to the second finishing non-binary runner and 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.

🤝 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 to enhance visitor experience, and shade material for an enlarged covered stage area, which will be used to help keep our summer camp kids from getting too much sun during their activities. Thank you, runners!

🌐 Visit Us

LMG website: https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/

🙏 Thank You

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