Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon

Haven't posted in a while since I haven't run any races in new Illinois counties. Family obligations kept me from the Delavan Half Marathon in March but hopefully next year. Saturday, however, I ran the Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon in Springfield. Since I already have run several races in Sangamon County, it didn't add to my county total, which stands at 13, but I will use it as my race of record for Sangamon, since it is the longest race there. In counties with multiple races, I will try to run either the longest race or the race that is best known. In Sangamon County, for example, my previous race of record would have been Abe's Amble, a 10k, even though I ran the Frost Bite Classic, a 10 miler. Abe's Amble is the more famous race. But, the Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon combines distance and prestige. In macon County, as another example, I've run a ten mile race but my race of record would be the Shoreline Classic 15K, which I think is the most prestigous race in Macon.

As for the Lincoln Half Marathon itself, I have nothing but praise. It was a beautiful day for running. There had been a practice run two weeks ago that I think I ran better than the actual race, but my time, 2:06, was ok for my first half marathon in 21 years. There was a nice shirt and an even nicer medal given for the race. The course is flat until the last five miles or so, when some hills pop up.

I would definitely recommend this race to anyone wanting to do a half marathon. It has history (Abe himself was on hand to start the race), a bit of a challenge with the hills but not too much, and everything about it was very professionally done. the sandwiches after therace were great. My only regret is that I didn't stop by Sammy's Bar afterwards for my one cent beer (Get it? You pay for it with a Lincoln penny, which, conveniently enough, the race even provides).