8K Trail Race and Kids Fun Run

After our successful return in 2022, the eighth edition of the Lincoln Memorial Garden (LMG) 8K Trail Race in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday June 3, 2023.  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.  And, not to be left out, the kids can enjoy a Fun Run around the pond at the Cawley Meadow.

We greatly appreciate the following very positive comments from the 2022 Race:

“The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful, and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”

“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.”

“Thanks for the great race.  I really enjoyed it!”

“You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it.”

On-line registration is now open and will remain open until Saturday June 3, 2023 at race time     (7:30 a.m.) or until the 300-person participation limit has been reached.  See different registration prices below.  Register early (before April 15, 2023) and receive a $5 discount off the regular price.

Race Particulars 

Race Date:  Saturday June 3, 2023  (no rain date is scheduled)

8K Start Time:  7:30 a.m.        Kids Fun Run Start Time:  9:00 a.m.

8K Trail Race  –  Early Registration is $30;  $35 after April 14, 2022;  $40 after 12:00 a.m. June 2, 2023.  A signup fee applies to all registrations.  Registration ends at race time.  Regarding late/race-day registrations, 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.

Each participant receives a dry-fit shirt and a wooden tree branch medallion at race finish.  Receipt of a shirt is only guaranteed if registration is received before May 9.  Food and drinks are provided after the race to participants.

Kids Fun Run  –  No limit on number of participants.  Registration is $6 plus a signup fee.  Each participant receives a dry-fit shirt and a finishing medal.  Receipt of a shirt is only guaranteed if registration is received before May 9.     Age groups:  4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over.  The Youngest age group will run a straightaway next to the pond; the Middle group runs one lap around the pond; and the Older kids will run 2 laps around the pond.  Registration ends at race time.  Regarding late/race-day registrations, 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.

Packet pickup:  Friday June 2, 2023  4-6 p.m.  Site TBD.  Race-day pickup at LMG starts at 6:30 a.m.

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 Map:

Awards for the 8K will be given to the winning male and female finishers, the winning male and female Masters runners (Age 40 and over), and then 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, 70 and over.

Special Project:  Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project?  LMG would like to buy a spotting scope for wildlife viewing to enhance visitor experience when coming to LMG.

LMG website:  https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/

Thank you for your participation and for supporting Lincoln Memorial Garden!