Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon
Lincoln City, United States • 20 Sep 2026
Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon / 14K / 5k : Race information
The Honest Abe Trail Run takes place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City, Spencer County, Indiana. The event comprises three distances held inside the park, with the start and finish area located near the Lincoln Amphitheatre.
Distances
- Marathon (three loops around the park)
- 14K (one loop around the park)
- 5k (paved and gravel roads)
The primary trail course is mostly double-track with some gravel and a few road crossings. The marathon is three laps of the loop and the 14K is one lap. The 5k follows paved and gravel roads and does not have an aid station along its route.
There are two aid stations for the looped course: one at the start/finish and one at the loop midpoint (4.3 miles). Aid station supplies include water, Gatorade, bananas, and snacks. Runners are encouraged to carry refillable bottles. Marathon runners may leave a drop bag near the start/finish; these will be available at miles 9.1 and 17.7 and will be exposed to the elements.
Official time limits apply: a seven hour overall limit and a requirement that marathoners begin the third loop before the five hour mark or be recorded as DNF. Awards go to the top two male and top two female finishers in each race. Finisher mementos for marathon finishers will be small and environmentally friendly.
Registration occurs through RunSignUp with no participant cap. Early and late registration pricing applies; online registration remains open through September 19, 2026 at noon CDT. Entry fees vary by distance and registration period. The event is organized by Friends of Lincoln State Park and proceeds are donated to Lincoln State Park for projects such as tree planting and trail maintenance.
Parking is at the Lincoln Amphitheatre; follow park signage from the entrance. The park charges a per-vehicle entry fee ($7 for Indiana tags, $9 for out-of-state) and encourages carpooling. Lincoln State Park also offers camping and cabin lodging, and surrounding towns provide hotel options. Volunteers are sought to assist for the full duration of the event and will receive modest appreciation for their help. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.