Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race

Event overview

The Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K takes place on May 30, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL. The event includes an 8K trail race and a Kids Fun Run with three age-group distances. The 8K course is entirely within the Garden and uses trails next to Lake Springfield and the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds.

Distances

• 8 km (4.97 miles) trail race
• Kids Fun Run: 34 yards, 225 yards, 415 yards

Registration and race items

Online registration opens February 1, 2026. The 8K has a maximum of 300 participants; the Kids Fun Run has no participant limit. Early 8K registration is $32; the regular price is $37 after April 15, 2026. Kids registration is $7.50. A race shirt (50% cotton / 50% polyester) and a wooden tree-branch medallion are provided to 8K finishers; a shirt is guaranteed if registration is received before May 18. Food and drinks are provided after the race. Registration must be completed by each participant on their own phone or computer; there will be no manual or on-site computer registration.

Course, rules and awards

The course surface includes wood-chipped trails, fine-chip gravel, grass, short gravel driveway and several wood-plank bridges. Spiked shoes are not permitted. Packet pickup is scheduled Friday at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield; race-day pickup is at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Awards and $50 gift cards to the Springfield Running Center are planned for top finishers in overall and age-group categories; registrants who select "Prefer not to say" for gender are not eligible for awards. No rain date is scheduled and no refunds are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.