Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K

2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield IL

Saturday, June 7th, 2025

🏞️ 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 June 7, 2025. 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.

🗣️ Racer Feedback

Well Laid Out: “The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful, and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”
Great Experience: “Thanks for the great race. I really enjoyed it!”
Well Marked: “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.”
Returning Favorite: “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, 2025. 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 June 7, 2025 (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 opening: Registration will open on February 1, 2024.

🏃 8K Trail Race

Cost: Early Registration is $32: $37 after April 15, 2025 plus a variable signup fee.
Limit: Registration is open to a maximum of 300 participants.
Inclusions: Each participant receives a super-comfortable 50% cotton / 50% polyester shirt and a wooden tree branch medallion at race finish.
Food and drinks: Provided after the race to participants.

👦 Kids Fun Run

Cost: Registration is $7.50 plus a variable signup fee.
Age Groups: 4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over.
Distance: Various distances based on age category.
Limit: No limit on the number of participants.

📦 Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be 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.

🚫 Race Restrictions

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.

🗺️ Elevation Data and Course Map

Course Map

🏆 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.

💖 Special Project Donation

Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project? Last year, thanks to extra donations from runners, LMG bought a spotting scope and tripod for wildlife viewing. This year, funds will help purchase shade netting for summer camp activities.