Overview
The Lincoln Marathon draws approximately 1,052 finishers each May on an urban road in Lincoln, United States. It is Nebraska's premier marathon and a long-standing Boston-qualifier with a competitive Midwestern field each spring. The course passes the Capitol, the University of Nebraska campus, and tree-lined city boulevards through the Star City. The Capitol, University of Nebraska campus, and tree-lined boulevards roll through the Star City on Nebraska's premier Boston-qualifier each May.
Lincoln Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Lincoln Marathon 2027 race day
The next Lincoln Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Lincoln Marathon course route
The Lincoln Marathon is a rolling urban road course with moderate climbs. Starts and finishes near downtown Lincoln and the Nebraska State Capitol area. The course passes the Capitol, the University of Nebraska campus, and tree-lined city boulevards through the Star City. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs.
Lincoln Marathon elevation profile
The Lincoln Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
Lincoln Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://www.lincolnmarathon.org/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Lincoln Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
The 49th Annual Lincoln Marathon 2026: 3D Video Course Map | 42.2 km - Lincoln
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Lincoln Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
- The Lincoln Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Lincoln Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
- What is the Lincoln Marathon elevation profile?
- The Lincoln Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Lincoln Marathon?
- The Lincoln Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes near downtown Lincoln and the Nebraska State Capitol area.
- What time does the Lincoln Marathon start?
- The 2027 Lincoln Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.lincolnmarathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Lincoln Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes near downtown Lincoln and the Nebraska State Capitol area. Updated course maps are published at https://www.lincolnmarathon.org/ each year.
- When is the Lincoln Marathon and how do I register?
- Lincoln Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://www.lincolnmarathon.org/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Lincoln Marathon course flat?
- The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://www.lincolnmarathon.org/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Lincoln Marathon pass?
- The route passes the Nebraska State Capitol, the UNL campus, and leafy Lincoln boulevards.
- What weather should runners expect at Lincoln Marathon?
- Early May mornings are usually cool with a quick warm-up and moderate spring winds on the prairie.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
