From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find fun run events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Join us for a 5K Fun Run/Walk benefiting the American Heart Association, proudly sponsored by the Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization. This event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels - whether you run, jog, or walk, every step makes a difference.
Proceeds from this event will support life - saving research, education, and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease and improving heart health. Together, we will honor the lives lost to cardiovascular disease and support survivors and their families who continue to face its challenges every day.
Come together as a community to raise awareness, celebrate strength, and resilience, and help build a future with healthier hearts for all. Lace up your shoes, wear red, and help us make an impact - one step at a time.
At registration there will be hearts to put the name of your loved one who you run/walk for. Red = Survivors; White = For loved ones we lost
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 May 30, 2026. 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.
We greatly appreciate the following very positive comments from previous races:
“The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful,
and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”
“Thanks for the great race. I really enjoyed it!”
“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.”
“You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it.”
And, not to be left out, the kids can enjoy a Fun Run around the pond at the Cawley Meadow.
On-line registration will open on February 1, 2026 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 May 30, 2026 (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 will open on February 1, 2026.
8K Trail Race - Early Registration is $32; $37 after April 15, 2026 plus a variable signup fee.
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.
Registration is open to a maximum of 300 participants. Each participant receives a shirt and a wooden medallion at race finish. Food and drinks are provided after the race to participants. For both the 8K and Fun Runs, receipt of a shirt is guaranteed if registration is received before TBD. Registration remains open until 15 minutes before race time or until the 300-person participation limit is reached, whichever is sooner.
Kids Fun Run - No limit on number of participants. Registration is $10 plus a variable signup fee. Each participant receives a t-shirt and a finishing medal. Age groups: 4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over. The Youngest age group will run a straightaway next to the pond (34 yards); the Middle group runs one lap around the pond (225 yards); and the Older kids will run 2 laps around the pond (415 yards). Registration ends 15 minutes before race time. 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 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.
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.
Elevation Data and Course Map: https://runsignup.com/Race/LincolnMemorialGarden/Page/CourseMap
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 (Thank you, Tracy!). Awards will also be presented to the second finishing non-binary runner and 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, and 70 and over. Registrants selecting "Prefer not to say" under gender selection are not eligible for awards.
Special Project: Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project? Thanks to these extra donations from runners, LMG has purchased a spotting scope and tripod for wildlife viewing, an audio system for the bird feeder area to enhance visitor experience, and shade material for an enlarged covered stage area, which will be used to help keep our summer camp kids from getting too much sun during their activities. Thank you, runners!!
LMG website: https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/
Thank you for your participation and support of Lincoln Memorial Garden!
A fun run/walk for all ages and abilities!
The race will support the NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to continue funding a variety of items/programs to support our tiniest patients at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital.
Please come join us for this great fundraising event!
Click here if you are interested in donating. You will also have an opportunity to donate when you sign up for the event.
ALERT: T-shirt cut off is Monday, June 1st. No guarantee of a shirt after that date.
Race Time:
Your overall finish time (chip start & finish) will be recorded and text messaged to your cell phone immediately after you finish. Results for everyone will be uploaded to RunSignUp.com after the race as well.
Awards:
Finisher medal for all participants.
Award Medals for Overall 1st, 2nd & 3rd place finishers for male and female in the 3K & 5K.
Medallions to pin on your finisher medal will go to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age bracket.
Brackets: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 and above.
Awards to the top fundraising team and top fundraising individual.
BE A FUNDRAISING CHAMPION
Create your own personal fundraising page here! Fundraise as an individual or as a team! You'll be given the option when you sign up for the race to become a fundraising champion or join an existing fundraising team.
Join the fun and be a champion fundraiser! Click here: CHAMPION FUNDRAISER
PRE-EVENT PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, June 19th, 10 am until 6 pm
Packet Pickup with be on the 1st floor at the Hollis Building, 3051 Hollis Drive, Springfield.
Be ready to go before you arrive at the run!
RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP
Race day pick up starts at 7:30am - Best to pickup at the HOLLIS Bldg. on 6/19 if you can.
VOLUNTEERS
SIGN UP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAEAB2FA6F5CE9-55661784-packet
SIGN UP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAEAB2FA6F5CE9-55942153-lm5k
Thank you sponsors!
Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence at the 2026 Freedom Run! 🇺🇸
Fastscore Race Timing and Productions is proud to present the 2026 Fourth of July Freedom Run at Centennial Park — a truly historic edition as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the formation of the United States of America.
On July 4, 2026, runners and walkers will gather at sunrise to honor a nation founded on freedom, perseverance, and bold vision. There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than moving forward together — one stride at a time.
🏅 All-American Trail Trek Series
The Freedom Run is the 2nd trail trek in the All-American Trail Trek Series, a three-race journey celebrating iconic local trails and patriotic dates:
Abe Lincoln Trail Trek – April 4
Freedom Run – July 4
Washington Park Trail Trek – September 5
Register for all three races and earn:
☕ A commemorative All-American Trail Trek coffee mug. Click Here To See Logo
⌚ Automatic entry into a drawing for a Garmin Forerunner watch
Race Day Experience
The race begins at the top of Centennial Park Hill, sending participants downhill into a scenic and spirited finish that mirrors the momentum of a nation built on progress.
5K – Extended through the wildlife sanctuary
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk – A shortened, accessible route for all ages
10K – Featuring the Sangamon Valley Trail for those ready to go the distance
All races are chip-timed with a 7:30 AM start, beginning at the top of the hill and finishing at the bottom.
Packet Pickup
Race-day packet pickup begins at 6:15 AM near the finish line at the Sangamon Valley Trail & Bunker Hill Road trailhead.
Post-Race Celebration
Cross the finish line on the south side of the hill and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with breakfast food, drinks, and patriotic spirit as the community comes together for this milestone moment.
The Fun Run/Walk follows the same general route but does not enter the wildlife sanctuary.
Swag & Awards
Every participant receives a Freedom Run commemorative finisher t-shirt and medal, honoring this once-in-a-generation anniversary.
Awards will be presented to:
Top overall male and female finishers
Top finishers in each 10-year age bracket (from 10 & under through 80+)
This isn’t just another Fourth of July race — it’s a celebration of 250 years of freedom, community, and the enduring American spirit.
Run with purpose. Run with history. Run for freedom.
Run Your Bundts Off 2026
Benefiting Girls on the Run of Central Illinois & True North Running
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Location: Lincoln Park Pavilion, Springfield, IL
Distances: 5K Run or 2-Mile Walk
Start Time: 8:00 AM (please line up by 7:45 AM)
Contact: Sean Urban – [email protected]
Event Overview
Join us for the 2026 Run Your Bundts Off, a fun, welcoming community race that brings runners, walkers, and families together for a great cause. Whether you’re chasing a PR or enjoying a relaxed walk through Lincoln Park, this event has something for everyone.
All event profits benefit Girls on the Run of Central Illinois and True North Running, helping support youth programming and the local running community.
What Participants Receive
• Bundtinis waiting for you at the finish line
• Complimentary race photos provided by Madeline at Almalee Photography
• A custom finisher medal to celebrate your accomplishment
• Race T-shirt provided by Impressions Designs
• Chip-timed results for 5K participants
• A positive, family-friendly race experience
Community Partners
We’re proud to partner with the following businesses and organizations who help make Run Your Bundts Off possible:
Springfield Running Center
Supplement Superstore
Modern Mailing & Printing
Portillo's of Springfield
UIS Athletics
Broadway Graham Wealth Partners
Orangetheory Fitness
We love teaming up with awesome businesses & organizations who want to support the community and cheer on our runners. If you’re interested in being a sponsor, donating swag, or setting up a expo table, we’d love to chat!
📧 Reach out to Sean Urban at [email protected] and let’s make something sweet happen.
Start Line Information
The start and finish line will be located in front of the parking lot to the Pavilion on the Lincoln Park . This area will be barricaded for the event.
Parking is available at the Nelson Center and nearby park lots. Please follow posted signage and look for the Start/Finish arch.
5K runners should line up toward the front.
Walkers should line up toward the back.
Please arrive at the start area by 7:45 AM for announcements and the national anthem.
Packet Pickup
Friday, August 7 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Nothing Bundt Cakes
2476 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL
Race Day Pickup: Beginning at 7:00 AM at the event site
Participants must present their registration QR code to pick up their race packet.
Picking up for another participant is welcome, but you must also have that participant’s registration QR code.
Unclaimed packets will be donated. Shirt size exchanges are not available at pickup. Limited extras may be available after the event. Please see the registration table post event.
Registration Information
Registration will remain open until the event reaches the 500-participant capacity (runners and walkers combined). We sold out a month before the race last year, so make sure to register early!
Race shirts are guaranteed for all those registered
Finisher medals are guaranteed for all registered participants.
Want a Shirt Without Running?
Volunteers help make this event possible and receive a complimentary race shirt. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout race day!
Sign up to volunteer here!
The Route
The 5K course features three loops around the Lincoln Park main path, totaling approximately 3.3 miles.
Runners and walkers will start by turning left on to the main park route.
Awards (5K Only)
• Top three overall male and female finishers
• Top three finishers in each age and gender division
Overall winners will receive a full-size Bundt cake!
Bathrooms
There are public bathrooms available in the Nelson center, the Lincoln park pavilion and shelter #4. Please plan accordingly due to our large race!
Parking
Parking is available at the Nelson Center and surrounding Lincoln Park lots. Look for signage! Please do not park on the route or in the grass! The pavilion parking lot will be closed for our race village.
New for 2026
An expanded race Village with more vendors and activities
New race medals from Ashworth Awards (Top 3 M/F Overall, Top 3 M/F Age Group 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
New shirts from Impressions Designs
Additional Notes
This is a rain or shine event.
The course is subject to change.
Unclaimed packets will be donated.
We do not offer refunds for this event, if you'd like to transfer your registration, please reach out to Sean at [email protected]
Race Beneficiaries -
All event profits benefit:
Girls on the Run of Central Illinois
True North Running
USA Swimming Club. 72 members.
USA Swimming Club. 120 members.