4 events in Springfield, Illinois

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!

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.