I had a great time running this race. The expo is pretty small, but has more than everything you would need from a race this size. They had special Abe Lincoln 22 oz bombers and cool Abe swag available. This year's race shirt wasn't my favorite, but they have had some of my all time favorite race shirts in the past. However, race day is where this race really shines.

This race, like much of Springfield, IL is all about Abe Lincoln. Abe and and Mary Todd are available before and after the race to take pictures with runners and are extremely friendly and accessible to all runners who would like to get a pic. The race is kicked off by a speech by Abe himself followed by the national anthem and musket fire to start off the race. Just hearing about this before hand didn't nearly do it justice. Starting a race with musket fire is really awesome in the moment.

The course itself is surprisingly pretty and interesting. It takes you through Abe's old home, the old and new state capital, a historical cemetery and lots of other Springfield sites. The course is very well cleared out and there is plenty of room to spread out and run your race. There are also a bunch pacers for almost every time you are trying to hit. My pacers were excellent and where a HUGE help to hit my time at this race. It ends with a few small hills that may catch you off guard if you are used to uber-flat Chicago running like me, but other than that it is a flat course.

It was a windy and cold day, but parking and hotels are all within a block or two of the finish so it was super easy to change into dry clothes and go back to the post race party serving doughnuts, beet juice, and Abe's Ale and Lincoln Lager.

I would very highly recommenced this race to anyone in the area looking for a spring 1/2 or an Abe lover anywhere in the world.