I'm a HUGE Abe Lincoln fan, so it really doesn't get better than a Lincoln road race for me. That said, they do a fantastic job putting on this event, year after year. If you can travel to Springfield for this race , you must go!

I was late for the expo, but stopped in about 15min after it ended and the crew was packing up. The race director was still there, and we chatted for a bit. He was incredibly friendly, excited about the event, and excited for us to be there. It was a great touch meeting him, and pretty cool that he was willing to chat even after the expo had ended.

The race starts right in front of the Old Capital. Springfield is small so parking was easy, and most hotels are in walking distance. The race director got the runners ready, then Abe Lincoln gave a speak, and THEN the race starts with Civil War re-enactors shooting off musket guns. YES! They shoot off musket guns to start the race!!

The course is really pretty. You run past Lincoln's home, the old & new Capital, Lincoln's tomb and through a ton of really pretty neighborhoods and parks. For a small race, so many people were on course cheering us on, I loved it! The volunteers were also awesome, and cops did a fantastic job keep cars off course.

Abe Lincoln was at the finish running everyone in, it was awesome - holding hands with Abe as I crossed the finish line? Come on! We were then handed a big shiny penny medal, on a really nice red ribbon. Easily my favorite medal ever, but again, I love everything Abe Lincoln.

The post-race party takes places on the lawn of the Old Capital. There was chocolate milk, granola bars, donuts, and beer from a local brewery. All the volunteers again were super friendly, and let you take as much as you wanted. There weren't even beer tickets, you could just kinda help yourself! There was also a live folk band playing. It was really just an awesome post-race event. Very low key, and a ton of fun.

Around mile 7 I dropped my gel. A few minutes later, a runner came up to hand it to mel! He pushed ahead just to give it to me. I think that experience really embodies everything about this event. From the race director to the volunteers, and even the participants, everyone was easy going, super friendly, and really just there for a good time.

Any opportunity I have I will run this race. I highly recommend it for every single runner.