On July 8, I ran the Lincoln Mile race for the first time. It's a flat, out-and-back, hook-and-ladder shaped course. I was very happy to be able to run with my 40-something age group for the last time in a race before turning 50. If I remember right, the older age groups ran first so I was able to observe the 50s age group start and finish. Led by bikes, the leaders are able to break away and have some room. For the rest of us, it took about 1/2 a mile or so for us to have a little more running room. Until then, we were running in packs/groups. The course runs briefly north on 12th Street, then east on R Street before we run a few blocks south on Centennial Mall (aka 15th Street). Seeing the State Capitol is a highlight at the turnaround. Then we turn around the way we came and finish on 12th Street. I didn't train for this race distance. It was a bit of a speed test for me. I was hoping for a little bit faster. I ran a 6:42 officially (although Garmin/Strava tell me I ran a little longer than a full mile). 21st in my age group of 29 on tired legs. But having run a race (5k) that week already, it was nice to be able to run a shorter faster one just to see how fast I could run it. Afterwards, there are plenty of refreshments (water, Italian ice, bananas, bagels, etc.). I stayed to watch the runners in their 30s compete. Then there are younger runners and elite runners to watch as well. Overall, it was a well-run race and I highly recommend it. How fast can you run a mile? P.S. If you come early, you can easily run a warmup mile around Memorial Stadium area (that's where I ran mine). Also, packet pickup is pretty easy on the day of the event at Lincoln Running Company, only a few blocks from the start of the race. I waited to pick up my packet until the day of the race. The photo is of the men's winner finishing fast in the 50s age group.