For the last two years I have had the opportunity to pace the Springfield Half Marathon. Initially I ran it in 2012 but came back these last two years to pace the runners at the back of the pack. It is a great race that has become one of my favorite races I do every year. First of all it is centered in the heart of the city of Springfield. It makes for a nice get-a-way for the whole family with many sites and history centered about the famous Springfield president Abraham Lincoln.

The other parts of the great race include as mentioned in the website " This is the only race where you can immerse yourself in Lincoln history and enjoy a scenic run past the only home he ever owned, his law office, the Old State Capitol where he delivered his “House Divided” speech, his adult home, various museums and sites and his final resting place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The USATF certified course starts and ends at the historic Old State Capitol. "

This race has tons of crowd support and encouragement with plenty of Gatorade and Water on the course.

Mile 1.7 7th & Cook – Iles House

Mile 3.8 Washington Park – Williams Blvd & Lincoln

Mile 6.3 Washington Park – Williams Blvd & Lincoln

Mile 7.75 Lincoln 3 blocks North of Jefferson (Gel will be available)

Mile 10.1 3rd & Eastman 2 houses North of Intersection

Mile 11.9 3rd & Eastman 2 houses South of Intersection

It is a great course for the beginner because it includes a 3 hour pace group ( the one I paced) but is also challenging with at least four steep and rolling hills. The course is well marked and the police and other volunteers do a great job keeping the runners safe as they block traffic and guide the runners along the course. At the finish line it is easy to see your runner come in and you can take pictures along the course if you like.

It is also unique that they also offer walkers to complete the race as well.
Another thing I like about it is that packet pick up is easy and you can also it on race day. From the Chicago area the race is only three hours away and makes for a fun way to start your weekend with learning more about our great history of Illinois.

Hotels are close by and reasonable so it makes for a nice trip for the family. I definitely will be back next year!

March Madness Half Marathon is located in Cary Illinois. This race has been a great half marathon that has been put on by the Hillstriders Running Club for the last 37 years. It is a rolling and steep hills course and considered one of the most challenging halves in the Midwest. The course is set in the beautiful Mc Henry Country with beautiful homes and lots of high and steep hills. It is a race that is often a preparatory race for Boston but also a fan favorite of seasoned runners year after year. It is not a beginners course but made for those not as concerned about time but for a added challenge. I have had the opportunity to do this course for the last nine years and it seems each year it is better and better. For instance after two years of not doing the course that have seem to added more fan base and bathrooms. The course is well marked and for the first time I notice that they gave spilt times at mile 4,7, and 10. This allowed me as a slower runner to focus more on feel than on the added stress of time.

I also like this course because the cost is reasonable which is 45 dollars for the half, you get a great sweatshirt and at the end they provide hot salty pretzels. You also get to stay inside the high school which is the start and finish until the race starts and that is key because you never know if the weather is going to be hot, cold, wet or snowy. I have encountered all seasons at this race. The location is also good because whether you live in the northern suburbs or southern part of Illinois it is easy to get to.

Whether you are a fast rabbit or slow turtle it is a great race and I recommend it.