SmartPacing will once again provide pacers for both races. The strategy they will implement on the course is easing into the first few miles to allow for an adequate warm-up and running all hills at an even effort to conserve energy. The pacers will also go slower through the aid stations.
Pacers will be available for the following times:
Marathon: 3:15, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30
Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30, 2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00
The race will go on regardless of precipitation and will only be cancelled or postponed if weather conditions present imminent danger to participants. We have never had to cancel the event due to weather.
Nebraska weather is unpredictable, but average May temperatures are:
Average low temperature: 46F
Average high temperature: 67F
You can check the local weather on TV stations 10/11 KOLN/KGIN (CBS) or KLKN (ABC).
Cook Pavilion on 14th Street is open and available for runners to stretch and wait for the race to start if you’d rather stay out of the elements until your start time.
There are several parking lots available on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus. Runners and spectators will not be allowed to park in the Stadium Drive Parking Garage or the Champions Club lot. You can park in City of Lincoln Parking Garages (first hour free) and at parking meters (free on Sundays).
The National Guard operates bag drop located in the South Stadium parking lot. Bag Drop is marked on the Starting Line map, and there will also be signs on campus directing you to bag drop.
You will be given an official Lincoln Marathon bag at packet pickup marked with your race number. The National Guard will organize the bags by race number in the bag drop area.
We strongly recommend you only put clothing in your bag drop. Any valuables should be left at home. The Lincoln Marathon is not responsible for lost, stolen, or discarded property.
Race-Day Packet Pickup is available in the Coliseum (14th & Vine Streets) from 5:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
This is your last chance to get your race packet. The location of the Coliseum is marked on the Starting Line map.
Wheelchair entrants start at 6:45 a.m.; everyone else will start at 7:00 a.m. beginning in waves with the fastest runners going first.
Color-coded bibs indicate your starting wave. Line up based on your Bib Color as seen on the map below and be ready to start at 6:50 a.m. according to when you anticipate you will finish.
You are allowed to start with a slower group but not allowed to start with a faster group. For example, if you have a red bib (group 2) and want to run with your friend who has a blue bib (group 4), then you will have to move back to your friend’s group.
BE ADVISED: Runners trying to start with a faster group will be stopped before the starting-line, moved to the side, and made to wait their turn.
Because of the wave start and number of participants, the start will take over 40 minutes.