FAQs

 

REGISTRATION

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Are the shirts gender specific?

For 2027 our shirts are gender specific, and the hoodies are unisex. 

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Is there a minimum age limit to participate?

Runners must be at least 12 years old on race day and must register with a parent or guardian's permission and waiver.  They must be able to maintain the minimum pace and finishing guidelines listed above.  Sorry, no exceptions.

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I can't make the race now. Can I get a refund?

No, each registrant is required to acknowledge before submitting their registration that we do not offer refunds. Packets which are not picked up by the time the race starts will have the shirts forfeited to racers who registered after the shirt deadline.  They cannot be picked up later or mailed out.

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Can I defer my registration until the following year if I am unable to run this year?

No, participants cannot defer their entries to the next year in the event that they cannot run. When registering for the race on RunSignUp, participants may opt to pay the fee for participant insurance that provides reimbursement for a variety of valid reasons someone was not able to attend on race day.

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I registered after the shirt deadline.  Can I still get a shirt?

After the race, remaining shirts will be available for trade first, and then for those with late registration.  You must show your bib.  

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Can I register at the Runners Fair?

You can register at the Runners Fair from your own device through your Runsignup account. Once registered, you will be able to be assigned a bib. There is no paper registration. Registration will stay open until 7:00am on race day, unless sold out before then.

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PACKET PICKUP AND EXPO

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When is packet pick up?
You can pick up your packet, bib and shirt from 3pm – 8pm on the Friday before the race at the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Runners Fair Presented by Scheels, located at 3801 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62711. Race morning packet pickup will also take place at the Old State Capital from 6:30am – 7:15am.

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Is there a Race Expo?
The Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Runners Fair Presented by Scheels is from 3pm – 8pm on the Friday before the race. Many running shoe brands, fitness vendors, and sponsors will be on hand with giveaways and information.

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Can I pick up my packet on race day?
Race day pickup is from 6:30am – 7:15am at the Old State Capitol, but we encourage runners to make an effort to attend the Runners Fair for packet pickup on Friday.

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Can I have someone pick up my packet for me?

Yes.

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Where do I park?

There are vast parking lots surrounding Scheels.

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RACE DAY!

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Is there a time limit?
Yes. You must finish by 11:00am (3 hours 30 min) and participants should average a pace of at least 16 min/mile. Those who fall behind the 16 min pace will need to move to the sidewalks and obey all rules that apply to pedestrians.

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Can I walk the course?
Yes, but you will need to move at a 16 min pace, or you are asked to move to the sidewalks as the course reopens to traffic if you cannot maintain that pace. You might consider carrying your own water or having someone support you on the course in case water stops later in the race have been cleared. 

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Is there childcare?

YES! You can register your kiddos 4 years and up to hang out at the Kidzeum, which is located right on the after party block! Childcare is from 6:30am-11:00am. Click here to register. 

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Are strollers permitted?
Strollers are permitted, however, we ask that you start near the back as it is a tripping hazard with the congestion at the start.

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Are dogs permitted?

Sorry, no dogs allowed due to insurance requirements.  

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Can I wear headphones?
Since this is an open course and the roads will have vehicular traffic, headphones are discouraged. While there are volunteer course marshals and law enforcement helping with traffic control, they can’t keep you safe if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings. Please use common sense and be safe.

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Is there a gear check?
No. Because of ample parking near the start/finish and the close proximity of hotels, it’s very easy to leave items locked in a car or in your room.

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What kind of timing system is being used?
The race is chipped time. The chip is attached to your bib number.

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Can our friends/family can sign up for runner tracking?

Yes, through the race registration site, but the runner has to be carrying their phone and allow location services during the race.

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When does the race start?
7:30am at the intersection of 6th and Washington.

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Are there pacers? 

Yes! Pacers range from 1:30-3:30 finish times. 

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Are there race corrals at the starting line?

No, this is a self-seeding start.  Please find the pacer group closest to your anticipated finish time at the starting line (look for their signs) and place yourself accordingly.

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Where are the water stops? Will they have sports drinks and/or gels?
In addition to water, there will be serving Gatorade at water stops #2, #4, #5 and #6. GU will be available at water stop #3 near mile 6.  See map for details.

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Where are the porta-potties?

There is a large bank of porta-potties (20) at the start/finish area, during mile 1 just past Lincoln's Home at 8th & Cook (2), at mile 6 in Washington Park (3), around 7.75 miles by water stop #4 at Lincoln & Calhoun (3), and around mile 10.5 after entering Lincoln Park (2).   

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Is there First Aid on the course?
Yes. For serious medical conditions, 911 should be called. We will also have two ambulances on standby along the course.

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POST RACE

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Does everyone get a finisher's medal?

Yes, all finishers will get a medal at the finish line.  

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Is there a post-race party?

Yes! At the Old State Capitol right at the finish line! There is a Drink Ticket attached to each bib and you can redeem those at Bloom Wine Bar or Anvil & Forge. Bloom is located directly across from the Old State Capitol, Anvil & Forge is on Washington Street between 6th & 7th. 

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How do I get my award?
You can pick up your award at the awards table at the finish line. NOTE: You must pick up your award on race morning. Awards will NOT be mailed. 

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How are awards distributed?
Overall (1st only) for male and female, Masters (1st only) for male and female, and age groups (1-3) for male and female starting with 14 and under, 15-19, etc. up to 80 and over.

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Are there any special award categories?

Yes! New in 2027, there will be top three awards for fastest in the categories of law enforcement, firefighter, nurse, teacher, and lawyer. A participant who is employed in multiple disciplines (firefighter and nurse) must select only one. Participants will be allowed to win both standard and special awards.

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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?​​