The recipe for a good running event is a mix of flat roads, scenic landscapes, predictable weather, and hospitable people. Nebraska has all four ingredients in abundance and turns into a bustling running hub every spring and fall. If you still have the Cornhusker State on your bucket list, this article is for you!
Top Nebraska Marathons
Editor’s Choice: Monument Marathon
Where: Gering, NE
When: September 24, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
Surprisingly, our first stop is not Omaha or Lincoln but the small city of Gering on the state’s western border. The reason is simple: Monument Marathon is the most beautiful race in Nebraska. Period. If that statement alone did not convince you to visit Gering, the Monument event has a couple more tricks up its sleeve.
All runners in the previous years were impressed with the level of organization, and there are no signs this will change in the future. From parking and gear bags to water stations and comfortable shuttles – the race director, along with the friendly Gering community, make sure everything is perfect, and everyone is happy.
The course is mostly flat, with the exception of a few rolling hills, and it gives you plenty of time to enjoy the chill and peaceful atmosphere of Nebraska’s signature cornfields and sweeping vistas. Occasionally, it may become quite windy and hot, but overall, the Monument Marathon is not a hard race. It is, however, a memorable one.
Runner-up: Lincoln Marathon
Where: Lincoln, NE
When: May 7, 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
While they are not always the largest cities, state capitals have an undeniable historic vibe, making them ideal for running events. Lincoln, Nebraska fits this description like no other, and its annual marathon race is an absolute treat.
Similar to the Monument race in Gering and most entries on this list, the Lincoln Marathon is organized to near perfection. Easy parking? Check. Water stations? Check. Safe wave start? Check. Convenient pickups, cool swag, and great local support? Triple check. (Bonus: if you come to Lincoln one day prior to the event, you’ll get a free portion of every marathoner’s favorite pre-race meal – pasta.)
The track incorporates the most notable Lincoln sites, such as the NE State Capitol, Holmes Lake, Children’s Zoo, Union College, and Memorial Stadium. As a typical Nebraska road race, it’s flat and fast, presenting no problem for experienced runners and allowing them to qualify for the Boston 26-miler. For amateur athletes, the second part of the race presents a decent challenge with a few hills and very little shade, so make sure you come prepared and bring sunscreen.
Honorable Mentions:
- Oregon Trail Run of Nebraska (Hebron, NE);
- Omaha Marathon (Omaha, NE).
Top Half Marathons in Nebraska
Editor’s Choice: Nebraska Marathon
Where: Elkhorn, NE
When: April 23, 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
The Nebraska Marathon was founded in 2015 and quickly became one of the most anticipated events in the NE running calendar.
For 7 years, the marathon and half marathon races used to take place in the southern suburb of Omaha, the city of Papillion, featuring an equal mix of urban and country areas. However, the organizers decided to cancel the 2022 edition and move the race to Elkhorn, located in the western part of the area.
The date changed too. Starting in 2023, the runners are meeting in April instead of October which makes little to no difference weather-wise.
The course in Papillion was a bit on the hard side, but we’ve yet to see what the track designers have in store for 2023. One thing we’re pretty sure about is that the organization is going to be stellar once again. For less than $100, you’ll get top-notch production from start to finish, including super-convenient markers, numerous volunteers, bottled drinks (no cups!), a nice tech shirt, and a small tree in a pot, because why not?
We’re really excited about the new iteration of the Nebraska Marathon and expect the bar will remain high for many more years to come.
Runner-up: Good Life Halfsy
Where: Lincoln, NE
When: October 23, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
The Good Life Halfsy is a rare event that doesn’t try to please all runners and just sticks to one distance. Because of that, the organizers from the Pink Gorilla Run Club have fewer things to focus on, resulting in a high-quality race all around.
The Lincoln track includes as many downhill sections as possible, making it not only entertaining but also fast. After you blow past the finish line (which thousands of people will see on an enormous TV screen), you’ll receive a food bag, a custom finisher’s certificate, and a big shiny medal which also serves as a bottle opener that will come in handy for the post-race party.
There is not much more to say about Halfsy other than this is the most fun you’ll have running 13 miles anywhere in Nebraska and arguably in most other states.
Honorable Mentions:
- Feast and Feathers Thanksgiving Trail Run (Omaha, NE);
- Hot Cider Hustle (Omaha, NE).
Top 10K Races in Nebraska
Editor’s Choice: Heartland Marathon
Where: Omaha, NE
When: September 25, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
As the largest city in NE, Omaha has a unique opportunity to host numerous running events without repeating courses too often, and it doesn’t shy from incorporating other states too.
Exhibit A: the Heartland Marathon. Over 85% of its 10K race and a whopping 95% of the marathon distance goes through neighboring Iowa. Technicalities aside, there’s very little to complain about with this course. It’s very flat and runs along a major waterfront (the great Missouri River) which is always a plus.
Heartland is hosted by the Omaha Running Club, a well-known and respected non-profit organization with 40 years of experience. So you can expect nothing but professionalism at all times. The ORC has everything down to a T and shows great care for its runners, especially during the COVID restrictions, easily getting our stamp of approval.
Runner-up: Leprechaun Chase 10K Omaha
Where: Ashland, NE
When: March 4, 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
From the creators of Good Life Halfsy, we’d like to invite you to the Leprechaun Chase! It’s an Irish-themed 10K race that paints the town green (see what we did there?) and celebrates the upcoming St Patrick’s Day in a true running fashion.
The participants dress up in their best Gaelic attires and engage in a fierce competition for the coveted pot o’ gold. The costumes are not just a gimmick: the best-dressed runner wins a special award and a blessing from the Irish patrons. As for the running aspect, there’s a race within a race, where the ladies start with a 5 ½ minute advantage, and the first gender to cross the line gets a free pint of green beer.
The Mahoney State Park track is not without surprises, with small but pesky hills here and there, but nothing can stop a true gold hunter. Once your quest is over, you’ll discover that the true prize was not an imaginary pile of coins but an unforgettable Irish experience and hundreds of new friends.
Honorable Mentions:
- Candy Cane Course Omaha (La Vista, NE);
- Mainly Marathons Center of the Nation Series Day 2 (Chadron, NE).
Top 5K Races in Nebraska
Editor’s Choice: Nebraska State Fair Marathon, Half & 5K
Where: Grand Island, NE
When: August 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
The Nebraska State Fair is one of the largest cultural events in NE that spans 11 days and includes numerous agricultural exhibitions, competitions, concerts, festivities, and a full-scale running event.
The August weather is still hot and humid enough to cause trouble for long-distance runners, so the 5K race is the best way to become a part of the annual tradition and live to tell the tale. The course for all events is flat, so you’ll be done quickly. Then proceed to enjoy the party, which offers a lot of tasty Nebraskan food and quality entertainment.
Runner-up: OmaHalf
Where: Omaha, NE
When: October 7, 2023
Track Difficulty: Easy
OmaHalf is the last and by far the most basic event on our list, but sometimes basic is all we need. The event follows the philosophy of “running simple,” charging low entry fees ($60 for any distance) and providing contestants with strictly essential items: free parking, water, a long-sleeve shirt, and a finisher’s medal.
The real star of OmaHalf is the track that starts in Stinson Park and loops onto the Keyston Trail along Little Papillion Creek. The route is already scenic, but now that the 2023 race has moved from April to October. So the beauty of Nebraska will be amplified by the fall tint of gold.
Honorable Mentions:
- Invest in Yourself 5K (Omaha, NE);
- GOATSz Trail Runs (Omaha, NE);
- Omaha Turkey Trot 5K (Omaha, NE).
