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Best Road Races in Nebraska for Your Running Goals

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If you haven’t visited Nebraska, one of the best ways to get to know the state is by running through it. Nebraska is home to a famously flat landscape and rolling plains that make for an exciting yet peaceful race. So, if you’re ready to lace up your shoes and hit the ground running, check out these best road races in the state.


Lincoln Marathon, Lincoln, NE

Nebraska’s capital city becomes home to more than 9,000 runners each year for the Lincoln National Guard Marathon & Half Marathon. This special event is known for its flat terrain and gently rolling hills and winds through the streets of downtown Lincoln.Β 

Prairie Series Day, South Sioux City, NE

The world’s premier five-and seven-day, multi-state marathon includes a 5K and 10K race through South Sioux City and attracts runners from across the nation.

Center of the Nation Series, Chadron, NE

Another exciting race that runs through the center of the nation takes place in Chadron with a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K options.

Heartland Marathon, Omaha, NE

Omaha, Nebraska was ranked the ninth best running city in the United States, according to Runners’ World Magazine. The Omaha Heartland Marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, or 10K all start at the riverfront in downtown Omaha and take you through the historic parts of the city as well as through more natural scenery by Lake Manawa.Β 

Nebraska State Fair Road Races, Grand Island, NE

The Nebraska State Fair Marathon, half marathon, relay marathon, 5K and one-mile kid’s runs are some of the most exciting events of the year. In fact, many runners choose to run in the Grand Island marathons to improve their qualifying times biggest events across the country.

Omaha Marathon, Omaha, NE

This annual marathon is held in the largest city of Nebraska and it is also a qualification event for the Boston Marathon. Runners have the option of running a half marathon or 10K on flat terrain that passes by parts of the Missouri River.

Autumn River Run, North Platte, NE

Runners can challenge themselves with a 5K, half-marathon, or North Platte’s full 26.2-mile race along the North Platte trail system. The course features unique tunnels, underpasses, and overpasses.

Nebraska Marathon, Omaha, NE

The Nebraska Marathon, half marathon, and 5K might be the best race to see all that Omaha has to offer. From midtown to downtown, the course runs through the city and its most iconic landmarks.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Lincoln Marathon: Known for its flat terrain with some gentle hills, this marathon and half marathon take over 9,000 runners through downtown Lincoln, showcasing the capital's charm.
  • Prairie Series Day: Part of a unique multi-state marathon series, this event offers 5K and 10K races, drawing participants from across the country to the scenic plains of South Sioux City.
  • Center of the Nation Series: This series includes a variety of distances, from a full marathon to a 5K, providing an opportunity to run through the heart of the nation in Chadron.
  • Heartland Marathon: Ranked as a top-running city, Omaha hosts this marathon that features routes through historic and scenic areas, including views of Lake Manawa.
  • Nebraska State Fair Road Races: Coinciding with the state fair, this event includes a marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and kids' runs, attracting runners looking to set personal bests in a festive atmosphere.
  • Omaha Marathon: This Boston Marathon qualifier offers a marathon, half marathon, and 10K, running through Omaha and along the Missouri River, highlighting the city's vibrant landscapes.
  • Autumn River Run: This race features a full marathon, half-marathon, and 5K along North Platte's trail system. The course includes tunnels and unique overpasses.
  • Nebraska Marathon: This race offers a marathon, half marathon, and 5K and takes participants through midtown and downtown Omaha, past the city's iconic landmarks.
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