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Marathon Details - Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > IN > Lincoln City > Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon

Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon

Friends of Lincoln State Park Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon & 14K, 5K

Lincoln City, IN USA

September 15, 2024

http://www.HonestAbeTrailRun.com

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Fast and forgiving trail race with a couple notable climbs. Mostly double-track trails with a little bit of gravel road. Not excessively technical, but these are trails, so there are roots & rocks.

Contact Information

Name:	Beau Wendholt
Address:	Brownsburg, IN
Phone Number:	(317) 850-9638
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (7)

Course 4.6

Organization 4.3

Spectators 2.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 7

Stephen James from Colfax, Indiana (9/23/2022) "Not too Hard not too Easy" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As all my friends say, just add an hour or so to your normal Marathon time and you got a realistic view about a trail marathon. I prefer to enjoy instead of push ; this course was one to savor. I arrived an hour early since the park is on Central Time. Returning from Covid fears have some runs starting from scratch. Enjoy this one next year, it is superb.
G. R. from NC (10/21/2015) "Great introduction to trail marathoning" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first trail marathon. I took the advice of the race director and ran several training runs on local trails and had no trouble on this course. The Race Director and his volunteers are tops. I love the race starts and finishes just steps from your car. The race starts with a lap around a large parking lot to 'seed' the racers as they start the 3 loops around the trail. Others have made excellent comments on the trail and 2 aid stations. Be prepared to run most of the race out of sight of other runners. There are a few major hills too. Overall a great experience.
C. L. from Florida (9/26/2014) "Beautiful Trail Marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The race director did a great job. The course was marked well. There was only one aid stop but it provided essential items. Also, since it was a three loop course, it was possible to make your own provisions at the end of the loop. The race was within Lincoln State Park and it is beautiful. The trail is double wide. This plus the relatively small number of runners makes passing no problem. This is my first trail marathon but I had completed 21 road marathons. So for those of you that have, like me, only run road marathons, this course is a bit more difficult. The average finish time for this marathon has been about 5 hours even over the last five years which compares to approximately 4:24 for all marathons in the United States. I am not saying don't do it. But I am saying just take your time and enjoy the beautiful park.
C. W. from Atlanta, Georgia, USA (9/29/2011) "Beautiful Trail Marathon, A+" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Just ran this full trail marathon last week. (Sept 2011) It took place in the Lincoln State Park, in Indiana, on a trail system that is very well maintained, clearly marked, and fun. Me & the Mrs. had so much fun at this race. The park is beautiful, even in the pouring rain. There was one section where the trail follows alongside a sort of hidden pond in the deep woods. Then a couple of downhill miles into the heart of the forest you might say. Just when you feel like you're miles from anywhere, the trail abruptly springs out of the woods and you're running along an earthen dam with a 30 ft slope on the left, and a huge beautiful lake on the right. I could see a pack of 6 or so runners waaaaay across the lake, just before the trail dives back into the forest. One of the runners let out a 'Wah-hooo!' that boomed across the expanse. I've never heard an echo repeat like that. In a few seconds I heard another runner from somewhere behind me, answer with a tremendous 'Arr-ooo!!!' It really was a moment of joy that a lot of non-runners may miss. It was the mood of the small set of runners just doing what they love, and enjoying that unspoken, common ground that runners loosely share.Around mile 24'ish, we stopped in a particularly enchanting part of the hardwood forest to admire our surroundings. Here in this area, I was slightly taken aback by the stillness, and quiet, and beauty. The trees here were large, tall, oaks, cypress, and other very tall and very old trees.The event had excellent support, and was a lot of fun. I give spectators a low score because this is a very low number of runners, and on trails at that, so spectators aren't plentiful, which was fine by me. However, at the end of the race, my kids were there to bring us home with cheers and gratz! I would do this race again tomorrow, I really loved it.
A. K. from Indianapolis, IN USA (1/28/2010) "A great race for the experienced trail runner" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This race is a keeper. It was a rugged, wet, 26-mile, three-loop race that had excellent scenery. Race day was a bit cold (in the 40's) for October, so the hills helped warm me up. The race started a bit late, but the staff who stayed much later than anticipated more than made up for it. The staff also allowed a one-lap amnesty for the marathoners, which was an excellent idea. The beauty of the course and the simplicity of the loops make it adventurous without the risk of similar runs. Granted, this is a low-budget production and doesn't have the snacks or support of other runs. But the loops allows your supporters to see you every 9 miles and a chance to bring your own snacks.
Shane Garling from Anchorage, AK (10/19/2009) "Excellent Trail Marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 If you enjoy trail running, this one is for you. This course offers many rolling hills, scenic views on a perfect two track trail through Lincoln State Park. If you are a pure roadie or flat-lander, this course is NOT for you. The race offers solitude while running the three-loop course, because spectators are few and would diminish the beauty of the trails. The small group of volunteers (maybe 12) were friendly and very helpful. For such a small town, they put on a great inaugural race. This race offers those who want to enjoy a relaxed trail run in Indiana the perfect opportunity. Remember it is a trail run, so supporting your water needs is a requirement because the water stops are about four miles apart, which was plenty. Thanks for a great event - one of my top five memorable races.
M. C. from Blue Springs, MO (10/13/2009) "A muddy good time!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This race offered an awesomely challenging course! Between mud, tree roots, streams, slippery bridges, a down tree, hills, leaves masking the terrain, and the sun shining brightly, it was a great challenge not to be taken lightly! I felt it was well put together and delivered on everything promised. The course was marked with signs that could be missed, but only if you weren't paying attention (for which you would only be able to blame yourself, as everyone was informed of this before the race). I, for one, had no trouble staying on-course. Aid stations were a bit far between, so carrying some hydration source is advisable. However, with the brisk cool weather, the aid stations would probably suffice for most runners. There were very few spectators, as it wasn't a course that would accommodate spectators well. That's not a problem for me; I enjoyed the sounds of the outdoors! Personally, I loved this race and would definitely recommend it to others and come back to do it again!



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Stephen James from Colfax, Indiana (9/23/2022) "Not too Hard not too Easy" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As all my friends say, just add an hour or so to your normal Marathon time and you got a realistic view about a trail marathon. I prefer to enjoy instead of push ; this course was one to savor. I arrived an hour early since the park is on Central Time. Returning from Covid fears have some runs starting from scratch. Enjoy this one next year, it is superb.
G. R. from NC (10/21/2015) "Great introduction to trail marathoning" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first trail marathon. I took the advice of the race director and ran several training runs on local trails and had no trouble on this course. The Race Director and his volunteers are tops. I love the race starts and finishes just steps from your car. The race starts with a lap around a large parking lot to 'seed' the racers as they start the 3 loops around the trail. Others have made excellent comments on the trail and 2 aid stations. Be prepared to run most of the race out of sight of other runners. There are a few major hills too. Overall a great experience.
C. L. from Florida (9/26/2014) "Beautiful Trail Marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The race director did a great job. The course was marked well. There was only one aid stop but it provided essential items. Also, since it was a three loop course, it was possible to make your own provisions at the end of the loop. The race was within Lincoln State Park and it is beautiful. The trail is double wide. This plus the relatively small number of runners makes passing no problem. This is my first trail marathon but I had completed 21 road marathons. So for those of you that have, like me, only run road marathons, this course is a bit more difficult. The average finish time for this marathon has been about 5 hours even over the last five years which compares to approximately 4:24 for all marathons in the United States. I am not saying don't do it. But I am saying just take your time and enjoy the beautiful park.
C. W. from Atlanta, Georgia, USA (9/29/2011) "Beautiful Trail Marathon, A+" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Just ran this full trail marathon last week. (Sept 2011) It took place in the Lincoln State Park, in Indiana, on a trail system that is very well maintained, clearly marked, and fun. Me & the Mrs. had so much fun at this race. The park is beautiful, even in the pouring rain. There was one section where the trail follows alongside a sort of hidden pond in the deep woods. Then a couple of downhill miles into the heart of the forest you might say. Just when you feel like you're miles from anywhere, the trail abruptly springs out of the woods and you're running along an earthen dam with a 30 ft slope on the left, and a huge beautiful lake on the right. I could see a pack of 6 or so runners waaaaay across the lake, just before the trail dives back into the forest. One of the runners let out a 'Wah-hooo!' that boomed across the expanse. I've never heard an echo repeat like that. In a few seconds I heard another runner from somewhere behind me, answer with a tremendous 'Arr-ooo!!!' It really was a moment of joy that a lot of non-runners may miss. It was the mood of the small set of runners just doing what they love, and enjoying that unspoken, common ground that runners loosely share.Around mile 24'ish, we stopped in a particularly enchanting part of the hardwood forest to admire our surroundings. Here in this area, I was slightly taken aback by the stillness, and quiet, and beauty. The trees here were large, tall, oaks, cypress, and other very tall and very old trees.The event had excellent support, and was a lot of fun. I give spectators a low score because this is a very low number of runners, and on trails at that, so spectators aren't plentiful, which was fine by me. However, at the end of the race, my kids were there to bring us home with cheers and gratz! I would do this race again tomorrow, I really loved it.
A. K. from Indianapolis, IN USA (1/28/2010) "A great race for the experienced trail runner" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This race is a keeper. It was a rugged, wet, 26-mile, three-loop race that had excellent scenery. Race day was a bit cold (in the 40's) for October, so the hills helped warm me up. The race started a bit late, but the staff who stayed much later than anticipated more than made up for it. The staff also allowed a one-lap amnesty for the marathoners, which was an excellent idea. The beauty of the course and the simplicity of the loops make it adventurous without the risk of similar runs. Granted, this is a low-budget production and doesn't have the snacks or support of other runs. But the loops allows your supporters to see you every 9 miles and a chance to bring your own snacks.
Shane Garling from Anchorage, AK (10/19/2009) "Excellent Trail Marathon" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 If you enjoy trail running, this one is for you. This course offers many rolling hills, scenic views on a perfect two track trail through Lincoln State Park. If you are a pure roadie or flat-lander, this course is NOT for you. The race offers solitude while running the three-loop course, because spectators are few and would diminish the beauty of the trails. The small group of volunteers (maybe 12) were friendly and very helpful. For such a small town, they put on a great inaugural race. This race offers those who want to enjoy a relaxed trail run in Indiana the perfect opportunity. Remember it is a trail run, so supporting your water needs is a requirement because the water stops are about four miles apart, which was plenty. Thanks for a great event - one of my top five memorable races.
M. C. from Blue Springs, MO (10/13/2009) "A muddy good time!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This race offered an awesomely challenging course! Between mud, tree roots, streams, slippery bridges, a down tree, hills, leaves masking the terrain, and the sun shining brightly, it was a great challenge not to be taken lightly! I felt it was well put together and delivered on everything promised. The course was marked with signs that could be missed, but only if you weren't paying attention (for which you would only be able to blame yourself, as everyone was informed of this before the race). I, for one, had no trouble staying on-course. Aid stations were a bit far between, so carrying some hydration source is advisable. However, with the brisk cool weather, the aid stations would probably suffice for most runners. There were very few spectators, as it wasn't a course that would accommodate spectators well. That's not a problem for me; I enjoyed the sounds of the outdoors! Personally, I loved this race and would definitely recommend it to others and come back to do it again!

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Marathon Details - Honest Abe Trail Run Marathon