Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) is encouraging people to come out for the Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K race in June.

"Lincoln Memorial Garden is at the top of my list for favorite Springfield destinations," the legislator said on Facebook. "This Jens Jensen designed historic natural area is a true gem of our community. Come out on National Trails Day for this fun way to experience the garden through an 8k trail race!"

The race is Saturday, June 4, the Lincoln Memorial Garden website said.

"Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of  trails – with the course now entirely  situated within the Garden – will test runners’ stamina over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic Garden, along the trails next to Lake  Springfield, and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds," the website said. 

There will also be a fun run for children around the pond at Cawley Meadow.

Registration is currently open, with a 300-person participation limit. 

"Register early (before April 16, 2022) and receive a $5 discount off the regular price," the website said. "There is NO race-day registration. This race is listed by the Springfield Road Runners Club as one of their Participation Series races."

 Early registration is $30 and $35 after April 15.

"The 8K is a no-spike race – the start/finish area is sidewalk and porous pavement," the website said. "There are also many wood-plank bridges throughout the course that spikes would damage. The bulk of the course is wood-chipped trails, fine-chip gravel trails, and grass trails. There is also a short length of gravel driveway."

The 100-acre garden has six miles of interconnected trails through the Garden’s restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands, the website said said. "The Garden also contains a dozen footbridges, a pond, and eight stone council rings, most with views of the lake."