Illinois Times
JANUARY 24, 2008:
RUNNINGFORABE
Lincoln enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2009 bicentennial, planning such events as reenacted Lincoln-Douglas debates, a period 1860 Presidential Ball, and a Civil War symposium. But in keeping with the old, organizers are also celebrating the new with a recent endorsement of Springfield’s Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon.
Tim Butler, Springfield Road Runners Club member and race organizer, says the endorsed status will increase the credibility of the half-marathon as an important event celebrating Lincoln’s life and will encourage more runners and history buffs to take to the capital city’s streets during the 44th annual running, on Saturday, April 5.
“The Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon has a course which takes runners past some of the most significant Abraham Lincoln sites in the world — a running tour, of sorts, of Lincoln’s hometown,” Butler says, “so it is an event which certainly serves the mission of the Bicentennial Commission.”
The Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission is in charge of planning and promoting events to commemorate Lincoln’s 200th birthday, Feb. 12, 2009.
