Nebraska State Fair Marathon
Nebraska State Fair Marathon offers a flat, fast course through historic fairgrounds.
Race Date
Aug 29, 2026
Location
Grand Island, NE
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Location
- Grand Island, Nebraska
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 5K, 1M run | 26.2M relay
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,297
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon is a well-established race, first run in 2015 and now in its 11th edition. It attracts runners from around 16 states, with a loyal following of about 38% returning each year. The median field size is approximately 257 finishers, offering a community-focused atmosphere.
The course is USATF certified and known for its flatness, with minimal elevation change, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. Runners will experience a fast, paved route, largely within the historic grounds of the Nebraska State Fair.
Participants can expect a race-day temperature averaging between 66–85°F, contributing to a comfortable running environment. Beyond the marathon and half-marathon, the event includes a 5K and a 1-mile run, ensuring activities for the whole family.
Race-provided description
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon will include several different races for the entire family. The races include a Marathon, Half-Marathon, Relay Marathon, 5K,
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NE18006GM · Nebraska State Fair Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7911 years running
~257 finishers a year
shrinking
38% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 16 states
winner 1:16:24
typical high 85°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
66°
Afternoon (High)
85°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
63%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,297 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,297
Median time
2:06:21
Latest turnout
188
States
43
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Nebraska State Fair Marathon?
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon is held on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Where does the Nebraska State Fair Marathon take place?
It takes place in Grand Island, Nebraska.
What distances does the Nebraska State Fair Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 5K, 1M run | 26.2M relay.
Is the Nebraska State Fair Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Nebraska State Fair Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,297 runners who have completed the Nebraska State Fair Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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