Runners from across Nebraska, including a faculty member from GHS, took part in the annual Lincoln Marathon and Half-marathon. The Lincoln Track Club organized the event, which is now in its 49th year. The event took place on May 3.
Ryan Reigner, the president of the club and one of the two race directors, explained why he loves the event and his appreciation for all of the people who volunteer and participate in it.
“We don’t do this for profit, we just do it because we love running and we love the city of Lincoln,” he said.
The Lincoln Track Club strives to make a lasting impact on all who participate and volunteer for the event. Reigner starts working on the next year’s race a month after the current one concludes, and it takes a full 11 months to make the event close to perfect for everyone. The Lincoln Track Club team creates the t-shirt and medal designs, then starts communicating with the city of Lincoln to figure out any construction changes that might wreak havoc on the course. While they are communicating, they also apply for permits.
“I want it to be as fun and as impactful as some of the bigger races like Chicago, New York or London,” Reigner said. “Creating this atmosphere is fun, and having everybody enjoy their experience is one of our biggest goals.”
The runners involved in the race show up for the fun atmosphere and come back for a repeat of fun and exercise. Rylie Johnson, a participant in the 2026 Lincoln Half-Marathon, said she loves the environment and plans to come back for the 50th anniversary of the event. Johnson teaches chemistry at GHS.
“The race day atmosphere is such a high-energy environment, and it truly makes running 13.1 miles much easier,” Johnson said. “Between the crowd cheering you on, live music, or the funny signs people design, there’s always something to keep you entertained while you run! Whether it’s family and friends or complete strangers, it makes the atmosphere really fun!”
One of Reigner’s favorite parts of the race is the finish line because said he loves to see the finishers feeling happy and accomplished with all of their loved ones there. Johnson especially loves the finish line at the end of a long race because of the feeling of accomplishment and love from not only herself but from everyone cheering her on.
“I was so excited to cross the finish line!” Johnson said, “It is such a great feeling knowing that you were able to achieve such a great accomplishment, and it is such a blessing to be able to do races like this, even though it’s hard to walk for a few days after. I also look forward to getting to see my family at the end. ”
For first-time racers, Reigner advises them to enjoy the experience and live in the moment.
“I would tell them to take every moment in and enjoy the moment, and have a lot of fun. Let us worry about keeping you safe and focus on what you want the day to be,” Reigner said.
The true gift of the marathon is to see all of the people who are excited to run and have fun while accomplishing something that makes them feel good. There are memorable moments throughout the day, such as the signs that both children and adults are holding, the helpful snacks and drinks, and the animals with their owners on the side of the course. This year, a group of military personnel walked the marathon with all their gear on, including their rucksacks. Reigner’s favorite moment, though, was at the very beginning of the race before they crossed the starting line.
“The most memorable moment for me was at the starting line,” said Reigner, “ I saw a mother and her child, her child was in a wheelchair, so her mom was getting ready to push her through the half-marathon route, and it was just the look on their faces, they were so excited and so appreciative to be there.”
