Run All The States!

The second race of my Flyover Challenge doubleheader took me from the quiet, buttoned-up streets of Topeka to the rowdy, pedal-pub-infested chaos of Lincoln, Nebraska. I rolled into town around 7 p.m. on Saturday — too late for the expo but extremely grateful for race-day packet pickup. (Bless the race directors who know we can’t all arrive early with our lives together.)

Lincoln was hopping that night. Pedal pubs blaring bad music. Cars revving like they were auditioning for The Fast and the Furious: Cornfield Drift. Sirens, shouting, uproarious laughter, etc. A whole chaotic symphony. Quite the contrast from Topeka, but I didn’t mind. I took a short walk to grab a pizza and then retreated to the hotel for a quiet night in. Despite the street mayhem, I managed a few hours of sleep.

Race Morning: Sleepy But Functional

I woke up groggy but intact. No soreness, just that heavy-eyed “Why am I doing this to myself again?” fatigue. Outside: low 40s and sunshine. Inside: me, wishing I could time travel directly to a post-race nap.

Navigating an unfamiliar city on race morning is always a gamble, but a steady stream of humans in moisture-wicking gear helped guide me through the University of Nebraska campus to the Cook Pavilion. This place felt luxurious. A spacious, indoor synthetic turf field where runners huddled and stretched like sleepy cats. The National Guard was everywhere — running logistics, managing bag drop, even participating in a rucking event. Shoutout to the camo-clad folks keeping things smooth and steady.

Outside, corrals curled around the building like a giant, anxious conga line. The race announcer had the enthusiasm of someone who chugs espresso and shouts positive affirmations into a mirror. His enthusiasm matched Lincoln’s pedal pub energy, and he hyped each wave like it was the main event. And just like that, we were off!

The Course: A Long Loop of Lincoln Love

We started just east of Memorial Stadium and zipped through the University of Nebraska campus — but blink and you’ll miss it. It seemed that we were out of there before Mile 1, but heck if I know for sure. From there, we cruised south on 16th past the state capitol and eventually into some fancy-pants neighborhoods where the lawns were aggressively landscaped and the dogs had better manners than most humans.

A very animated flower lady cheered us on:

Sheridan Boulevard was wide and welcoming, filled with cheering families, fun signs, and… a surprising amount of Star Wars-themed signs and props. “Wow,” I thought, “Lincoln really loves Star Wars.” Only later did I realize it was May 4. Yep. May the Fourth. My mental processing speed was clearly still warming up.

I noticed a spectator dressed as Jason from Friday the 13th holding a sign that read “Run like I’m chasing you!” As I passed, a guy behind me yelled, “You’ll never catch ME, pal!” I turned just in time to see Jason sprint after him — weaving wildly through runners, machete (hopefully fake) bouncing. For a moment, I thought I might witness a themed murder mid-race. Fortunately, it ended in laughter, not headlines and trauma.

Around halfway, we hit a long, forgettable stretch of paved path next to the freeway. Scenic? Not really. Functional? Sure. But then, I met Ella, a retired service dog lounging trailside. She offered slow tail wags and emotional support via soft eye contact. The right mental boost at the right time from a very good girl.

The next climb up 20th felt brutal — not much elevation on the map, but my legs disagreed. As usual, the spectators delivered. One sign read: “You should’ve pooped when you had the chance,” which, depending on your situation, was either comic relief or a call to action. Another stop offered “Jell-O shots” that turned out to be jelly beans in red plastic shot cups. Blatantly false advertising, but still a hit.

As we passed an aid station by a country club, a man in a tuxedo served water from a butler’s tray, announcing “Fancy water!” to all the runners. That kind of flair practically demanded pinkies up. 


With just a few miles left, we turned onto 10th and headed downtown under a strengthening sun. A sign along the way read “Tap here for a power-up” — and when you did, it actually played the Mario mushroom sound! Nerdy excellence.

Fueled by that small joy, I made it to the finish near Memorial Stadium. Double-state weekend complete! I felt tired but surprisingly good overall! The reward? A lovely shiny penny. No, literally — the medal was a massive, blindingly reflective coin with Honest Abe himself on it. I loved it immediately but feared it could ignite something in direct sunlight.

Post-Race: Runner Snacks and Penguin Snacks

The post-finish party was held in the stadium parking lot, where we were rewarded with a glorious spread of “Runner Food” (yes that’s what the signs said). Chips, bananas, donut holes, and pizza abound. (No beer, though. Nebraska giveth, Nebraska taketh away.)

In my foggy state, I nearly forgot to pick up my Flyover Challenge medal — a tragedy narrowly avoided when I stumbled past the table on my way out, looking for the exit like a raccoon in a parking garage.

I spent the afternoon at the zoo (because yes, I had energy for animals but not one more hill). I even caught the penguin feeding show, a crowd-pleasing game called Eat That Fish! This was clearly the highlight of the zoo visit, though the sleepy red pandas, energetic giraffes, and relaxed lemurs rounded out a solid animal afternoon. Two races. Two zoos. Peak weekend.

Later, I wandered downtown, explored the capitol grounds and university campus, and soaked up springtime sun and the scent of lilacs. Local shops gave discounts to finishers (race shirts: not just for bragging!). I capped the day with a burger, a beer, and a chat with a marathoner who confirmed I made the right call: “Second half of the marathon was lonely and HOT.” Oof. Better you than me today, sir.

Lincoln, you were a wild ride — like Topeka’s louder, slightly hungover cousin. But you had heart, donut holes, and a sprinting Jason Voorhees. And really, what more could a runner ask for?

Flyover Challenge complete. Three shiny medals earned. Sleep deficit deepened. Absolutely worth it.

Nebraska Notables:

• Best overheard: “As long as I get my medal and my donut, I’m good.” Hard to argue with those goals.
• Best wheeler signs: A woman with two signs on the back of her chair: “I can’t feel my legs” and “BADASS.” Iconic.
• Most shocking omission: Only one corn-related sign: “You corn do it, aw shucks!” Solid, but I expected more husk-based humor from you, Nebraska.
• Unexpected follow-up: I saw that same scarecrow guy again from Topeka! Turns out it was a Scarecrow mask à la Batman. Apparently supervillians can do Flyover Challenges too.
• Most curious zoo fact: One penguin was named Sharkbait. I’d love (or fear?) the backstory.
• Best impulse buy: Missed the expo, but snagged a sticker of Nebraska shaped like a Pop-Tart. On-brand for me and possibly better than official merch.