Running for President

What does Honest Abe have to do with running? Nothing, really. If you look at the Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, the stovetop hat, the penny and $5 bill--all things we associate with Abe Lincoln--you won't find any running relations. But the runners of Springfield, Ill., want you to associate running through the Land of Lincoln's state capital with this famed president born 200 years ago (February 12, 1809) in a log cabin. And while it's often too cold to celebrate his birthday by going for a run on the actual day, they have the celebration set for spring--this year April 4.

Celebrate the life and times of the 16th President in his hometown at the Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon. On Saturday, April 4, at 7:30 a.m. you'll start on a 13.1-mile journey that takes you running where Lincoln walked, past sites that bear his name, places he frequented more than 150 years ago. This race hasn't been around since the age of Honest Abe (although you can score a picture with his distant relative, see left), but it will be turning 45--that's nine $5 bills or two score and five years ago.

The race starts at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and promises a run past the Old State Capitol, recently returning to the limelight as the spot where 44th President Barack Obama kicked off his presidential campaign in Feb. 2007 and that Joe Biden would be his running mate in Aug. 2008. If you're fast enough to run home with an award, you could have your very own replica bust of the 16th President on your mantle. Start saving those pennies and fives, this half marathon will only set you back $35. Photo grabbed from bluegoosedesign at Flickr. Posted by Kate