The Nebraska State Fair Marathon returns for its 12th year on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Grand Island, Nebraska, United States. This event offers a unique blend of competitive running and the excitement of fairground festivities, making it perfect for runners of all ages and abilities. Race morning finds participants gathering at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, where the vibrant atmosphere is already palpable. Families stroll through the grounds, children play on the lawn, and vendors hawk their wares from colorful tents. The fair’s lively environment creates a festive backdrop that adds to the overall experience as runners prepare for their run. The Nebraska State Fair Marathon has been growing in popularity each year, with over 1000 participants expected this time around. It supports local charities through participant fees and race-day contributions, ensuring it remains an integral part of the community's social fabric. The marathon itself is a Boston Qualifier, giving runners from across the region a chance to qualify for one of running’s most prestigious events. Course features include a certified Boston Qualifier route that starts and finishes on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds. The half-marathon distance takes participants through a series of landmarks, including the grand entrance arches and the midway, before concluding back at the starting point. A dedicated Marathon Relay event offers an engaging community-building experience for teams. Weather conditions predictably warm with temperatures ranging from 19 to 29 degrees Celsius on race day. The humidity is typically around 68%, making it a comfortable but sunny day under a UV index of high, which requires runners to stay hydrated and protect their skin.
Registration for the Nebraska State Fair Marathon is open at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114219/nebraska-state-fair-marathon, with fees starting from $28.87 for kids and going up to $88.00 for full marathon participants. Bib pickup will be available on race day morning between 6:30am-7:30am at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds; please bring your ID and payment confirmation. The start location is the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, where runners should gather by 7am. The event welcomes runners of all ages with age requirements for the Kids Run set to be under 12 years old. First-timers are advised to arrive prepared with a valid race number, timing chip, ID, and any other necessary documentation. The Nebraska State Fair Marathon is worth attending due to its unique setting within the fairgrounds. Running through fairground landmarks while supporting local charities makes this event an unforgettable experience for participants of all levels.
Races Offered
5K
Aug 29, 2026
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Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
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$45.00
Half Marathon
Aug 29, 2026
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Distance —
21km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
$77.25
Kids 1-Mile
Aug 29, 2026
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Distance —
1mi
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
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$28.87
Marathon
Aug 29, 2026
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Distance —
42km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
$88.00
Relay Marathon
Aug 29, 2026
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Distance —
42km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
$270.78
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Grand Island.
thermostatTemperature
19.0° / 29.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
18.7° / 29.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 22m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.7 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
68.2%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:44
nightlight
Sunset
20:29
About Grand Island
Learn more about the host city, Grand Island.
Grand Island is a city of 51,000 people (2019) in South Central Nebraska. Grand Island has been given the All-America City Award three times by the National Civic League.
