The sold-out Good Life Halfsy will bring 9,500 registered runners to Lincoln on Sunday, Nov. 8, with organizers estimating the weekend will generate at least $3.5 million in economic activity. The 13.1-mile race begins at Seacrest Field near Lincoln East High School and finishes in the West Haymarket.
Event director Ben Cohoon tells KLIN News the field includes runners from all 50 states. He said organizers have worked with the University of Nebraska on economic impact studies, with this year’s estimate reflecting spending on hotels, restaurants, fuel and other purchases by visitors. “Basically, what we’re guesstimating on the low end for the economic impact is about 3.5 million dollars to the city this weekend,” Cohoon said.
Wheelchair athletes start at 8:25 a.m., followed by runners at 8:30 a.m. New starting corrals will spread runners’ starts over 35 minutes, which Cohoon said should reduce congestion along the course. Organizers also have expanded the lanes available to runners and the finish-line recovery area.
The course will feature more than 20 entertainment acts, including DJs, jugglers, marching bands and drumlines. Spectators can gather at five cheer stations or watch runners complete the race in the Haymarket. “At every single mile marker, we have a Pink Gorilla high-fiving people and keeping them motivated,” Cohoon said.
Cohoon recommends the finish line for spectators looking to experience the celebration. The race website also offers live athlete tracking, allowing friends and family to follow runners’ progress, along with spectator maps and driving directions.
Race weekend begins with the Run Expo and packet pickup from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St. Organizers recommend runners arrive at Sunday’s start between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and be in their assigned corrals by 8:15 a.m.
Drivers should plan for closures and delays along the route. Cohoon recommends using O Street, 84th Street, Pioneers Boulevard or 9th and 10th streets to travel around the course. He said race closures also have been provided to Waze and Google Maps.
According to the race website, streets generally close about 30 minutes before the first participant arrives and reopen about 30 minutes after the last participant passes. Canopy Street between O and R streets will be closed from 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while streets within Nebraska Innovation Campus will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Cohoon said organizers work with about 30 groups, many of which use their involvement as a fundraiser. People’s City Mission is the event’s main charity partner.
Registration for Sunday’s in-person race is closed. More information, including spectator resources, road closures and detour maps, and a priority list for next year’s registration, is available at goodlifehalfsy.com.