Project Swim Development

Join us for the 9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

We are happy to bring back the Crystal Lake Aquathon for the 9th year! This annual event will be returning to the ideal confines of Three Oaks Recreational Center in Crystal Lake, IL. As the original Illinois Aquathon, this race will offer 4 timed options. All proceeds from the race benefit Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois!

Timed Races

• Sprint Distance (500m swim, 5k run)

• Olympic Distance (1 mile swim, 10k run)

• 2 Mile Swim

-1 Mile Swim. Please note the 1-mile swim does not include awards but is timed.

The swim portion takes place in a modified quarry (swim around 3 islands!), and the run is on a combination of trail, sand, and pavement. Wet suits will be allowed if it is below 78 degrees (decision to be made by City of Crystal Lake staff based on water temperature).

Kids' Race

The Kids' Race is perfect for anyone ages 7-12 that would like to try the Aquathon but needs a shorter distance. It includes a 100m swim and a 1 mile run. Swag is included, along with a swim cap. All Kids' Race participants will receive a finisher's medal however there are no awards. Lifeguards and a swim angel will be in the water with the swimmers for safety and encouragement. There is a relay option, so if your child wants to partner with a friend, it's a great way for them to compete together!

Adaptive Race

The Adaptive Race will be a one mile swim only. Swimmers will be allowed physical support from their own family/friends only for protection of the racers and volunteers and may use adaptive equipment in the water as needed.

Course Maps

Start Line

Swim Course Map

Kids Swim Course Map

Run Course Map (new course coming soon! Hint - it's a loop around the water thanks to the City of Crystal Lake!)

Kids Run Course Map

Race Day Schedule

Awards and Celebrations

At the completion of the race, we will celebrate with a post-race party overlooking Three Oaks. Food and beverages will be provided. Food for participants only!! We will have an award ceremony this year!!! Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place for the sprint, Olympic, and 2-mile swim. There will be no awards for the kids, adaptive, relay races or 1 mile swim.

Stay after to enjoy all that Three Oaks has to offer: swimming, sailboat and paddle board rentals, scuba diving, children's playground/splash park, volleyball, fishing, and fun in the sun!

2026 Finisher Medals

The 2026 Aquathon medals will be handmade by the local Girls on the Run chapter of Northwest Illinois. Every medal will be unique and made with love and made with the perfect amount of star power.

2026 Race Swag

Photo coming soon!

Packet Pick-Up - Sunday, 7/19 6:00am-7:00am at Three Oaks Recreation Center (Race Site)

Packet pick up will be occurring RACE MORNING ONLY to receive bib and timing chip.

Other Notes:

Wetsuits: Wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is 78 or lower.

Weather: In the event of inclement weather, the City of Crystal Lake’s Fire Department will be making the call to delay or cancel the race. At this time there is not a make-up date due to a shortage of lifeguards and there are no refunds.

All athletes must be checked in by 7:00am.

Interested in sponsoring the Aquathon to support Girls on the Run? Please email Melissa at [email protected] or click HERE for more info:

Four 1/4 mile laps, runners drink a 12 once beer before each lap, (drink, run, drink, run, drink, run, drink, run). Must drink beer provided by event. Heats of no more than 16 participants will start every 30 minutes. Event benefits The Huntley Historical Society. RAIN OR SHINE!

Packet Pickup: Saturday, July 25th, starts at 1 PM.

The Beer Mile will Start with the first Relay Team Heat at 2 pm, second heat at 2:30 pm, signup for a heat when you check in.

The Individual Beer Mile Heats will be 3 pm and 3:30 pm, signup for a heat when you check in..

Registration Prices after July 20: $75 for Beer Mile, $55 for Relay.

*If you sign up after July 7, we cannot guarantee you will get a t-shirt, we will do our best to get you one in the correct size *

Relay Teams: 4 members per team, 1 beer and 1 lap per team member!

Course Records: Male: Ian Hussung - 6:35 - 2025

Daniel Richert 6:46 - 2024

Kris Pugawko - 7:08 - 2024

Female: Courtney Ofenloch - 10:02 - 2025

Savannah Henn - 12:38 - 2024

Savannah Henn - 13:27 - 2023

Relay Team: Malort Milers - 5:23 - 2025

Vomit Comets - 5:44 - 2025

Lager Heads - 5:46 - 2025

Photo Credits: Jenny Thorsen

Registration Includes: T-Shirt, Custom Bib, Beer Glass, Finishers Medal, Chip Timing, Pictures

*If you sign up after July 7, we cannot guarantee you will get a t-shirt, we will do our best to get you one in the correct size

Food Trucks on site from 11am to 8 pm - Live Music from 6 PM to 8 PM Bring the family and a lawn chair, hang out and have fun!

Raffles!

MUST BE 21 Years of age on Event Date to Participate in the beer mile.

Packet Pickup: Saturday, July 25th starts at 1 PM

Beer Mile will be held RAIN OR SHINE! We will make every attempt to hold the event. If it is raining prior to the start time, Packet Pickup will be held inside the Sew Hop'd Brewery. We will wait out rain until it is safe to hold the event. We will not reschedule the event. We my cancel the event if heavy rain is predicted all afternoon. This event is a fundraiser so no refunds will be issued.

Course: A quarter mile loop on a paved parking lot.

Awards: Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female, Age Group Awards, Male and Female DFL (Dead Freaking Last) Beer Mile, Top 3 Relay Teams and DFL

The Run for C'Ville is the 12th annual community run hosted by the Rotary Club of Carpentersville, formerly known as the RaceWay Woods 5K. This year's race takes place on August 8, 2026, beginning at 8:00AM at Carpenters Park.

Participants can choose between a 5K Run or a 3K Walk, making this event welcoming for runners, walkers, families, and community members of all ages. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we will have a staggered start, with runners begging first followed by walkers.

Dogs and strollers are welcome, so bring the whole crew and enjoy a morning of movement and community spirit.

The race is part of Carpentersville's Jamboree Days Weekend, one of the village's most anticipated summer celebrations, filled with music, food, and family activities.

Most importantly, your participation supports a great cause. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities and Rotary community programs, including scholarships for students, winter coats for children, and other initiatives that strengthen our community.

Join us for a fun, energetic morning and help make a meaningful impact in Carpentersville.

Register today and be part of a community tradition!

NEW THIS YEAR: Start and finish your ride under the iconic Raue Center marquee—then celebrate together at the after party.

Welcome to the 2026 Night Owl Bike Ride—one of the most unique and community-driven nights of the summer. As you ride through Crystal Lake under the stars, know that every dollar raised stays right here in McHenry County, supporting Raue Center For The Arts and our mission to make the arts accessible to all. Your participation helps provide scholarships for youth classes and summer camps, free tickets for veterans, affordable access for schools, and so many more programs that bring creativity, connection, and opportunity to our community.

Date:

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Location:

Start & End – Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N Williams St., Crystal Lake IL

Packet Pick-up @ Raue Center

3pm – 6 pm – Friday, August 7, 2026 @ location TBD

10 am – 1 pm – Saturday, August 8, 2026 @ Raue Center

7:30-8:45pm Saturday August 8, 2026 @ Raue Center

Event Timeline:

7:30 pm – On-site Registration Opens (you can pick your packet up during this time as well)

9:00 pm – Long Ride starts (20+/- miles)

9:05 pm – Short Ride starts (10+/- miles)

9:30 pm – After Party begins at Raue Center

11:30 pm – Route closes

Midnight – Party ends

Registration includes t-shirt** and after party admission:*

$38 ends June 21st

$46 ends August 7th

$55 Day of

Kids (12 & under) $18

Pricing includes soft-style t-shirt* and after party, before fees.

**After July 1st t-shirts are while supplies last.

Ride for a reason—every registration supports local arts access right here in McHenry County!!

Quick Safety Checklist (Required to Ride):

Helmets are mandatory.

Lights and reflectors are mandatory.

Review the route before you start the ride.

Obey all traffic laws. (Officers may issue citations.)

Carry an ID and cell phone. – A cell phone number for at least one member of your group MUST be on file when you check in.

Bike must be in good condition.

Do not ride more than two abreast.

Please bring a reusable water bottle.

In the event of an emergency during the ride, please call 911

The rest stop is located at Woodscreek Park. Water, restrooms, snacks, and basic first aid will be available.

Watch our Facebook page for any updates on the ride. There will be no refunds for the ride.

Route links will be available about a two weeks prior to the ride:

Ride with GPS:

Short Route -

Long Route -

Strava:

Short Route:

Long Route:

Volunteers Wanted!

Be a volunteer! Registration/set-up assistance, Course marshals, and Pace riders are needed. To volunteer, visit our registration page!

The majority of the route includes designated bike routes, lanes, and paths. The route is approximately 20 miles. There will also be a shorter, family-friendly route, which is about 10 miles. The route may change based on current path/street conditions and road construction. The Night Owl is limited to 500 riders. Any rider 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride. The safety of Night Owl participants is of primary importance. The route is on public streets and must be shared with motor vehicles during evening hours. We require all riders to wear helmets, have lights on their bicycle, and ride no more than two abreast. The Crystal Lake Police Department also reminds us to obey all traffic laws. This is NOT a race, but a RIDE! The Crystal Lake Police Department bike patrol will ride along with us to ensure a safe and fun ride for all participants.

There are no refunds for the Night Owl ride.

Become a Sponsor!

Show your support for a bike-friendly McHenry County and get exposure with area cyclists and families!

Night Owl is a great opportunity to showcase your business or organization! When you sponsor the ride, you’re not just part of an event—you’re helping keep the arts alive and accessible for thousands of local families.

All proceeds from the ride support Raue Center For The Arts.

A variety of support packages are available to make this event a success!

For sponsorship information contact Meredith Schaefer Flowers at [email protected]