Crystal Lake, Illinois · Thursday, November 27, 2025
The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Walk is a 5k, running, and walking event held on Thursday, November 27, 2025. It is located at 401 E Congress Pkwy in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
WELCOME!
We are excited to present the 7th Annual Crystal Lake Half Marathon & 12K on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Start Times: 7:30 Half Marathon 8:00 a.m. 12K (7.44 miles)
The Half Marathon starts at Main Beach and the 12K starts just up a few yards from the half start. All finish together for the celebration at the finish line. Enjoy the sites of Crystal Lake Illinois with the start at iconic Crystal Lake Main Beach, a loop around Lippold Park, a view of the Dole Mansion, a jaunt down the Prairie Path, and finish up in downtown Crystal Lake. This point to point venue will bus runners to the START with an easy 5 minute bus ride. Inside building and beach side warm up areas are available no matter what the weather will bring. Every 1 1/2 mile are water stations. The entry fee also includes a ticket for one beer or one non-alcoholic beverage and a slice of pizza at the Smith Running Academy After Party. Age group awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the Half Marathon distance will also be given at the After Party (location TBD).
Other Important Information:
Bathrooms are located at the start (bathrooms), Mile 5 (porta potty), Mile 11 (Prairie Path building), and Finish Line (porta potty)
Water stations are every 1.5 miles, Gatorade is located at Miles 7.5, 9. 10.5, 12 (we cannot provide other fueling/food on course - so please plan what works best for you!)
EMS/First Aid is available throughout the course and will be dispatched at course marshalls directions; first aid kids are available at various water stations
Course is marked with turn arrows on the ground, course marshals directing runners
Packet Pick-Up Information:
Race Day Schedule:
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Kids Run This Town
Do you have an elementary aged kiddo who loves to run!? Here's their chance to run their own Half Marathon! This 4 week program challenges kids to run 12 miles over 4 weeks with a running buddy. On race day of the Crystal Lake Half Marathon, they run their 13th mile of the month and earn their Half Marathon finisher medal
Program starts August 3rd!
Click HERE to register!
Interested in sponsoring the Crystal Lake Half Marathon? Contact Melissa at [email protected] or click HERE for more info.
Join us for the 22nd Annual Thin Mint Sprint!!
Get ready to lace up your running shoes because the Fox River Grove Memorial Library Running Club is back with an exhilarating in-person race! This year, we're bringing back the timed 5K fun run/walk along the stunning Fox River, as well as a 1-mile walk/run option. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 12, and head to Lions Park for an epic day of racing and community celebration. And don't forget about the post-race party – it's going to be a blast! This is an event you won't want to miss, so join us for an unforgettable day of fitness, fun, and togetherness!
Join us in supporting GSNI's financial assistance programs. We're on a mission to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to experience the amazing world of Girl Scouts, no matter what challenges they face. From membership fees to uniforms, books, and even international adventures, we're dedicated to making the Girl Scout journey accessible to all.
Registration Details
Your registration fee covers everything you need for the Thin Mint Sprint: a T-shirt, a high-tech chipped timing bib, a shiny medal, a trendy patch, a whole box of official Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies, and even more awesome race swag items. Get ready to run and enjoy all these fantastic goodies!
$40 Early-Bird Registration ~ March 31 - August 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
$45 Regular Registration ~ August 16 – September 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
$50 Race Day ~ September 12, 2024
Race packet pick-up will occur during race check-in on September 12th.
Virtual runners will be contacted in regard to packet mailing.
Check-in opens at 7:45
Race begins at 8:30 a.m. sharp!
After-party immediately following until 12:00 p.m.
FOR PARKING, PLEASE USE THIS ADDRESS FOR GPS LOCATION: 400 Lincoln Ave, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Come Celebrate 20 Years!!!
Panting Four Paws
Be Their Superhero!
5K * 10K *1 Mile
Saturday, October 3, 2026
5K/10K/1M Start: 8:30 AM
Lippold Park
Crystal Lake, IL
Lace up your shoes and be the superhero for these animal needs!
Join us Saturday, October 3, 2026 as we celebrate the 20th Panting Four Paws featuring a 5k/10k run/walk and 1 Mile walk.
For two decades, Panting 4 Paws has helped save thousands of lives and given countless animals their second chances.
This race isn't just about miles - - it's about Hope, Healing and Happy Tails!
We’re still trying to raise funds for our Phase 2 or renovations, and we need your support to continue working towards our goal of providing an even better space for our animals while they’re in our care, awaiting their forever homes.
All proceeds benefit
Helping Paws Animal Shelter
DONATE HERE!