Pedalpalooza

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:

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]

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!