Crystal Lake, Illinois · Saturday, April 18, 2026
The Earth Day 50k/15 Mile/5 Mile is a 5 miles, 15 miles, 50k, and ultra event held on Saturday, April 18, 2026. It is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Walk or run the annual McHenry Lakefront 5K! The Kids Fun Run includes a 50m (ages 3-5) & 100m (ages 6-8) race, so bring out the kids!
Course is chip-timed and USATF certified course. Fee includes t-shirt (while supplies last).
Awards for top overall male & female finisher, along with 1st-3rd place age group male & female finishers. Check-in from 7:00 am - 7:45 am.
Bib/Shirt Pickup - Available Friday from 12 pm - 6 pm at the McHenry Recreation Center, 3636 Municipal Drive, McHenry, or day of the race.
5K Course (all ages) - The course leaves Petersen Park Beach and weaves along the Prairie Trail and through the Lakeland Park neighborhood. Nice, shaded, flat race course!
5K Awards: Award for top overall Male and Female and Medals for Top 3 Male/Female in each category: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, etc to 70 & over
Kids Fun Run Awards: Medals for Top 3 for 50m and 100m. All participants receive a runner medal.
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
Packet pick up will be occurring at the following three times:
Friday 7/17 3:00pm - 6:00pm at Smith Physical Therapy and Running Academy
(110 W. Woodstock Street - enter on the west/left side of the building where you will see a ramp and blue awning)
*Please note, you will still be required to check-in on race day to receive your timing chip.
Saturday 7/18 9:00am-12:00pm at Smith Physical Therapy and Running Academy
(110 W. Woodstock Street - enter on the west/left side of the building where you will see a ramp and blue awning)
*Please note, you will still be required to check-in on race day to receive your timing chip.
Sunday, 7/19 6:00am-7:00am at Three Oaks Recreation Center (Race Site)
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:
Voted OCR Buddy People's Choice Award winner for the World's Best Small Obstacle Race Series, Highlander Assault Obstacle Race, our Classic obstacle course race features an open 5k and 15k option, as well as, an 5k competitive (elite) and 15k endurance heat. From beginner to pro, we have you covered. Our Scottish Highlander themed race comes complete with your classic obstacle race staples, from technical monkey bar style rigs to atlas stone carries. Highlander also, adds a twist of the old world including challenges, such as archery, to caber carries. Come join us, you won't regret it!
SPECTATORS FEE $10 ON-SITE (3 & UNDER FREE)
FREE PARKING
You can also join us for our night version, Dark Ages Night Obstacle Race. Traverse our 5k torch lit night OCR with illuminated obstacles, bonfires and more, and yes there is a competitive heat!
For those who enjoy a fright, Highlander Assault LLC also offers an immersive 5k Haunted Highlander Trail Run, which is packed full of live haunted actors, animatronics, and Halloween themed scenes. This run does not have a competitive option, but trust us you wont want to miss this one!
All three race events, those who finish will receive a courtesy race medal and t-shirt.
Run, walk, or ruck through our haunted trail filled with haunted sets, animatronics, and actors. Join us afterward for our costume contest, bonfire, live entertainment, and food options. We will scare you into your best 5k time!
SPECTATOR FEE $10 (CHIDREN 3 & UNDER FREE)
FREE PARKING
Big Timber
XC Challenge
Sunday, November 8, 2026
The 2026 Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Series has endured the early spring chill at Chauncy’s 4 At The Farm in April, overcome the challenging hills of Hickory Knolls in June and powered through the single-track trails in the heat at the Summer Trail Classic in August.
It is now time to finish the year with an autumnal romp through the woods - and the creek! - at the 8th ANNUAL BIG TIMBER XC CHALLENGE!
You can choose to participate in either the 3-mile Run & Walk (one loop of the course) or the 5-mile Run (two loops). The course consists of grass, gravel, dirt, possibly some mud, and, of course, the beloved creek crossing around and through a natural wooded area. All registered participants receive a shirt and pancake breakfast.
There is also a Kids Fun Run, allowing youngsters 10 years and younger to join in the fun. The Kids Fun Run is on grass and does NOT cross the creek.
This event is sponsored by Dick Pond Athletics, Saucony and Pollyanna Brewing. Proceeds from this event will support the Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin.
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026 (rain/snow or shine, warm or cold)
Location: Camp Big Timber (CBT), Big Timber Rd at Tyrrell Rd, Elgin (approximately 1 mile south of I-90 and 0.5 miles west of Randall Road)
Parking: Parking at Camp Big Timber (CBT) is limited. CARPOOLING with others is encouraged.
Distances: Approximately 3 and 5 Miles
Sponsored by
All proceeds from the race will benefit
Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council
&