4 walking events in Normal, Illinois

THE 2026 LAKE RUN PERFORMANCE BUILD

May 2. 4.37 Mile & 12K.

This is a race build for runners who want to compete.

8 weeks of structured, performance-based training:

• Threshold development

• VO₂ max sessions

• Race-pace workouts

• Long-run progression

• Taper & race execution guidance

Designed for intermediate runners targeting a PR.

Investment:

$55 – Lake Run Club Members

$65 – Non-Members

Limited roster.

Starts March 4th, 2026

Transform yourself into being "Race Ready" for May 2nd Lake Run!

Our training programs are designed to have you prepared and ready to run the Lake Run, in either the 3 mile walk, the 4.37 mile or 12K 7.44 mile. The Lake Run is the first Saturday in May. Our spring training program, will focus on High Intensity Interval Training, including stretching, race strategies and Nutrition.

This 8 week training program is for both first time runners and any runner who is looking to improve race performance. Lake Run group leaders have decades of running experience, frequent top age group competitors. Participants can expect high short burst intensity sessions each week.

We have many repeat participants who come back year after year. Lake Run Club training programs have been decades in the making. Enjoy the weekly group runs and all of the perks and program flexibility including a T-Shirt, entry into the May Lake Run and refreshments each week.

Some runners will "make it their own" running at a steady pace and just use the training to maintain a current level of fitness. As the weeks go by, there will be a steady progression in intensity at your comfort level. Runners with a good running base, will start with a higher intensity level.

While multiple leaders will be present at each session. Leaders' roles will include: check in/out, guiding group warm-up/cool-down stretches, lead course runner and follow-up runner(s). Leaders will be able to guide you in your running questions or concerns during warm-up or after the run. We will send out electronic education regarding a variety of running topics throughout the program.

2026 DATES

Program Dates & Times: March 4th 5:30 PM

Runs will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30pm and on designated Saturdays at 8:30am. (Depending on our volunteer and group leader availability)

Where: Meeting at 305 S Linden Normal (same building as Vogue Dental). Our weekly run locations may change based on availability of local running tracks, where speed workouts will be conducted. Those runners who are performance oriented will have more of their workouts at running tracks, where 400-1200 meter workouts will be conducted.

If you are not a member, please consider joining first!

https://runsignup.com/joinlakerunclub

Fees:

LRC Member $50 early, $60 on Feb 15 (discount applied at checkout) - includes free Lake Run entry

LRC non member $65 early, $80 on Feb 15 includes free Lake Run entry No T-shirt options are available at registration as well.

Register online at: https://runsignup.com/lrchiit

Never ran the Lake Run before? Read more about the Lake Run

Support the Unit 5 Educational Foundation by participating in the 5th Annual Unit 5k presented by Commerce Bank. Choose to participate in the 5k or one mile walk/run. Race will take place on cross country grass course. Sign up today and show your pride for Unit 5 schools!

Bib Pickup

Race packet pick-up:

Friday, TBD

Sunday (Race Day) from 1-2 pm, Maxwell Park

Registration

Please save yourself some time on race day and complete your registration prior to arriving on site.

Children ages 1-12 are invited to run on Friday evenings during the summer at NCHS (Normal Community High School). This family program by the Lake Run Club, is non-competitive and intended to help teach kids that exercising and running can be fun. Children will be grouped according to age with the younger ones (2 and under) running first (parents may run with young kids). Age groups with many children will run in several "heats" to avoid congestion and accidents. This is our 30th year of the Kids Run for Fun!

Venue location will be the same as last year NCHS High School.

Walkup Registration will start at 5:30 PM at NCHS High School. ADDRESS: 3900 East Raab Road, Normal, IL 61761

• $5.00 Registration for single Friday Session. Walk Up Registration on Friday from 5:30-6:00PM.

• $18.00 Registration for all sessions, no T-Shirt.

• $25.00 Entry will cover all sessions, and T-Shirt. (Please use the runsignup link so we can pre-order T-Shirts)

2 Year olds will start promptly at 6:00 PM, followed by 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12+ open mile run. Timing clocks will be onsite to view finish times.