This course is sure to challenge the beginner to the elite athlete! Register as an indivdual or relay team. Sprint or Olympic distance available.
Event details and schedule
See event details on the event website at http://waucondaparks.org/wauconda-sprint-triathlon/.
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]
The 2nd Annual "Swim of Legends" will be held on August 30th, 2026. Finish the summer with an open water ultra distance swim in the clear waters of iconic Geneva Lake! This is a US Masters certified swim! A USMS membership is required, $20 will be taken off registration cost if you are an annual USMS member. This event provides a secure, well-supported environment for experienced swimmers. The swim will be about 11 kilometers (7 miles). Each swimmer will be required to use a visibility float (swim buoy), we will have small ones to minimize drag that can be used for the race. Hydration and Nutrition stops will be provided at three locations along the course. Water temperatures are expected to be around 78 degrees. Wetsuits will not be allowed unless water temperatures are significantly cooler than the expected 78 degrees.
Registration Includes: Swim cap, lightweight hoodie w/logo, awards (age groups and overall), lunch voucher and timed results.
Join USMS at https://www.usms.org
Join the Lake County Opioid Initiative and our community partners for the Overdose Awareness 5K Run/Walk, a community event dedicated to remembering those we’ve lost, supporting those in recovery, and raising awareness about the ongoing opioid crisis.
This family-friendly event offers a space for reflection, hope, and connection.
Event Purpose
Honor the lives lost to overdose and support loved ones affected.
Promote education and reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder.
Unite community members, organizations, and families in remembrance and action.
Love Wine? Enjoy running or walking? This race is for you!
Join us on Monday, September 7, 2026 at 12:00pm for an exciting annual event that features the amazing scenery and landscape at Geneva Lake Distilling + Winery! Studio has a wide range of wines from dry to sweet to please every palate. Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.
Registration Includes:
T-shirt: Super Soft Ring Spun Cotton t-shirt included!
Wine Glass: Shatterproof, Collapsible, and Portable!
Finisher Medal: Doubles as a Wine Stopper!
Race Bib: Chip timed 5k run/walk
Results Posted Online
...and of course, a pour of wine!
Moraine Hills
Run For The Hills
5K Run/Walk
10K Run/Walk
Half Marathon Run/Walk
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Moraine Hills State Park
Virtual Option
September 1 through September 27, 2026
Due to changes in the law, the price now includes all processing fees.
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!
Flat and fast trail ultra marathon series on crushed gravel trail through forests and wetlands, featuring half marathon, marathon (BQ), 50K, and 50-mile options.
Family Health Partnership Clinic is proud to present the 26th Annual Care4 Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, October 18th at Woodstock North High School!
The Care4 Breast Cancer 5K celebrates survivors, supports our breast cancer warriors and honors the loved ones we have lost too soon. It is an inspiring and moving event that makes a huge impact in our community. The Care4 5K raises critical funds to support Family Health Partnership Clinic in it's mission to provide health care services to the uninsured adults of McHenry County. Specifically, the funds raised are pledged to breast cancer education, early diagnosis & detection, annual screenings and other women's health programs. We know that early detection is key to survival and, with your help, we can give everyone the hope and support they need.
The Care4 will again have a VIRTUAL option! Our Care4 Family extends to all four corners of the country and we want to ensure that everyone is included so we are thrilled to be able to offer a VIRTUAL CARE4 Experience. As a VIRTUAL participant, you can choose the time and place to walk, run or be active from October 11th thru October 18th. Upload your results along with pictures of you and your Care4 Crew wearing your swag. Those signed up for the Virtual Care4 can opt in for shipping and your shirt and bib will be shipped by October 9th.
So together, let’s spread the Care4 message far and wide- making sure that EVERYONE has access to breast cancer screenings and early detection, preventative care and education! Early diagnosis is key to survival and without health insurance, early detection may not happen. Uninsured women were nearly 2.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with a later stage of the disease. With your support, FHPC can change that because, we believe, everyone deserves healthcare!
The Clinic has been providing quality health care to the uninsured men and women of McHenry County since 1996! For more info about FHPC, visit hpclinic.org.
Registration includes Care4 T-shirt (guaranteed size if registered by 10/10, so don't miss out- register today!)
Richardson Farm Fall 5K & 10K with Family 1 Mile Adventure Run - 10/18/2026
Spring Grove, IL
Run or walk a 5K entirely through the World's Largest Corn Maze or families can run the 1 Mile Adventure Run. Definitely an a-maze-ing experience that is so corny it's crazy. Weave through hundreds of turns on the clearly marked course as fast as you can.
Use #CornMaze5K to share your photos!
Event times, dates, location and all other details are subject to change before the event. All official information is on the event's website AllCommunityEvents.com.