Crystal Lake Aquathon - 2025
- Date Sun 20th July 2025
- Location Crystal Lake, Illinois
- Races 9 races
- Distances Sprint, Olympic, 1 Mile
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Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of fitness and fun at the 8th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon on Sunday, July 20th, 2025! Set against the beautiful backdrop of Crystal Lake in McHenry, Illinois, this unique event is the only aquathon in the state, making it a must-attend for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Participants can choose from four exciting timed race options, including the Sprint Distance featuring a 500m swim and a 5k run, the Olympic Distance with a 1-mile swim and a 10k run, as well as 2-mile and 1-mile swim challenges.
Not just for adults, the event also includes a Kids' Race, perfect for ages 7-12, with a 250m swim and a 1-mile run. Plus, there’s an Adaptive Race designed for inclusivity, allowing participants to make use of adaptive equipment. After the races, join in the celebration at a post-race party overlooking Three Oaks, where food, beverages, and awards for top finishers await! With plenty of activities available at the recreation center, including swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing, the Crystal Lake Aquathon promises a fantastic day out for the whole family. Don’t
Not just for adults, the event also includes a Kids' Race, perfect for ages 7-12, with a 250m swim and a 1-mile run. Plus, there’s an Adaptive Race designed for inclusivity, allowing participants to make use of adaptive equipment. After the races, join in the celebration at a post-race party overlooking Three Oaks, where food, beverages, and awards for top finishers await! With plenty of activities available at the recreation center, including swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing, the Crystal Lake Aquathon promises a fantastic day out for the whole family. Don’t
Organiser's Description
Join us for the 8th Annual Crystal Lake AquathonSunday, July 20th, 2025 We are happy to bring back the Crystal Lake Aquathon for the 7th year (can you believe it???)! This annual event will be returning to the ideal confines of Three Oaks Recreational Center in Crystal Lake, IL. As the only aquathon in the state of Illinois, 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' RaceThe Kids' Race is perfect for anyone ages 7-12 that would like to try the Aquathon but needs a shorter distance. It includes a 250m 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 MapsStart Line
Swim Course MapKids Swim Course MapRun Course Map
Kids Run Course Map
Race Day Schedule
Awards and CelebrationsAt 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!
Finisher Medals for all racers COMING SOON!
2025 Race Swag - COMING SOON!
Packet Pick-UpPacket pick up will be occurring at the following three times:Friday 7/18 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 7/19 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, 7/28 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.
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' RaceThe Kids' Race is perfect for anyone ages 7-12 that would like to try the Aquathon but needs a shorter distance. It includes a 250m 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 MapsStart Line
Swim Course MapKids Swim Course MapRun Course Map
Kids Run Course Map
Race Day Schedule
Awards and CelebrationsAt 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!
Finisher Medals for all racers COMING SOON!
2025 Race Swag - COMING SOON!
Packet Pick-UpPacket pick up will be occurring at the following three times:Friday 7/18 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 7/19 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, 7/28 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.
Crystal Lake Aquathon - 2025