Lake Wildwood “Make or Break at the Lake” Triathlon

Lake Wildwood Association is a private, gated recreational community that is centrally located between Chicago and Peoria, just north of Varna, Illinois. The Association boasts two lakes - the largest, Lake Wildwood, is 220 acres and offers boating (including water sports), fishing and swimming. Lake Tanglewood is 18 acres and is strictly a fishing lake located near our private campground.Scroll down for important information about parking/LWW access, Lacon Bridge closure, important dates, a link to the free recorded online clinic with lots of great tips, and information about the Swim Clinic (in-person at LWW)Triathlon Details:  Swim: 750 MetersBike: 15.5 MilesRun: 3.1 Miles (5K)Packet Pickup Details:Saturday before the race, 4PM-6:00PM, at TBDRace Day, 6:30AM-7:30AM, at the race site.Race Day Schedule:7:30 - Packet Pickup & Body Marking Closes7:45 - Transition Closes7:50 - Pre-Race Briefing8:00 - Triathlon StartsTBD - Awards CeremonyWave Schedule - TriathlonCheck back close to race dayKey DeadlinesJuly 19th - Must register by this date to be guaranteed a race shirtAugust 6th - Last day for registrationNO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!SWAG! - All Participants will receive:Swag bagCustom race t-shirtCustom finisher medalColored swim cap (triathlon swim participants only)Post-race party with musicPost-race beer, food, refreshment ticket (must be 21+ for beer or Lake Breeze drink) Participants are welcome to enjoy the afternoon at East Beach with their families after the race and post-race party!
Swim ClinicThe in-person swim clinic will be offered on Sunday, July 16, 2022 at East Beach (Beach 1) with sign up times of 8:30-9:30am or 10-11am.  The swim clinic will offer participants a chance to see the swim area where the triathlon will take place and to learn techniques to help prepare for the open water swim.  You can sign up for the swim clinic during your race sign up.Parking - Please ReadWe are staging this event in an area of our community that is most convenient for our triathlon participants while also being respectful of our resident members.  In doing so, there is limited parking near the event venue so we can only permit one vehicle per participant.  If, however, you have a need to bring multiple vehicles the day of the event we will do our best to accommodate. Simply send an email to [email protected] so we may discuss your situation.  Lake Wildwood is a private gated community so unregistered vehicles will not be permitted access. 
Lacon Bridge (Illinois River at IL-17) - The Lacon Bridge will be closed for construction during the time of the triathlon and those coming from Peoria and other areas west of the Illinois River will need to cross either in Peoria (south of Lacon bridge) or in Henry (about 8 miles north of the Lacon bridge).  Please factor this into your arrival time on race day.
 
WetsuitsIf lake water temperatures are below 78 degrees (F) you may wear a wetsuit for the swim portion, otherwise, if water temperature is over 78 degrees (F), you may choose to wear a wetsuit, but you will be ineligible for awards.Access To Race SiteBecause Lake Wildwood is a gated community, participants are unable to access the race site prior to race day.  However, most of the bike course is outside the gated portion and accessible.
 
Free Online Clinic
Click on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_j97qt7WRM for a recorded presentation that is perfect for someone who is new to the sport or simply wants some helpful tips. The presentation includes information on what to wear, tips on setting up transition, pool vs lake swim differences to prepare for (and swim drills to help with the transition from pool to lake swim), transition tips, bike leg and run leg tips, what to eat/drink, and training tips, among other things.