The Lake Run
- Date Sat 2nd May 2026
- Time 8:30AM CDT
- Location Hudson, Illinois
- Price $15.00 - $20.00
- Races 4 races
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at The Lake Run on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Hudson, McLean! This year’s theme is "International Harry Potter Day," celebrating the magical date when Harry Potter triumphed over Lord Voldemort during the epic Battle of Hogwarts. Join fellow running enthusiasts and fans of the wizarding world as you choose between three exciting race distances: a 12K (7.44 miles), a 4.37-mile loop, or a leisurely 3-mile walk. With chip timing and live race results, every participant can stay updated on their progress.
Don’t miss out on the fun—costumes are encouraged, and there are special categories for the fastest witch, wizard, or muggle! After the race, indulge in delicious post-race food, including Avanti's Gondola Sandwiches, and enjoy a celebratory drink at the Green Gables outdoor beer garden, where participants over 21 can enjoy a complimentary craft beer. Make sure to register by April 23, 2026, to secure your Lake Run t-shirt in your size. Experience the magic, camaraderie, and excitement of The Lake Run—mark your calendar and prepare for a day of fun and fitness
Don’t miss out on the fun—costumes are encouraged, and there are special categories for the fastest witch, wizard, or muggle! After the race, indulge in delicious post-race food, including Avanti's Gondola Sandwiches, and enjoy a celebratory drink at the Green Gables outdoor beer garden, where participants over 21 can enjoy a complimentary craft beer. Make sure to register by April 23, 2026, to secure your Lake Run t-shirt in your size. Experience the magic, camaraderie, and excitement of The Lake Run—mark your calendar and prepare for a day of fun and fitness
Organiser's Description
* 2026 Race Theme will be "INTERNATIONAL HARRY POTTER DAY" which is observed May 2nd.
* International Harry Potter Day [https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page] was officially declared by David Cameron, the Prime Minister of Britain at the time, in 2012. It is designated to be on the 2nd of May, the day Harry Potter defeated Lord Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts, and the day that the Battle of Hogwarts and the Second Wizarding War ended.
* Two new categories, fastest witch, wizard or muggle. Costumes required. Along with no-time, no-shirt option.
* The first Lake Run, a loop around Lake Bloomington, was held in 1982 and had 224 finishers. The race became an annual event, added a shorter loop and continues to grow each year. In addition to the standard age group classifications, the race has footpounder classes for men over 220 lb and women over 190 lb, as well as footpounder light: 190-219 lb (men) and 150lb - 179lb (women).
* You can choose from the 12K which is 7.44 miles in length, 4.37 Mile, or 3 Mile Walk, each have chip timing and race results posted live during the event.
* Post race food include Avanti's Gondola Sandwiches and vegetarian options.
* Post Party is back at Green Gables outdoor beer garden !! Each participant over the age of 21 will receive a free beer of choice from various craft and domestic beers offered on race day. Non-Alcoholic Athletic Brewing beer will be available at this events post party.
* Over the years, the Lake Run has celebrated various holidays and festive events that fall on the same day as the Lake Run, including "May the 4th be with you, Star Wars Theme", Cinco De Mayo, etc.
* NEED TO REGISTER BEFORE 4/23/2026 TO RECEIVE A LAKE RUN T-SHIRT IN YOUR SIZE.
* 2026 Partial Proceeds TBD
12K AND 3 MILE WALK WILL START AT 8:30 AM
4.37 MILE INNER LOOP WILL START AT 9:00 AM.
* International Harry Potter Day [https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page] was officially declared by David Cameron, the Prime Minister of Britain at the time, in 2012. It is designated to be on the 2nd of May, the day Harry Potter defeated Lord Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts, and the day that the Battle of Hogwarts and the Second Wizarding War ended.
* Two new categories, fastest witch, wizard or muggle. Costumes required. Along with no-time, no-shirt option.
* The first Lake Run, a loop around Lake Bloomington, was held in 1982 and had 224 finishers. The race became an annual event, added a shorter loop and continues to grow each year. In addition to the standard age group classifications, the race has footpounder classes for men over 220 lb and women over 190 lb, as well as footpounder light: 190-219 lb (men) and 150lb - 179lb (women).
* You can choose from the 12K which is 7.44 miles in length, 4.37 Mile, or 3 Mile Walk, each have chip timing and race results posted live during the event.
* Post race food include Avanti's Gondola Sandwiches and vegetarian options.
* Post Party is back at Green Gables outdoor beer garden !! Each participant over the age of 21 will receive a free beer of choice from various craft and domestic beers offered on race day. Non-Alcoholic Athletic Brewing beer will be available at this events post party.
* Over the years, the Lake Run has celebrated various holidays and festive events that fall on the same day as the Lake Run, including "May the 4th be with you, Star Wars Theme", Cinco De Mayo, etc.
* NEED TO REGISTER BEFORE 4/23/2026 TO RECEIVE A LAKE RUN T-SHIRT IN YOUR SIZE.
* 2026 Partial Proceeds TBD
12K AND 3 MILE WALK WILL START AT 8:30 AM
4.37 MILE INNER LOOP WILL START AT 9:00 AM.
Races
-
12k
Incl. Shirt
Sat 2nd May 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$20.00
-
4.37 Mile
Incl. Shirt
Sat 2nd May 2026 (9:00AM CDT)
$20.00
-
3 Mile Walk
Incl. Shirt
Sat 2nd May 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$15.00
-
No Shirt-No-Time-No-Frills-No-Problem (Pick Either 3 Mile Walk, 4.37 or 12K, No Shirt, No Awards, Bib Without Chip No Post Party at Gables)
Sat 2nd May 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$15.00
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