WELCOME!
We are excited to present the 7th Annual Crystal Lake Half Marathon & 12K on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Start Times: 7:30 Half Marathon 8:00 a.m. 12K (7.44 miles)
The Half Marathon starts at Main Beach and the 12K starts just up a few yards from the Half start. All finish together for the celebration at the finish line. Enjoy the sites of Crystal Lake Illinois with the start at iconic Crystal Lake Main Beach, a loop around Lippold Park, a view of the Dole Mansion, a jaunt down the
Prairie Path, and finish up in downtown Crystal Lake. This point to point venue will bus runners to the START with an easy 5 minute bus ride. Inside building and beach side warm up areas are available no matter what the weather will bring. Every 1 1/2 mile are water stations. The entry fee also includes a ticket for one beer or one non-alcoholic beverage and a food ticket (for either a slice of pizza or a power bowl by Duck-a-Diet) at the Smith Running Academy After Party. Age group awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the Half Marathon distance will also be given at the After Party at Depot Park in Downtown Crystal Lake.
Other Important Information:
- Bathrooms are located at the start (bathrooms), Mile 5 (porta potty), Mile 11 (Prairie Path building), and Finish Line (porta potty)
- Water stations are every 1.5 miles, Gatorade is located at Miles 7.5, 9. 10.5, 12 (we cannot provide other fueling/food on course - so please plan what works best for you!)
- EMS/First Aid is available throughout the course and will be dispatched at course marshalls directions; first aid kids are available at various water stations
- Course is marked with turn arrows on the ground, course marshals directing runners
Packet Pick-Up Information (for race week of 9/4-9/6):
All days/times are race week only.
Race Day Schedule:
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New this year . . . the Half Marathon Course is now USATF Certified!
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After Party Information
Depot Park opens for spectators and visitors at 8:30am with music and sponsor booths available to visit. The first racers will finish at 9:30am and awards will be at ~10:45. Beer provided by Crystal Lake Brewing for our volunteers and racers and food provided by Dominos Pizza and Duck a Diet. Racers will have drink and food tickets attached to their bib and volunteers will receive food and drink. Spectators are able to buy beer at Crystal Lake Brewing or purchase food/drink at any of the downtown Crystal Lake locations.
Stay to listen to PearlSnap from 11:00am - 1:00pm to celebrate a great race day. Many local restaurants and bars will be open with option to bring drinks back to the park.
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Kids Run This Town
Do you have an elementary aged kiddo who loves to run!? Here's their chance to run their own Half Marathon! This 4 week program challenges kids to run 12 miles over 4 weeks with a running buddy. On race day of the Crystal Lake Half Marathon, they run their 13th mile of the month and earn their Half Marathon finisher medal
Call 815.893.9075 for more information
For Race Day information on the Kids' Mile, click HERE
Finisher Medals
Race Shirt
(Next Level unisex triblend hooded long sleeve pull-over t-shirt)
(Shirts not guaranteed after 8/11/2026)
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Interested in sponsoring the Crystal Lake Half Marathon? Contact Melissa at melissa.nickle@smithptplus.com or click HERE for more info.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Half Marathon Closed
Online registration closed-
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$64.25
Black Friday DUO
Dec 24 – Dec 1 -
$72.65Dec 2 – Jun 3
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$83.15Jun 4 – Jul 9
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$93.65Jul 10 – Sep 5
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$101.00Sep 5 – Sep 6
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12K (7.44 miles) Closed
Online registration closed-
Here's an opportunity to run a little shorter and still be included in all the race water stops, street crossings, and fabulous post race celebration
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$53.75
Black Friday
Dec 24 – Dec 1 -
$62.15Dec 2 – Jun 3
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$72.65Jun 4 – Jul 9
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$83.15Jul 10 – Sep 5
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$90.50Sep 5 – Sep 6
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Contact information
- Event contact
- Trudy Wakeman
- Phone
- 224-629-6197
- Website
- Visit website
