Join us for the 9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
Timed Races
-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' Race
The Kids' Race is perfect for anyone ages 7-12 that would like to try the Aquathon but needs a shorter distance. It includes a 100m 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 Maps
Start Line
Swim Course Map
Kids Swim Course Map
Run Course Map (new course coming soon! Hint - it's a loop around the water thanks to the City of Crystal Lake!)
Kids Run Course Map
Race Day Schedule
Awards and Celebrations
At 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!
2026 Finisher Medals
The 2026 Aquathon medals will be handmade by the local Girls on the Run chapter of Northwest Illinois. Every medal will be unique and made with love and made with the perfect amount of star power.
2026 Race Swag
Photo coming soon!
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick up will be occurring at the following three times:
Friday 7/17 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 7/18 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, 7/19 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.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Sprint Distance Aquathon
Price changes in 2 months 25 days-
500 meter swim and 5K run
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Register for Sprint Distance Aquathon$71.53Now registering Dec 21 – Apr 4
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$76.88Apr 5 – May 27
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$87.58May 28 – Jul 17
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Olympic Distance Aquathon
Price changes in 2 months 25 days-
1 mile swim with 10k run
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Register for Olympic Distance Aquathon$76.88Now registering Dec 21 – Apr 4
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$82.23Apr 5 – May 27
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$92.93May 28 – Jul 17
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2 Mile Swim
Price changes in 2 months 25 days-
SWIM Only. This event is timed and the price includes finisher's medal, swag, and finish line food.
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Register for 2 Mile Swim$55.49Now registering Dec 21 – Apr 4
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$60.83Apr 5 – May 27
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$71.53May 28 – Jul 17
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Relay - Sprint Distance Aquathon
Price changes in 2 months 25 days-
Must sign up both relay members at time of registration; 500 meter swim with 5k run
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Register for Relay - Sprint Distance Aquathon$119.68Now registering Dec 21 – Apr 4
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$141.08Apr 5 – May 27
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$157.13May 28 – Jul 17
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Relay - Olympic Distance Aquathon
Price changes in 2 months 25 days-
Must sign up both relay members at time of registration; 1 mile swim with 10k run
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Register for Relay - Olympic Distance Aquathon$141.08Now registering Dec 21 – Apr 4
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$162.48Apr 5 – May 27
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$178.52May 28 – Jul 17
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Kids Race
This event is for kids ages 7-13 that want to try the Aquathon but need a shorter distance (250 meters swim and a one mile run). Includes swag, medal, and a swim cap from Dolphin Swim Club. There are no awards for this race.
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Register for Kids Race$39.44Dec 21 - Jul 17
Kids Race - Relay
This is for 2 children ages 7-13 to race together - one will swim 250 meters and the other will run 1 mile. These are not awarded however the racers will receive all the race swag!
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Register for Kids Race - Relay$39.44Dec 21 - Jul 17
Adaptive Swim Only (1 Mile)
This timed, adaptive swim is for those needing assistance from their friends or family to enter or exit the water. Special adaptive swim gear may be worn if needed. Price includes finish line food, finisher's medal, and swag. There are no awards for this event.
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Register for Adaptive Swim Only (1 Mile)$55.49Dec 21 - Jul 17
1-Mile Swim
1-Mile swim only. This event is timed and the price includes finisher's medal, swag, and finish line food. There are no awards for this event.
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Register for 1-Mile Swim$55.49Dec 21 - Jul 17
Swim Duo - Swim More and Save!
Are you looking for more than 1 open water swim race this summer? The Crystal Lake Aquathon is joining forces with the A-Long-Swim. A-Long-Swim takes place on Sunday, August 10th at Tower Road Beach in Winnetka and offers a variety of swim distances. If you are interested in both the Crystal Lake Aquathon and A-Long-Swim, use this Link to register for both and receive a 15% discount per event!
A-Long-Swim has swim distances that range from 750m all the way to a 5k swim.
Event schedule
- Sun, July 19, 2026 7:30 AM - Olympic Distance/Adaptive Race Start
- Sun, July 19, 2026 7:45 AM - Sprint Distance Start
- Sun, July 19, 2026 8:00 AM - Iron Distance Swim Only Start
- Sun, July 19, 2026 9:00 AM - Kids Race
- Sun, July 19, 2026 9:45 AM - Awards Ceremony
Contact information
- Event contact
- Race Director
- Phone
- +1 815-893-9075
- Website
- Visit website
