Crystal Lake Half Marathon
Crystal Lake Half Marathon: a flat, fast loop through parks and prairie paths, finishing with pizza and beer.
Race Date
Aug 31, 2025
Location
Crystal Lake, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Location
- Crystal Lake, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 7,161
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its 23rd edition, the Crystal Lake Half Marathon has become a beloved local tradition in this small Illinois city. With a median field of around 239 runners—growing to nearly 276 recently—and drawing participants from about six states, it retains an intimate, community feel. About 23% of runners return year after year, a testament to its charm.
The course starts at Main Beach on Crystal Lake, loops through leafy Lippold Park, passes the historic Dole Mansion, and follows the Prairie Path before finishing downtown. The route is almost perfectly flat—elevation change is negligible—making it a prime candidate for personal bests. Aid stations every 1.5 miles keep runners fueled, and the typical race-day weather ranges from 62 to 80°F, often with a light breeze.
Post-race, the party moves to Crystal Lake Brewing, where pizza and a cold beer await finishers. The low-key, well-supported atmosphere—combined with a fast, forgiving course—makes this half ideal for both first-timers and veterans chasing a PR.
Race-provided description
The Crystal Lake Half Marathon starts at Main Beach, loops through Lippold Park, passes the Dole Mansion, goes along the Prairie Path, and finishes downtown. It offers aid stations every mile and a half, and an after party with pizza and beer at Crystal Lake Brewing.
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park, Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Standout6723 years running
~239 finishers a year
growing or steady
23% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 6 states
winner 1:15:11
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 7,161 finishers actually crossed the line across 23 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
7,161
Median time
2:06:53
Latest turnout
276
States
37
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Crystal Lake Half Marathon?
The Crystal Lake Half Marathon is held on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Where does the Crystal Lake Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
What distances does the Crystal Lake Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Crystal Lake Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Crystal Lake Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Crystal Lake Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 7,161 runners who have completed the Crystal Lake Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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