Lake in the Hills Triathlon registration open through Friday
Swimmers, cyclists and runners will be in Lake in the Hills Father's Day for the annual triathlon, and organizers expect to exceed last year's 268 participants.
The course comprises a half-mile swim, 15.5-mile bike ride and 4-mile run along rolling, steep hills.
Huntley residents and triathletes, Matt Kidd and Shane Firsching, both 31, took on the responsibility of organizing the event last year after the village canceled it in January.
Lake in the Hills' parks and recreation department had organized the triathlon since 2007 with help from volunteers, but last year tried an outside race organizer who later backed out.
"It didn't miss a beat from previous years," Firsching said. "Last year, we didn't make money, and this year we are hoping to just break even."
Firsching, a civil and environmental engineer and graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, and Kidd, an architect and graduate of Judson University in Elgin, have organized long bike rides before, but last year's triathlon was their first official race.
Encouraged by the participation levels and feedback last year, organizers say they plan to continue the event.
"We think it's a really quality event where you get a small town feel, but it's well organized just like a big race might be," Firsching said.
The race appeals to a wide range of athletes at different experience levels.
Relay teams will be allowed to enter the race for the first time this year, and Huntley Community Radio will provide race commentary.
The open water swim will begin with an elite wave at 6:30 a.m. followed by a time-trial start for all age groups at 6:35 a.m. from Indian Trail Beach in Woods Creek Lake.
The lake's average water temperature is 65 degrees in June. The McHenry County Health Department will test the water to ensure E. coli levels are safe. If counts are high, the swim will be canceled and race will continue as a duathlon with a time-trial bike start.
Bicyclists leave the beach transition area going west on Miller Road, north on Haligus Road, and then to Ken Carpenter Park, off Miller and Randall roads, for the next transition. The run course is through residential streets and a scenic bike path.
Registration is limited to the first 400 participants. Cost is $80 for individuals and $120 for relay teams and the deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. Friday. Visit raceentry.com.
"Last year it rained. This year it looks like it's going to be clear and warm," Firsching said.