The Course

Please note, the course is subject to change.

If for any reason you are unable to complete the event, you must report to the timing tent, located at the finish line and turn in your chip. This is mandatory so that we will have a record of all participants for your safety and for the peace of mind for your friends and family. Please note, you will be charged a $30 replacement fee for any non-returned chips.

The Swim Course

[ GET MAP ]

  • The 600 meter swim will take place in Lake Michigan just east of the bandshell in the harbor. It will be a rectangular swim- heading east from the beach, then north, then west- back to the beach. There will be orange buoys to mark the course. You should practice swimming in a supervised open-water environment before participating in the race.
  • The 1st wave starts at 7:00am (unless delayed by weather) with 4 minutes between waves.
  • You have been assigned to a wave with no more than 75 people (based on your age group). Each wave is designated by a numbered sign (same # as on your right calf).
  • The same color cap may be used for more than one wave.
  • Lost your cap? See a race official at the swim start and be sure to get the correct color cap. Do not change waves. If you start in the wrong wave you may be disqualified.
  • You should seed yourself according to your swimming ability (fast swimmers to the front). Please try to avoid striking or swimming over another swimmer(s).
  • If the water temperature is 78 degrees or less, wetsuits are allowed. It is recommended that you wait until 5-10 minutes before the start of your wave to put on your suit. Keep the suit rolled down to your waist until just before you enter the water.
  • No swimming aids (fins, kickboards, buoyancy devices) are allowed.
  • If you need assistance, roll over on your back and wave to a lifeguard.
  • You are welcome to warm up in the water between 6:15am and 6:45am, but please stay near the shore.

The Tranisiton Area

  • Transition opens at 5:00am. Regardless of your wave, you must be checked in & on the way to swim line-up by 6:45am.
    Racks will be numbered by wave. You must return your bike to the same location in the racks. There will be a diagram of the transition area at the course talk.
  • Rack your bike and make sure your gear is neatly laid out under your bike.
  • You will not be able to pick up your equipment until the last age group participant is out on the run (approximately 9:30am). Your equipment must be removed from transition by 11:30am. The Event is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment. Be sure to bring along a bag (marked with your race number) for your gear.
  • Only participants are allowed in the transition area. A race number and bike number are required for access.
  • ANSI, CPSC or SNELL approved helmet, buckled in place, is required for the cycling portion of the event. You will be prohibited from participating if you don't have an approved helmet (no refunds).
  • You must walk your bike in the racks, and walk or jog with your bike in the transition lanes to the designated mount & dismount areas at the perimeter of transition.
  • The transition area is no more than a block from the finish of the race and the Post Race Party.

The Bike Course

[ GET MAP ]

  • Although a bike safety inspection is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. You should have your bike checked no more than a month before the event.
  • The 13.2 mile (21K) bike course begins while exiting the transition area and heading north on Sea Horse Dr. and entering the Access Road. You will continue on the Access Road and make a left onto Dahringer Road. You will make a right onto Pershing Road, and continue north on Pershing until Greenwood Ave.

    Make a left onto Greenwood, continue east and enter the Amstutz on-ramp and head south on Amstutz. Continue south until you reach Genesee St. At Genesee, make a sharp left turn and continue north on Amstutz. Exit Amstutz at the Greenwood off-ramp, and make a left onto Greenwood. Then make an immediate left onto the on-ramp of Amstutz (you are now joining the bikers who are doing their 1st loop) (you will do a second loop on Amstutz).

    When exiting Amstutz (at the Greenwood off-ramp) after the second loop, make a right on Greenwood, then a right onto Pershing (heading south). Continue south on Pershing Rd. until Dahringer Road. Make a left onto Dahringer Road, then make a right onto the Access Road (heading south). Then head south on Sea Horse and make an immediate left into the transition area.

  • If you break down on the bike, please remove yourself and your bike from the course. Officials with vans will be circulating the course. Need assistance? Flag down a van.
  • Be sure you have a full water bottle on your bike. There are no aid stations on the Bike Course.

The Run Course

[ GET MAP ]

  • The 4 mile (6.4K) run course begins when exiting the transition area and heading north on Sea Horse. You will continue on Sea Horse until Clayton. Make a right onto Clayton, then make an immediate right onto Pershing Rd. (heading north). Make a left onto Grand Ave. (heading west). Make a right onto Sheridan Rd. (heading north).

    You will turn around at Sheridan Rd. at the yellow fire hydrant, just past Upton Park. Continue south on Sheridan until Grand Ave. Make a left onto Grand Ave. (heading east). Make a right onto Pershing (heading south), make a left onto Clayton, then make an immediate left onto Sea Horse.

    Continue on Sea Horse until just past the transition area. The finish line will be just as you enter the parking lot.

Medical Emergencies

  • Our team of medical pros will be on hand to provide medical support. We are staffed for emergencies, but if you take care of yourself and take in plenty of fluid, you will do just fine. Start hydrating the day before and in the morning before you start. If you have a problem out on the course, notify a Waukegan police officer or the captain at an aid station on the run course. If you feel woozy after your race, be sure to stop by the medical tent for a check up.
  • It’s going to be mighty hot out there on race day, and it is important that you take in plenty of liquids before and during the race…and not just water. Make a point to consume at least one bottle of water out on the bike and a cup or two of water and/or fluid replacement at each aid station during the rest of the course.