Carlyle Lake Triathlon
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Event Overview
The Carlyle Lake Triathlon is an aquatic and road sports event held in Carlyle Township, Illinois. Organized in partnership with the City of Carlyle and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the competition takes place at Dam West Beach. The event features a variety of multi-sport formats, including triathlons, duathlons, and aquabike races, sanctioned by USA Triathlon.
The course begins with a rolling beach start for the swim in Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois. Participants then transition to a bike course described as flat and scenic, traveling across the Illinois plains. The final run leg follows rolling country roads and finishes with a crossing over the dam spillway.
Distance Options
Participants can choose from several race categories:
- Sprint Triathlon: 750 m swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run.
- Olympic Triathlon: 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run.
- Sprint Duathlon: 3 km run, 20 km bike, and 5 km run.
- Olympic Duathlon: 5 km run, 40 km bike, and 10 km run.
- Aquabike: 750 m swim and 20 km bike (Sprint) or 1.5 km swim and 40 km bike (Olympic).
- Relay: Available for both Sprint and Olympic triathlon distances for teams of two or three people.
Logistics and Amenities
Registration includes a race t-shirt, swim cap, finisher medal, and access to live results. A post-race festival is held at the finish line featuring music, food, and drinks. For participants, mechanical bike support is available in the transition area. Spectator amenities include dedicated cheer areas with music, yard games, and a sign-making station for children.
The event enforces specific cut-off times for safety: Sprint athletes have 3 hours to complete their course, while Olympic distance athletes have 4.5 hours. Official packet pickup requires a photo ID and takes place at Dam West Beach. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
