Lytle Park Tri

The Lytle Park Tri returns on the Fourth of July with newly re-mapped courses and the addition of a standalone 5K, making this the biggest and most flexible version of the event to date.

The Sprint Triathlon features an outdoor pool swim, eliminating open-water guesswork and making this an ideal first triathlon while still delivering a competitive race for seasoned athletes. The updated bike and run courses are designed to be straightforward and efficient, allowing racers to focus on performance, not navigation.

Alongside the Sprint Triathlon, the new 5K Run gives runners a chance to be part of race day without committing to all three disciplines. Sprint Triathlon relay teams are also available, making this a great option for friends, families, or coworkers who want to race together.

Kick off your Independence Day by racing in the morning and celebrating the rest of the day. Whether you’re chasing a podium, completing your first triathlon, or starting July 4 with a fast 5K, the Lytle Park Tri is a strong, no-nonsense way to celebrate.

More details, including course maps and race-day logistics, will be posted as the event approaches.

Lytle Park Tri

Athlete’s Guide
July 4, 2026 | Lytle Park, Mattoon, IL

This guide contains important race-day information for all Sprint Triathlon, Relay, and 5K participants. Please review carefully before race day.

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Event Location

All events will take place at Lytle Park in Mattoon, Illinois.

The swim portion of the Sprint Triathlon will take place in the outdoor pool at Lytle Park. Bike and run courses will start and finish in the park area.

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Race Distances

Sprint Triathlon (Individual & Relay)
Swim: 250 meters (outdoor pool)
Bike: 12 miles
Run: 5K (3.1 miles)

5K Run
Distance: True 5K (3.1 miles)
Course: Looped course with the same start and finish location

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Race Schedule

5:45 AM – Packet Pickup and Transition Opens
6:50 AM – National Anthem
6:55 AM – Transition Closes (All Sprint Triathlon and Relay athletes must be out of transition)
7:00 AM – Sprint Triathlon and Relay Start
8:00 AM – 5K Run Start

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Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be available race morning only, beginning at 5:45 AM.

No early or pre-race-day packet pickup will be offered.

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Timing

Sprint Triathlon (Individual & Relay)
Sprint Triathlon athletes will use an ankle-mounted timing chip, which must be worn for the entire race and returned at the finish line.

• Chips must be securely fastened before the start
• Do not remove the chip during the race
• Failure to return the timing chip may result in a replacement fee

Relay Teams
Relay teams will use one shared ankle timing chip, which must be physically passed from one team member to the next at each transition and returned at the finish.

5K Run
5K participants will receive a race bib with a disposable timing chip attached.

• Do not bend, fold, or damage the timing chip
• Bibs must be worn on the outermost layer of clothing
• Bibs should be worn across the chest and clearly visible

Improper chip placement or damaged chips may result in missing or inaccurate times.

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Parking

Most event parking will be available near the newer wooden conch pavilion, located at the East Entrance of Lytle Park.

Please follow posted signage and volunteer instructions on race morning. Additional parking details or maps will be shared closer to race day if needed.

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Safety Rules

• Bike helmets are required and must be worn any time you are on your bike
• No headphones or music devices of any kind are allowed during the race
• Follow all posted signage and volunteer instructions
• Unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification

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Shirts

All registered participants will receive a free unisex event shirt.

To guarantee a shirt in your selected size, you must be registered by June 23, 2026.

A limited number of additional shirts will be available on race day on a first come, first served basis. Size availability after the cutoff is not guaranteed.

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Awards

Sprint Triathlon – Individual
Finisher medals for all Sprint Triathlon athletes
Overall Awards: Top 1 Male and Top 1 Female
Age Group Awards: Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female in each age group

Sprint Triathlon – Relay
Finisher medals for all relay team members
Awards: Top 3 Coed Relay Teams
No age group awards will be given for relay teams

5K Run
Overall Awards: Top 1 Male and Top 1 Female
Age Group Awards: Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female in each age group
No finisher medals for the 5K

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Age Groups

• 17 & Under
• 18–24
• 25–29
• 30–34
• 35–39
• 40–44
• 45–49
• 50–54
• 55–59
• 60–64
• 65–69
• 70–74
• 75+

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Results

Official results will be posted on RunSignUp following the event.

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Final Notes

Course maps, parking details, and final race-day logistics will be posted as the event approaches. Minor course adjustments may occur if necessary.

Start your Fourth of July with a race and celebrate the rest of the day.

Bike Course

12 Miles (Out & Back)
The bike course is a 12-mile out-and-back starting and finishing at Lytle Park. Athletes will head west out of the park, ride to a clearly marked turnaround, and return along the same route.

 

Run Course

5K (Out & Back)
Start and finish at Lytle Park. Runners will loop the south and east side of the park before heading west on Western Avenue.
Turnaround is located at approximately 1.55 miles.

 

 

 

5k: T-Shirt

Sprint Triathlon - Individual: T-Shirt

Sprint Triathlon - Team: T-Shirt