Athlete's Guide

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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+

Results

Official results will be posted on RunSignUp following the event.

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.