Swim Race Cancelled, Main Beach Closed

Update 2:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, 2012

The Open Water Swim Race scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4, has been cancelled due to high bacterial levels at Main Beach in Crystal Lake, according to the Crystal Lake Park District and the McHenry County Health Department.

Main Beach, at 300 Lake Shore Dr., Crystal Lake, was closed Friday, Aug. 3, after water samples taken in the swimming area show bacterial levels that exceeded the health department's safety standards.

Full refunds will be awarded to the more than 100 swimmers who registered for the event, according to the park district. Participants should contact the park district for more information.

Unfortunately for swimmers, West Beach on the other side of the lake was closed this past Monday for renovation work. The park district plans to raze the existing building at the beach and construct a new one.

Original article posted Friday, Aug. 3, 5:15 a.m.

There's still time to register for the upcoming Open Water Swim Races held on Crystal Lake.

Originally scheduled for July 14, the races were cancelled due to inclement weather. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4, according to the park district.

Sign-ups for the annual Open Water Swim Races have been strong. Prior to July 14, 120 swimmers had already pre-registered, according to race directors.

Last year, 175 swimmers hit the water by race day. "We typically get a lot of registrations on the last few days," said Jenny Leech, public information officer for the Crystal Lake Park District, host of the event.

Saturday's competition consists of one-mile and two-mile swimming races held early in the morning on the water of Crystal Lake.  Swimmers will start at Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr. in Crystal Lake, and follow an out-and-back straight line. The event is an optimal training tool for athletes planning to compete in future triathlons. Wetsuits are optional.

Swimming caps will be provided. Swmmers who pre-register receive a gift, according to race information.

Programs Fee: $35 Pre-Registration, $45 Race Day Registration Race Options:Code # 1081-0, 1-Mile,           7:30 AM Start Code # 1082-0, 2-Mile,           7:40 AM Start

Participants may register at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, or online at www.signmeup.com/81985. Anyone with questions should contact Swim Race Director Joe Davison at 815-459-0680, ext. 228.

Register at: www.signmeup.com/81985

Movie in the Park

Also, don't miss out on the park district's Movie in the Park at Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., Crystal Lake.

Tonight's movie (Friday, Aug. 3) is "Cars-2," which will start at dusk. Come out early and let the kids join the Baskin Robbin's ice cream eating contest while you enjoy the sunset over Crystal Lake- these beautiful summer evenings are slipping away.