Entry fees for the Central Illinois Open Water Swim range from $70 to $85. The race takes place on June 28, 2026, at Evergreen Lake in Comlara Park near Hudson, Illinois. Swimmers can choose between two distances: 1.2 miles or 2.4 miles. The event starts at 9:00 AM, giving you an early morning swim in an open water setting. Whether you're training for a triathlon or looking to test your open water endurance, this race offers both sprint and longer-distance options in central Illinois.
From the Race Organizer
This is an open water competition in a fresh water lake. Evergreen Lake is 925 acres in COMLARA Park, managed by the McLean County Parks & Recreation Department. The host for the swim is the Central Illinois Masters Swim Team, Inc. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting swimming in Central Illinois. SCHEDULE: 7:00 A.M. Start Registration Check-In and Body Marking 8:00 A.M. Warmup Start 8:30 A.M. Close Warmup, Registration Check-In and Body Marking 8:40 A.M. Required Pre-Race Course Briefing [at swim start/beach area] 9:00 A.M. Wave 1: 2.4-Miles [In-Water Start] 9:10 A.M. Wave 2: 1.2-Miles [In-Water Start] 11:15 A.M./After last finisher exits the water: Recognition * All times are Central Time (CT) EVENT HOST: Central Illinois Masters Swim Team, Inc. (CIMST) http://cimst.org FACILITY/VENUE HOST: McLean County Department of Parks & Recreation www.mcleancountyil.gov VENUE LOCATION: Evergreen Lake at Comlara Park 13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson, Illinois 61748 DIRECTIONS: North 8-miles on Interstate 39 (from Bloomington/Normal, IL and Interstates I-74 & I-55) Exit I-39 at Exit 8 1.3-miles West on McLean County Hwy 8 (E 2500N) to McLean County Highway 33 (N 1275E) 0.5-mile South on McLean County Hwy 33 (N 1275E) to Recreation Area Drive West onto Recreation Area Drive 0.5-mile to PARKING and REGISTRATION CHECK-IN EVENT OFFICIALS: Event Director: Miranda Jackson Referees: Scott Penland and Todd Schmidt RULES & SAFETY : Current USMS Open Water rules will apply. Under USMS Open Water rules, your age is determined as of December 31, 2027, except that you must be at least age 18-years old on race day. USMS registration is required of all participants. All participants are required to wear the event supplied brightly colored swim cap and have their body marked with registration number for safety reasons. For non-wetsuit competitions, swimmers shall wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials and not contain clasps or zippers. For both men and women, the swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulder nor below the ankles. View USMS Open Water rules here: https://www.usms.org/rules/part3.pdf CHECK-IN: Starts at 7:00 A.M. and closes at 8:30 A.M. CT. For safety reasons no one will be allowed to swim without positive check-in before 8:30 A.M. CT - no exceptions. Your USMS Membership Card and photo identification are required at check-in - registrations are not transferable. COURSE BRIEFING: 8:40 A.M. CT REQUIRED for ALL participants. COURSE: Triangular 1.2 Mile loop course marked by buoys, lifeguards on rescue boards, kayaks, officials, and other safety resources. In-water start, swim counter-clockwise around three orange 8-foot tetrahedron turn buoys (with red guide buoys on straight-aways), exit water with brief run on beach sand, and through finish chute. Course is subject to change if event day conditions warrant. Please note that a cool down swim in the lake is not available following completion of swimming. EVERGREEN LAKE WATER AND AIR TEMPERATURE: Anticipated water temperature range: 73 to 83°F. Anticipated air temperature range: 75 to 80°F. Water and air temperature updates will be e-mailed to registrants periodically during the weeks/days leading to the event. WETSUITS: Based on conditions at race time and the discretion of the CIOWS Director, wetsuits may be allowed when the Evergreen Lake water temperature is below 78°F. If 78°F or higher - no wetsuits - no exceptions. USMS/ILMSA MEMBER ONLINE REGISTRATION: Online CIOWS entry registration includes USMS membership verification. You must bring your current USMS Registration Card. The cost for USMS/ILMSA membership is in addition to your event entry fee. One Event (OEVT) membership to USMS is available. ONLINE REGISTRATION: Online registration entry provides immediate entry confirmation and e-mail receipt. PAPER ENTRIES: NOT AVAILABLE NO TRANSFERS. NO DEFERRALS. NO REFUNDS. Event may be delayed or cancelled due to water temperature below 66°F or above 87.8°F, extreme weather, other emergency, or as determined by the CIOWS Director, Venue Host, Safety Officials, or CIOWS Referee. T-Shirts: CIOWS shirts are available for $20.00 (100% cotton) or $25.00 (Dry-Fit fabric) at the time of registration. While supplies last. RESULTS: Provided by It's Race Time. You can review past results here: https://runsignup.com/Race/CIOWS/Page/Raceresults AWARDS: Non-wetsuit competitions * Overall top 3 Men and top 3 Women place finishers. * First place finisher in each Men's and Women's age group division. No awards are provided for wetsuit competitions. There will be an awards table under the registration tent to pick up awards. PARKING: Free parking is available in the gravel lots located next to the registration tent. ONSITE FACILITIES: Restrooms, showers, changing areas are available at the Comlara Park Glasener Beach House. FOOD: Post-race snacks will be available for participants. B
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Central Illinois Open Water Swim 2027 — Hudson, IL
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Hudson, IL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Central Illinois Open Water Swim 2027 — Hudson, IL?
Central Illinois Open Water Swim 2027 — Hudson, IL takes place on June 27, 2027. The race is held in Hudson, Illinois.
Where is Central Illinois Open Water Swim 2027 — Hudson, IL held?
Central Illinois Open Water Swim 2027 — Hudson, IL is held at Evergreen Lake at Comlara Park in Hudson, Illinois.
Where can I find hotels near Central Illinois Open Water Swim 2027 — Hudson, IL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Hudson. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.