Dive into the heart of Crystal Lake’s winter wonderland for an unforgettable running experience at the Frozen Gnome race on January 9, 2027. This challenging and frosty run is known as one of the most demanding races around, earning its Triple Black Diamond rating due to the extreme difficulty it presents. Competitors can choose between two thrilling options: a grueling 50K ultra run or a faster-paced 10K race. Both courses wind through Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes under a blanket of white. The terrain is rugged with steep climbs and technical single-track paths that challenge even the most seasoned runners. The 50K route consists of five laps around a scenic 10K loop, ensuring participants face an array of obstacles and stunning vistas throughout their journey. Highlights include the infamous Butt Slide Hill—a section where gravity takes over as you descend at high speed—and aid stations like Gnome Depot, which provide essential supplies such as hot food, coffee, and warmth. Race day begins early with packet pickup starting at 6:15 am in Veteran Acres Park on Walkup Road. The race itself kicks off promptly at 7:45 am for both distances, with a cut-off time of 4:15 pm to ensure all runners complete the course safely within daylight hours. Participants will not only enjoy the natural beauty and physical challenge but also the camaraderie among fellow racers and supportive volunteers. The race organizers have put together an impressive array of amenities including custom tech shirts, finisher medals, and awards for top male and female overall winners as well as age group distinctions. Early registration is encouraged to secure discounts on entry fees before prices increase closer to the event date. Don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to test your limits in one of Illinois’ most scenic winter settings!
Races Offered
10K
Jan 09, 2027
straighten
Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
sell
$55.00
50K
Jan 09, 2027
straighten
Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
sell
$89.00
50k Relay - 2 Per
Jan 09, 2027
straighten
Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
sell
$175.00
50k Relay - 5 Per
Jan 09, 2027
straighten
Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
sell
$380.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Crystal Lake.
thermostatTemperature
-7.7° / -0.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-13.1° / -6.0°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
5h 2m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.9 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.8 cm
air
Avg wind speed
13.7 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
74.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:17
nightlight
Sunset
17:47
About Crystal Lake
Learn more about the host city, Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake is a city in McHenry County, Illinois, United States. Named after a lake 1.6 miles (2.6 km) southwest of the city's downtown, Crystal Lake is 45 miles (72 km) northwest of Chicago. The population was 40,269 as of the 2020 census. Crystal Lake is the most populous city in McHenry County, part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
