Melissa O'Leary Splash Bash Memorial Run 2026

About the Event

The Melissa O'Leary Splash Bash Memorial Run is a unique, water-themed community event held at the Woodstock Water Works in Illinois. Scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, this memorial race features both a traditional 5K Run/Walk and a festive 1-Mile Family Water Run. The event is designed as a family-friendly celebration, offering participants and their families free access to the swimming facilities and refreshments following the races, creating a community-focused atmosphere that blends fitness with recreation.

Race Category	Start Time	Awards Ceremony	Location
5K Run/Walk	8:00 AM	9:30 AM	Woodstock Water Works
1-Mile Water Run	8:45 AM	Participation Medals	Woodstock, IL

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

-- Water Run Requirement: Participation in the 1-Mile Family Water Run requires registration in one of the official race categories. This segment is specifically designed for families to enjoy a shorter, water-integrated course.
-- Capacity and Deadlines: The event is strictly limited to the first 600 registered participants. To guarantee an official event t-shirt, individuals must complete their registration by the April 28 deadline.
-- Awards and Prizes: Overall male and female winners in the 5K receive a commemorative plaque and a $75 gift certificate to a local running specialist. Medals are also awarded to the top three finishers across ten different age divisions, ranging from "8 & under" to "70+".
-- Packet Pickup: Pre-registered runners can collect their shirts and race numbers on Friday, May 22, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Woodstock Water Works, or on race morning between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM.
-- Post-Race Amenities: Following the competitions, the pool remains open for free swimming and refreshments for all runners and their families until 11:00 AM.
-- Registration Tiers: Pricing follows an early bird structure through May 17, after which standard and day-of registration rates apply for both adult and youth categories.
-- Contact: For general inquiries or registration assistance, the event coordinator is Mary Lisk at 815-338-4363.

The Melissa O'Leary Splash Bash Memorial Run offers a refreshing take on the traditional 5K, providing a meaningful way for the Woodstock community to honor a memory while promoting health and family fun.

Races Offered

Adult 5K Run/Walk - Ages 19+

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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08:00

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$39.44

Adult/Family 1 Mile Water Run

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 1.6K

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Type — Running

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08:00

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$39.44

Youth 5K Run/Walk

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

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08:00

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$23.39

Youth/Family 1 Mile Water Run - 18 & Younger

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 1.6K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

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$23.39

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Woodstock.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 9.5° / 21.3°

wb_sunny 6.4° / 18.9°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 12.7 /

water_drop 65.9%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 9.5° / 21.3°

wb_sunny 6.4° / 18.9°

air 12.7 km/h

water_drop 65.9%

About Woodstock

Learn more about the host city, Woodstock.

Woodstock is a city in Illinois. It is in McHenry County on the eastern edge of the Kishwaukee Valley as the north branch of the river rises right to the south of the city. Its early history was very much influenced by its location on the railroads. Its downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods developed prior to World War II, making it an older, more established community than many others in Chicagoland. Visitors can see many examples of late Victorian architecture to the immediate west and south of the downtown. The outskirts of the community, especially along US 14 and IL 47, feature modern single-family homes.