LOCATION:

Milnot Beach: 4932 Beach House Trail, Litchfield, IL 62056​

AGENDA & DESCRIPTION:
Arrive early for best parking and to give yourself time to set up transition, etc. 

 

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

Written directions below are from Interstate 55. If you are traveling from the East on Route 16, omit step 1 and follow the direction in the parenthesis in step 2.

1. From I-55, take Exit 52 and head east on Route 16/Union Avenue. for 2.7 mi.

2. Turn left onto Yaeger Lake Trail. (A large cemetery will be on the right.) Proceed for 0.7 mi. (If you are coming from Hillsboro/the East you will be making a right and the cemetery will be on the left.)

3. Turn left onto Roberson Rd. (This will be immediately at the top of an “S” curve.) Proceed 0.8 mi until you hit a “T” intersection at Beach House Trail. (Please note: if you miss turning onto Roberson Road, proceed straight on Yaeger Lake Trail for approximately 3/4 of a mile and turn left onto Park Road. If you cross the dam you have gone slightly too far. Once you turn onto Park Road, proceed through the Park until you encounter a “T” intersection at Beach House Trail.)

4. Turn right onto Beach House Trail/County Rd 1350 N. This will dead end at Lake Lou Yaeger, Milnot Beach will be on the right (approximately 1.5 mile from Roberson Road or .4 miles from Park Road).

There will be volunteers directing athletes and volunteers to specific parking areas. Please follow their directions for parking and don't run them over :)

 

5:00am - 6:15am - onsite race day packet pickup.

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5:30am – Transition Opens – check in bike and gear. Athletes only in the transition area, we will check your wrist band that you will find in your packet. You will rack your bike according to your race number. Look for your number at the end of each rack. Bikes must be racked in alternating directions, preferably by the seat.

5:45am – Wetsuit announcement – legal if water is 78 degrees or below. Not legal if it is over, and wetsuit optional if 78-82 degrees but this group will not be eligible for any awards or USAT points. 82 degrees or above – NO wetsuits allowed.

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6:30am - Transition closes - you will NOT be allowed back in.

6:45am - ALL athletes join the MSE Crew at the swim start for a pre-race talk and line up to start.  

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7:00am – Swim starts begin!​​

 

RACE CUTOFFS:

Sprint distance athletes have 3 hours to complete the Sprint distance triathlon.

• Swim must be completed under 30 minutes from athlete race start

• Bike must be completed under 2 hours from athlete race start

• Run must be completed under 3 hours from athlete race start

Olympic distance athletes have 4.5 hours to complete the Olympic distance triathlon.

• Swim must be completed under 1 hour from athlete start

• Bike must be completed under 3 hours, 15 minutes from athlete start

• Run must be completed under 4 hours, 30 minutes from athlete start

Race management reserves the right to remove an athlete from the course and DNF the athlete if course officials determine there is no possibility of an athlete finishing the given discipline (swim, bike, run) before the posted cut off times based on an athlete’s location, time, and average speed up to that point.

 

SWIM START:

The Lake Lou Yaeger Triathlon will start athletes in 2 waves:  Olympic Wave and Sprint Wave.  Olympics will line up first, you will seed yourself by estimated swim pace, we will have volunteers with pace signs.  Athletes in each wave will enter the water 4 at a time, every 5 seconds.  Once all Olympic athletes are in the water, we will repeat this process with the Sprint athletes. 

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ON COURSE NUTRITION & DRINKS:

Please carry your own nutrition. Water and electrolyte drink on the run for all athletes.

BIKE SUPPORT & MEDICAL STAFF:

There will be a bike mechanic in transition for last minute needs and a SAG vehicle on the course just in case you have an issue that you cannot fix during the race. Medical staff will be on the courses and in the SAG vehicles and will be at the Beach House all race long.

FINISH LINE PARTY:

Food, drinks, and music at the finish line. Invite family and friends!

AWARDS:
Listen for announcements. We will do the Sprint and Olympic distance awards as soon as the majority have finished.

• Top 3 Overall Male & Female Awards for the following divisions: Sprint Triathlon, Sprint Aquabike, Sprint High School, Olympic Triathlon, Olympic Aquabike, 

• Top 3 Age Group Male Female Awards for the following divisions: Sprint Triathlon and Olympic Triathlon

• Top 3 Relay Teams for the following divisions: Sprint Relay and Olympic Relay

 

All participants will race based on their age as of 12/31/2027. 

 

The age group breakdown is standard 5-year age groups, 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34….80+ ​

USA TRIATHLON (USAT) INFORMATION:

USA Triathlon (USAT) is the national governing body for the sport of triathlon in the United States. USAT-sanctioned events follow established safety standards and competition rules and provide event-related insurance coverage.

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USAT Membership Requirements:

All participants in a USAT-sanctioned event must have a valid USA Triathlon membership.

• Annual Members: If you have an active USAT membership, make sure your membership information is current and verified during registration. We recommend having a digital or printed copy of your membership card available at packet pickup.

• Non-Annual Members: Athletes without an annual membership must purchase a single-event (Bronze) membership. This fee is typically collected during online registration.

• Packet Pickup: All athletes must present a valid photo ID at packet pickup. If your USAT membership cannot be verified, you may be required to purchase a single-event membership before receiving your race packet.

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USAT's Most Commonly Violated Rules:

All athletes are responsible for knowing and following USA Triathlon's competition rules. Please review these commonly violated rules before race day.

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1. Transition Area

All equipment must be kept neatly within your designated transition space. Do not block aisles, interfere with another athlete's equipment, or obstruct other participants. Glass containers are prohibited in transition.  Riding your bike in the transition area is strictly prohibited. Athletes must walk or run their bikes through transition and may only mount their bikes after crossing the designated bike mount line. When returning from the bike course, athletes must dismount before crossing the designated dismount line and walk or run their bikes back to their assigned transition space.

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2. Bike Helmets

All cyclists must wear an approved, properly fitted helmet. Your helmet must be securely fastened before removing your bike from the rack and remain fastened until your bike is returned to the rack.

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3. Headphones and Electronic Devices

Headphones, earbuds, and personal audio devices are prohibited during competition. Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used in a distracting manner, including making calls, texting, taking photos, or listening to music.

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4. Littering and Personal Equipment

Do not discard trash, clothing, water bottles, or other personal items along the course except in designated disposal areas. Help us keep our race venues clean!

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5. Sportsmanship

Treat fellow athletes, volunteers, spectators, race officials, and event staff with respect. Abusive language, aggressive behavior, and unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or disqualification.

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6. Outside Assistance

Athletes may not receive unauthorized assistance from spectators, family members, friends, or other individuals. Assistance must comply with USAT rules. Unauthorized pacing or equipment assistance may result in a penalty or disqualification.

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7. Bike Safety and Bar End Plugs

All bicycles must be in safe working condition. Handlebar ends must be properly plugged, and athletes are responsible for ensuring their equipment meets race safety requirements.

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8. Drafting and Course Rules

Unless otherwise specified by the event, drafting is prohibited during the bike portion of the race. Athletes must follow passing rules, obey traffic instructions, and complete the entire designated course.

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Know the Rules Before You Race!

Whether you're a first-time triathlete or a seasoned competitor, it's your responsibility to understand and follow all applicable USAT rules.

Violations may result in time penalties or disqualification, depending on the infraction. We strongly encourage all participants to review the official USA Triathlon Competition Rules before race day. Race safe, race smart, and have fun!

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RUN COURSE REMINDERS:

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at the race, please keep the following in mind:

• No headphones are permitted on the course.

• If you choose to wear headphones during the race, please keep the volume low enough to hear instructions from volunteers, police officers, and race crew, as well as communicate with fellow athletes. Your safety and the safety of others is our top priority!

• Stay to the right side of the trail at all times unless passing.

• Remain single file whenever possible, especially on narrower sections of the trail.

• If running or walking side by side, limit groups to no more than two people wide.

• Be aware of athletes around you and move to the right to allow faster runners to pass when needed.

• When passing, communicate clearly and safely.

 

RACE SHIRT GUARANTEE:

Last day to register to guarantee a race shirt is May 2, 2027. After the cutoff date t-shirts will be distributed on a first come, first to register basis. ​

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INCLEMENT WEATHER, REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY:

There is NO inclement weather makeup date. In the event of inclement weather, race management reserves the right to cancel, alter, modify, or shorten the event/course if necessary for participant, volunteer, or staff safety. Any decision regarding race operations will be made with overall event safety as the top priority.

 

There are NO refunds, deferrals, or complimentary race entries to future events under any circumstances, including weather-related cancellations or course modifications. All entry fees are non-transferable, and race registrations may not be transferred to another participant.

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All monies collected are used to plan, organize, and produce the event, including race supplies, permits, staffing, administration, and operational expenses. By registering, each participant acknowledges and accepts these risks and policies.

 

Participants concerned about unexpected circumstances are strongly encouraged to purchase the optional race insurance policy offered during registration.

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PHOTO DISCLAIMER:

There may be a photographer on site capturing pictures of the event. Since this is a public event, we reserve the right to post photos on our social media or agency website. Photos may also be used in promotional materials.

 

ADDITIONAL RELAY INFORMATION:
Relay triathlon is a WONDERFUL way to experience a triathlon if you are not ready to run the whole thing, if you are not capable of competing in a specific leg, or if you just want an opportunity to share something unique with friends or family. A triathlon relay can be done with 2 or 3 people. The team can consist of all male participants, all female or mixed. Each person does 1 or 2 legs of the race. The timing chip will have a Velcro strap on it and is handed off from one athlete to the next in transition. All athletes receive full swag and finisher medals.

 

SPECTATOR INFORMATION:
Spectators, the unsung hero of the triathlon. Without family and friends there to cheer us forward, the rigors of our sport would be far more difficult. MSE Racing is dedicated to ensuring that these vital portions of our triathlon family are given the opportunity to enjoy themselves while they wait for the next opportunity to see you fly by. MSE Racing is proud to provide the following amenities:

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• Sign making craft table for kids

• Yard game section

• Music for additional entertainment

• Vendor and club booths available to visit

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So, bring out those cow bells and noise makers for a fun day at the race!

LODGING INFORMATION: COMING SOON

Hampton Inn by Hilton Litchfield

• Start Date: Friday, May OR Saturday, May  (1 or 2 night options available)

• End Date: May 

• Last Day to Book: April

• Our special group rate is: $ per night​

  • Click HERE to book your room or call 217-324-4441 and select 1 for reservations, once there mention that you are coming in with the Lake Lou Yaeger Triathlon/MSE Racing block and they will take it from there.