Panting Four Paws

About the Event

Panting Four Paws returns to Crystal Lake, Illinois on Saturday, October 3, 2026. This event, celebrating its two-decade legacy, offers a variety of distances including the 5K run/walk and 10K run for adult runners and a 1 Mile walk designed for all ages.
Race morning in Lippold Park finds participants warming up under clear skies with temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as families gather to support their furry friends, creating an intimate setting where every runner feels like they are making a difference. For two decades, Panting Four Paws has been more than just a race; it's a community coming together for Hope, Healing and Happy Tails.
The course takes runners through the scenic trails of Lippold Park, known for its firm yet slightly soft terrain. The 5K/10K run/walk starts at 8:30 AM, with notable route features including gentle inclines and declines that add to the challenge while maintaining a friendly pace. There are no aid stations planned on this course; however, participants can expect moderate conditions as UV index will be around 4.0, indicating a need for sunscreen.
Starts at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with an average temperature of 13 degrees Celsius and humidity levels at 68.3%, making it neither too hot nor too cold—ideal race weather. The morning air carries the scent of fall foliage as runners lace up their shoes to be heroes for animal needs.

1 Mile Walk
1mi • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $23.39

10K Run
10km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $39.44

5K Run/Walk
5km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $34.09

Registration is open at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116485/panting-four-paws with fees ranging from $34.09 for the 5K run/walk to $39.44 for the 10K run, and a more affordable $23.39 for the 1 Mile walk. Register before September 27th, 2026.
On race day, participants must pick up their bibs at Lippold Park starting from October 2nd, between 4 PM to 8 PM. Bring photo ID and any additional documents as required by event organizers.
The Panting Four Paws race starts on the streets of Crystal Lake, Illinois, at 501 West Main Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. The run is open to all ages with no minimum age limit for participants but requires a valid registration and bib number. First-timers should arrive early to ensure they have everything needed.
Panting Four Paws on October 3rd, 2026, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, is worth attending because it supports Helping Paws Animal Shelter. Every step taken on this course contributes directly toward the renovation of animal care spaces and saves lives through Hope, Healing and Happy Tails.

Races Offered

1 Mile Walk

Oct 03, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1mi

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

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$23.39

10K Run

Oct 03, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

sell

$39.44

5K Run/Walk

Oct 03, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

sell

$34.09

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Crystal Lake.

thermostat Temperature

8.8° / 17.5°

wb_sunny Feels like

5.5° / 14.3°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

8h 29m

water_drop Avg rainfall

1.9 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

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

Moderate (4.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

68.3%

wb_twilight Sunrise

07:07

nightlight Sunset

18:09

About Crystal Lake

Learn more about the host city, Crystal Lake.

Crystal Lake is a city of 40,000 people in Northern Illinois. It has a revitalized historic downtown district, which is home to many small specialty shops and businesses, and is a local shopping district.