Tri The Illini
Tri The Illini is a triathlon race on September 27, 2026 in Champaign, IL, with entry fees from $55 to $110.
- Date
- September 27, 2026 (66 days to go)
- Location
- 201 E Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL
- Price
- $55–$110
- Sport
- Triathlon
From the Organizer
All registration closes at 11:59PM Friday (9/25). You must be registered by 11:59PM Friday in order to race.
Tri the Illini is a sprint triathlon that consists of a 300 meter pool swim in a 50 meter outdoor pool, a fast and flat 14 mile bike, and a 5k run through the UIUC campus. It will start and end at the Activities and Recreation Center on University of Illinois’s campus, where the swim will be taking place.
To be guaranteed for a race shirt, sign up by September 12th and there will be a shirt reserved for you in the size you specify. Otherwise, shirts are given out on a first come, first serve basis at packet pick up, while supplies lasts.
Packet Pickup
Saturday, 9/26 3:00-6:00PM
Body N' Sole, 1317 N Dunlap Ave, Savoy, IL
Sunday, 9/27 and 6:15-7:30AM
ARC Gym 3, 201 E Peabody Dr., Champaign, IL
Race Morning Schedule
6:00-7:30 AM: Transition open
6:15-7:30 AM: Packet pickup in Gym 3
7:40 AM: Mandatory pre-race meeting in Gym 3, immediately followed by athlete corralling
8:00 AM: Race Start
Additional Information
Tri The Illini is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and follows USAT rules and regulations. More details can be found here.
Parking is available at parking lot E-14 located at the intersection of First and Kirby. A map to this lot can be found here.
Training Plan
Purchase a great training plan for this year's race to prepare you for race day!
https://www.trisignup.com/Race/Store/IL/Champaign/TriTheIllini
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
75°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Champaign 3s, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Champaign, IL
Population
88,822
as of 2023
City Elevation
761 ft
Nearest Airport
CMI
University of Illinois Willard Airport · 5 mi
Major Hub
IND
Indianapolis International Airport · 109 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Tri The Illini, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Want more races like this?
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Three sports, one race — swim, bike, run in sequence, with transitions that are a discipline of their own.
Open water, open roads, and competition with yourself. Cross the finish line knowing what it took to get there.
Triathlon
Swim, bike, run — back to back. The sprint distance makes it far more accessible than most people think. Three sports in one race means three movements to train and race day never gets monotonous.
Coming Up
More Triathlon races near Champaign, IL
Lake Springfield Triathlon
Sprint · Olympic · From $160 · 100 Long Bay Lane
75 miles away
DINO Gravel Triathlon
10K · Sprint · From $35 · 10700 Bono Rd
70 miles away
Kickapoo Triathlon
Sprint · From $69 · Shakamak State Park
85 miles away
White Squirrel Kids Triathlon
Sprint · From $25 · Musgrove Aquatic Center
95 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Champaign than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to ChampaignFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Tri The Illini?+
When and where is the Tri The Illini?+
How do I register for the Tri The Illini?+
Tri The Illini
Sep 27, 2026