Spend time in the outdoors during the Firefly Race Series.
The Morton Arboretum
With 1,700 tree-filled acres, The Morton Arboretum is a lovely place to spend the day, especially as the seasons change. Whether you visit a special exhibition, find your way through the Maze Garden, take part in one of the family programs, or romp around the gardens, prairies, or forests, there’s plenty to do and learn here.
Hike, Bike, or Run on Miles of Trails
Hikers can explore miles of chipped trails, created specifically to enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. Cyclists can wind through diverse tree collections on nine miles of paved trails. But, if you’re a runner, you’re in for a treat on the arboretum’s outer 4.5-mile loop on the east side or on the 2.9-mile loop on the west side.
Support the arboretum’s important conservation mission, where they collect and study trees from all over the globe, to not only foster learning, but also, to benefit the environment. The Firefly Race Series is a fantastic way to raise funds for a non-profit that is doing big things for the planet. The money raised for the race series directly benefits plant science, research, and conservation.
“The Arboretum is spectacular, with flowering trees and plants all along the race route, from sweeps of daffodils and wildflowers to the ever-popular purple redbuds and a tapestry of color blossoming in the Crabapple Collection,” said Arboretum Special Event Planner, Kate Fitzgerald in a press release. “It’s a very unique race course in the Chicago area.”
Runners work through the miles for the Firefly Race Series.
The Morton Arboretum
After your run, explore the miles of trails throughout the arboretum.
getty
Choose Your Own Outdoor Adventure
Fun for all ages and various abilities, pick from either the 3K or 10K running events, or participate virtually and run at a time and location of your own choosing. Each in-person race participant will earn a special Firefly Race Series shirt and enjoy post-race fun.
On Friday, June 13, the Firefly 3K begins at 8:00 p.m. The course allows for sunset watching along the arboretum’s east side. The best part is that the course is mostly flat and ideal for runners, walkers, or even wheelchair users. Following the race, participants are invited to attend a lively party with a DJ, glow sticks, and refreshments. If you’ve never run a race before, this is a great introduction into how fun it can be to run outside and be a part of a heath-minded community.
For the more challenging 10K, runners will cross the starting line at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. This USATF-certified course winds through the gorgeous woodlands and tree collections on the arboretum’s east side. Top overall male, female, and nonbinary runners will receive awards in each age division. Complete both the 3K and 10K as part of the combined Firefly Race Series Challenge and you’ll earn a special award.
Running through the trees is a great way to spend the day.
The Morton Arboretum
How to Register
No matter which routes you choose—3K, 10K, or virtual—sign up through RunSignUp. Spectators can watch for free if they register in advance and arrive before 9:00 a.m., and they are welcome to attend post-race festivities. When you register, you can choose whether you’d like your race packet mailed to you directly or if you’d like to pick it up at the arboretum ahead of the event on race day—both options cost $10. If you can arrive at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle between June 6—13, however, packet pickup is free of charge.
