The new Firefly Race Series offers a variety of invigorating races on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum. The 2024 season kicks off with a 3K fun run around Meadow Lake and a competitive 10K course along the rolling terrain of the Arboretum’s East Side.
Participants also have the option to run one or both distances virtually, at a time and location of their choosing.
Register for one race, or bundle both 2024 Firefly races to save on registration costs and embark on a two-day endurance challenge. Embrace the thrill of the run and the beauty of the spring season—it’s a weekend of challenge, fun, and adventure you don’t want to miss!
Firefly 3K and 10K Challenge
Please note: The deadline to register for the Firefly 3K and 10K Challenge has passed.
Register for just one race, or bundle the Firefly 3K and Firefly 10K to save on registration—and compete in our first-ever endurance series!
Take on the Firefly Challenge to enjoy the following benefits:
- $15 registration discount for on-site races
- $10 registration discount for virtual races
- Firefly Race Series finisher sticker for all finishers
Please note that the Firefly Challenge only applies to registration for both on-site races or both virtual races. This discount is only available through Tuesday, April 23.
Pricing
On-site: $95 member, $105 guest ($15 discount)
Virtual: $80 member, $90 ($10 discount)
Virtual Participation
Runners can participate in any Firefly Race Series race virtually by completing the race distance at a location and date of their choosing.
Virtual participants may also complete their distances on-site during the two weeks preceding the race. During this period, virtual runners will enjoy free admission to the Arboretum and may complete their distances on the course.
Highlights include:
- Virtual participants will receive a free general admission ticket to the Arboretum to complete their distances anytime between Friday, April 26 and Friday, May 3
- Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge
Virtual participants will record their times via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.
Registration for virtual races ends Tuesday, April 23, at 11:59 p.m. All virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge. Virtual participants will not be eligible for awards.
No matter when or where you run, you will be supporting the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Spectator Admission
For races that take place outside of regular Arboretum hours, special admission is required for spectators. In addition to after-hours admission to the Arboretum, spectator admission may include access to postrace party events and perks such as complementary food and beverages. Race participants may add special admission for spectators to their purchase during online checkout.
Admission Wristbands
Admission wristbands for spectators will be included with your race packet. Spectators are not required to be accompanied by a Firefly race participant, and may enter the Arboretum by showing the wristband at the gatehouse.
Pricing and Benefits
Spectator admission pricing and benefits vary by race. Firefly 3K spectators must purchase spectator admission to visit the Arboretum after hours on Friday, May 3; Firefly 10K spectators must purchase general Arboretum admission or arrive before 9:00 a.m. to receive free admission on Saturday, May 4. See the Firefly 3K and Firefly 10K event pages for more information about spectator admission and pricing.
Race Packet Pickup and Mailing
Your race packet includes a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, race apparel (if purchased) and spectator admission wristbands (if purchased).
Free pickup of your race packet prior to race day is available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle. Stop by on Thursday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or
Friday, May 5, from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.
Race Packets that aren’t picked up from Dick Pond will be transferred to the Start/Finish line; pickup will be available on race day for $10.
You can choose to receive your packet by mail for an additional fee of $15, or in person on race day for an additional fee of $10.
Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.
Participants may only request race packet mailing through Wednesday, April 24 at 8:00 a.m.
Race Details and Policies
Race Apparel
Included with registration is a branded apparel item featuring The Morton Arboretum and Firefly Race Series logos. Participants who register for multiple races will receive all associated apparel items.
Race apparel items have a nontapered fit. Sizing is adult unisex. Please note that children’s sizing is not available.
Participants may opt out of receiving commemorative race apparel and dedicate their full registration cost to the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Firefly 3K Apparel
Sport-Tek® PosiCharge® Competitor™ Tee with PosiCharge technology. See the Firefly 3K event page for details.
Firefly 10K Apparel
BAW Xtreme-Tek Performance Quarter Zip Pullover with moisture-managing technology. See the Firefly 10K event page for details.
Course Map
View or download the course map as a PDF >
Firefly 3K Course
The Firefly 3K course follows the main road on the Arboretum’s East Side, moving down Frost Hill and along the alternate route.
Firefly 10K Course
The Firefly 10K course follows the main paved road on the Arboretum’s East Side. The route features steeper grades than the Firefly 3K and hills that may be challenging for wheelchair users.