Fall Color 5K Run and Walk

Unearth your inner tree champion by taking on the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk.

Spend a magical fall morning running or walking through a scenic course with trees just at the cusp of their full autumnal color change. You’ll experience a unique course with rolling terrain along the Arboretum’s East Side, perfect for participants of all levels to help kick off the Fall Color Festival.

Once you’ve conquered the course, stay for a postrace party with live music, food, and a complimentary beer.

Event highlights

USATF Certified Course (IL6002NM)
Course is entirely contained within the East Side of the Arboretum
Commemorative T-shirt
Free admission on race day to explore 1,700 acres, including the award-winning Children’s Garden
Awards for the top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners, plus top three male, female winner, and nonbinary winners in each age division
Race results will be shared with Athlinks

How does it work?

Run or walk the 5K course on the spacious, vehicle-free East Side roads.
Cross the finish line, pick up a Boxed Water, enjoy the post race party and then scan the QR code on your race bib to view your results.
Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the Arboretum.

Awards

Awards will be given to the top three overall male, female, and nonbinary finishers, as well as the top three male, female, and nonbinary finishers in the following age groups: 14 and under; 15 to 19; 20 to 24; 25 to 29; 30 to 34; 35 to 39; 40 to 44; 45 to 49; 50 to 54; 55 to 59; 60 to 64; 65 to 69; 70 to 74; 75 to 79; 80 and up. Overall male, female, and nonbinary winners do not qualify for a medal in their age bracket. The top three overall winners in the male, female, and nonbinary categories are determined by gun time. Age division winners are determined by chip time.

Awards can be picked up at 9:30 a.m. at the Packet Pickup Tent.
Gear Check

Gear check is available for free to race participants. Gear will be checked according to bib number. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please do not check anything of value.
Parking

Free parking is available on-site at The Morton Arboretum. Please allow plenty of time to park and walk from parking areas. Participants are encouraged to carpool.
Prohibited

Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on the race course.
Spectators

Spectators can cheer on friends and family at the Start/Finish line.

Spectators are welcome to join participants at the post race party and can enjoy the Arboretum grounds after the race.
Strollers

Strollers are permitted but must be at the back of the running or walking section when lined up at the start line. Volunteers will direct participants with strollers where to line up.
Timing Clocks

Large digital clocks will be stationed throughout the course. Finish line times will also be displayed on digital clocks.
Recovery Food

Granola bars, bananas, and Boxed Water will be provided at the finish line.
Restrooms

Portable restrooms will be available near the start line. Restrooms are also available inside the Visitor Center.
Water Stations

Cups of water will be available at the start line and at two stations on the course.
Weather Emergencies

The race will take place rain or shine. In the case of an emergency, participants will be notified by 6:00 a.m. on race morning via email with event updates. Notifications will also be posted on the website and The Morton Arboretum’s Facebook page.

Virtual 5K

The Virtual 5K allows participants to run or walk a 5K on a day and course of their choosing, and then submit their results online. This option allows participants the flexibility to complete the race on their own schedule and at any location.

How does it work?

Register for the Virtual Fall Color 5K Run and Walk.
Pick up your race bib and T-shirt at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle during scheduled packet pickup dates. Race bibs may also be mailed to those that select that option during registration. Dick Pond Athletics is located at 2775 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL.
Run or walk a 5K anywhere at any time; be sure to time yourself.
Record your time online.
Please note that Virtual 5K participants are not eligible for awards.

What’s included with the Virtual 5K registration cost?

Free race packet mailing
The Morton Arboretum branded race apparel
Race bib
Separate race results page for virtual participants

Can I run my Virtual 5K at the Arboretum?

Yes, you can run the Virtual 5K at the Arboretum. Members may enter The Morton Arboretum at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.

Guests will receive an email with instructions for reserving a free general admission ticket for the Virtual 5K.

Running is not permitted on trails at the Arboretum, only on roads. Race participants are encouraged to travel in the opposite direction of vehicles and stay on the right side of the road.