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The Champion of Trees 10K

Stand up for trees by taking on a 10K USTAF certified course and contribute to a greener world for future generations.

Content Detail

The Champion of Trees 10K is returning in 2026!

On Saturday, April 18, run a USATF-certified 10K course that winds through budding woodlands, peaceful prairies, and the Arboretum’s renowned global tree collections.

Become a tree champion and raise funds in support of The Morton Arboretum’s work to safeguard tree species through research, conservation, and collaboration.

Highlights

Race registration includes a commemorative Champion of Trees 10K T-shirt, access to a postrace party, recovery snacks, a postrace beer, and a coupon for $10 off shoes at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle.

As a USATF-certified course, the Champion of Trees 10K meets USA Track & Field® standards for distance accuracy.

Awards will be given to the top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners and the top three male, female, and nonbinary winners in each age division.

The postrace party in Arbor Court will feature refreshments and live entertainment.

Raise Funds for Tree Research and Conservation

Become a fundraiser to extend your impact and advance the Arboretum’s work to protect, grow, and advocate for trees that support healthier communities and a more resilient future.

Raise $250 or $500 for The Morton Arboretum by race day to receive exclusive benefits and become a true champion of trees.

To become a fundraiser, select “Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant” during online registration via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

Virtual Champion of Trees 10K

You can support the Arboretum from afar by completing the Champion of Trees 10K race distance at a location and date of your choosing. Participants in the Virtual Champion of Trees 10K receive a coupon for free general admission to the Arboretum to complete the race distance during the two weeks preceding the race.

Registration

Registration is now open! Register online for the Champion of Trees 10K.

Champion of Trees 10K
Registration cost: $75
Member registration cost: $65

Please note: The cost of registration for the on-site Champion of Trees 10K increases by $5 on Monday, April 13, at 8:00 a.m.

Virtual Champion of Trees 10K
Registration cost: $45
Member registration cost: $35

Please note: Registration for the virtual Champion of Trees 10K closes on Monday, April 6, at 8:00 a.m.

New—Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant
Registration cost: $0
Minimum fundraising commitment: $250

In addition to complimentary race registration, fundraising participants will receive a number of benefits with a fundraising commitment of $250 or more.

Thank you! Your registration helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Registration

Registration is now open! Register online for the Champion of Trees 10K.

Champion of Trees 10K
Registration cost: $75
Member registration cost: $65

Please note: The cost of registration for the on-site Champion of Trees 10K increases by $5 on Monday, April 13, at 8:00 a.m.

Virtual Champion of Trees 10K
Registration cost: $45
Member registration cost: $35

Please note: Registration for the virtual Champion of Trees 10K closes on Monday, April 6, at 8:00 a.m.

New—Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant
Registration cost: $0
Minimum fundraising commitment: $250

In addition to complimentary race registration, fundraising participants will receive a number of benefits when they commit to raising $250 or more. To become a fundraiser, select “Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant” during online registration via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

Registration includes a commemorative Champion of Trees 10K race T-shirt, access to a postrace party, recovery snacks, a postrace beer, and a coupon for $10 off shoes at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle.

Arboretum members enjoy savings on registration for fitness events, special event ticket prices, and more. Access the best pricing for all events and programs at The Morton Arboretum by becoming a member today.

Virtual Champion of Trees 10K

You can support the Arboretum from afar by completing the Champion of Trees 10K race distance at a location and date of your choosing. No matter when or where you run, you can support The Morton Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Virtual participants may complete the race distance in any location. They will also receive a free Arboretum admission code to complete the distance on Arboretum grounds between Friday, April 10, and Monday, April 20, if desired. Participants must submit their time by Monday, April 20, at 8:00 a.m.

Race results for virtual participants will be recorded in the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

Registration

Registration is now open! Register online for the Virtual Champion of Trees 10K.

Registration cost: $45
Member registration cost: $35

Virtual 10K participants will receive their race packets and race apparel via mail, free of charge. Each packet includes a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, and a commemorative T-shirt.

Raise Funds for Tree Research and Conservation

Become a fundraiser to extend your impact and do more to advance the Arboretum’s work to protect, grow, and advocate for trees that support healthier communities and a more resilient future.

Register as a Fundraising Participant

To become a fundraiser, select “Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant” during online registration via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

Fundraising Benefits

Pledge a minimum of $250 and receive the following benefits:

  • Complimentary race registration
  • 4 daytime Arboretum guest passes to be used by December 31, 2026
  • Special fundraiser race bib
  • Fundraiser medal
  • Complimentary race day packet pickup (on-site participants only)
  • Postrace coffee and snack at the Team Arboretum tent

Raise $500 or more and receive everything included with minimum pledge above, plus an Arboretum branded full-zip fleece jacket.

View or download image.

Only on-site race participants have the option to become a fundraiser.

Proceeds will fund important work being done by Arboretum researchers and staff in the Chicago region and around the world, from science-based conservation action projects in biodiversity hotspots to ensuring a more equitable distribution of trees throughout Illinois.

Fundraising Registration

Registration opens to all participants on Monday, February 2, 2026.

To become a fundraiser, select “Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant” during online registration via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

Registration includes access to a customizable fundraising page, a fundraising tool kit, and weekly motivational and reminder emails.

Participants can have their registration cost waived by reaching their fundraising goal. Race registration is free with a commitment of $250 or more.

Race Packet Pickup and Mailing

Free race packet pickup is available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle from Friday, April 10, through Friday, April 17, during regular store hours. Each race packet includes a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, and race apparel.

For an additional fee, participants in the on-site race can choose to receive their race packet by mail or retrieve it in person on race day.

Participants in the virtual 10K will receive their race packets and apparel via mail free of charge.

Questions about registering for the 2026 Champion of Trees 10K? Contact races@mortonarb.org.

Race Apparel

Commemorative Champion of Trees 10K race apparel is included with registration.

View or download image.

Sizing is adult unisex. Race apparel items have a nontapered fit. 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 support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Fundraisers who pledge $500 or more receive an Arboretum branded full-zip fleece jacket.

View or download image.

Accordion List

  • 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.

    The top three overall finishers in each age group can pick up their awards at the Race Awards tent from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

    Top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners do not qualify for an additional 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.

  • Children must be registered to participate in the race and receive a T-shirt. There is no separate youth registration fee or youth sizing of T-shirts. Registration is not required for children in strollers.

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

    Gear check will take place from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. on the Sycamore Room patio, near the Visitor Center.

  • Free parking is available on-site at The Morton Arboretum. Participants must start the race at 8:00 a.m.; early arrival by 7:30 a.m. is strongly recommended. Please allow plenty of time to park and walk from parking areas.

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

  • Spectators can cheer on friends and family at the start/finish line. Spectators receive free entry if they arrive prior to 9:00 a.m. Spectators arriving after 9:00 a.m. will need to purchase Arboretum general admission.

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

  • Strollers are permitted. Participants pushing strollers must line up behind runners and walkers at the start line. Volunteers will direct participants with strollers where to line up.

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

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

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

  • Do you have athletic shoes that you no longer need? The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with Dick Pond Athletics, will be accepting used athletic shoes during packet pickup and on-site on race day. Visit the shoe recycling tent near the start/finish line on race day to drop off shoes. All shoes received during packet pickup and race day are donated to the Reuse-A-Shoe Program.

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

  • 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.

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