Know Before You Go: Important information about reserving advanced timed-tickets and other helpful hints for your next visit
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The Champion of Trees 10K

Find your inner tree champion at the twelfth annual run and walk.

Content Detail

Run (or walk) one of the most picturesque 10K courses in the Chicagoland area. The Champion of Trees 10K allows runners to glide through thousands of trees from around the world just as they come to bloom. It is a perfect springtime event for any nature lover.

Event highlights include:

  • USTAF Certified Course (IL6002NM)
  • Course is entirely contained within the East side of the arboretum
  • Commemorative Centennial Bella+Canvas t-shirt
  • Post-race party with live music
  • Recovery food and a complimentary post-race beer courtesy of Noon Whistle Brewing Co. 
  • FREE admission on race day to explore 1,700 acres, including the award-winning Children’s Garden
  • Awards for top overall male and female winner/plus top three male and female winners in each age division
  • Race results will be shared with Athlinks

Race Day Information

The following race day information applies to the onsite Champion of Trees 10K at The Morton Arboretum.

  • Awards will be given to the top three overall male and top three overall female finishers, as well as the top three men and three women 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 and female winners do not qualify for a medal in their age bracket. The top three overall winners, male and female, 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 is available for free from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., across from the Visitor Center main doors. 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.

  • 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.

  • Motorized vehicles, bicycles, rollerskates, 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 reserve general admission passes.

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

  • 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.

  • 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 and West Pavilion building.

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

  • The race will take place rain or shine. In the case of 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.

Not sure you’re ready for a 10K? You can follow our four-week plan to prepare yourself for the course.  This simple guide can help even the most novice runners tackle the 10K. Whether you are trying to dominate the course, or just complete it, this guide can act as a solid starting point for your training.

Couch to 10K Training Schedule (PDF)

How does it work?

  1. Register for the Virtual Champion of Trees 10K Run and Walk.
  2. Pick up your race bib and T-shirt at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle during packet pickup dates or it will be mailed to those that select that option during registration.
  3. Run a 10K anywhere at any time; be sure to time yourself. Please note that Virtual 10K participants are not eligible for awards.

Can I run my Virtual 10K at the Arboretum?

Yes, you can run the Virtual 10K at the Arboretum, but you must reserve a timed-entry pass or ticket prior to visiting.

Members can reserve their free, timed-entry pass on the Arboretum’s ticket website. Guests will receive an email in April with instructions for reserving a free timed-entry pass for the Virtual 10K that can be used from April 15-April 23, 2022.

Please note, if you choose the Virtual 10K you will not be able to run or walk on the East Side roads during the scheduled on-site Champion of Trees 10K Run and Walk. Running is not permitted on any trails at the Arboretum, and runners must stay on the roads. Runners or walkers are encouraged to go the opposite direction of vehicles and stay on the right side of the road.

What’s included with the Virtual 10K registration cost?

  • One men’s or women’s Bella +Canvas Commemorative Centennial T-shirt;
  • A race bib;
  • Separate result page for virtual participants;
  • A free timed-entry pass to run at The Morton Arboretum to use between April 15 and April 23, 2022.

Packet Pickup Information

On-site participants can select one of the following packet pickup options while registering for the race.

  • Pick up your race shirt and bib at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle during store hours from April 15th to April 22nd. The store will be closed on Easter Day.

  • For an additional $10 fee participants who select this option during registration before the cutoff date will have their race shirt and bib mailed to their home.

    Packets will be brought to the post office two weeks prior to the race.

    Please note, all packets will be mailed individually. If registering multiple participants in the same household, packets may arrive on different days.

  • For an additional $10 fee participants who select this option during registration can pick up their race shirt and bib at The Morton Arboretum on race day from the pickup tent near the start/finish line.

    For those who would still like to participate in the 10K, here’s how you can still register:

    1. Register online until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22. Please note that you will need to pick up your packet at Dick Pond by 8:00 p.m. Friday or you will incur a $10 fee to pick up onsite on race day.
    2. Register at Packet Pick Up located at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. now through Friday, April 22.
    3. Register on race day at The Morton Arboretum. Please note the registration cost is increased $10 on race day.

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