Events

The Champion of Trees 10K

Find your inner tree champion by taking on the fourteenth annual Champion of Trees 10K!

Content Detail

Thank you to all who participated in the 2023 Champion of Trees 10K! It was a great day for 1,000 runners and walkers, who enjoyed one of Chicago’s most picturesque 10K courses on a beautiful spring morning. Racers can access their results here. For runners interested in more races at The Morton Arboretum, register for the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk.

The fourteenth annual Champion of Trees 10K is scheduled for April, 2024. Run or walk through a unique course with rolling terrain along the Arboretum’s East Side, gliding past trees from around the world just as they’re starting to bloom for spring.

Once you’ve conquered the course, stay for a post-race party afterwards with live music, food, and a complimentary beer!

Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.

How does it work?

  • Pick up your race bib and t-shirt at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle. If our free in-person, packet pick-up option does not work for you, we have two options available for an additional fee of $10. There is no free packet pick-up on-site during race day.
  • Run or walk the 10K course on the spacious, vehicle-free East Side roads. View the course map.
  • 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.

What’s included?

  • 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 top overall male and female winner/plus top three male and female winners in each age division
  • Race results will be shared via 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.

  • Do you have well-worn athletic shoes that you no longer need? The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with Dick Pond Athletics, will be accepting used athletic shoes for recycling and donating. Visit the shoe recycling tent near the Start/Finish line on race day to drop off your pair.

  • 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.

  • Muffins, 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 at parking lots P3, P13, and P17.

  • 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.

Post-Race Party

After the race, join the fun at our post-race party in Arbor Court. Enjoy live music provided by Mike + Traci and celebrate your race with a post-race beer.

New this year: Both an alcoholic beer option, provided by Bubblehouse House Brewing in Lisle, and a non-alcoholic option, provided by Go Brewing located in Naperville, will be available.

Couch to 10K

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.

Virtual 10K

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.

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

  • Tri-blend unisex Bella+Canvas 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 14 and April 22, 2023.

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 14-April 22, 2023.

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.

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 the week of the race.

  • 1. Register online until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21. Please note that you will need to pick up your packet at Dick Pond by 6:00 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 6:00 p.m. now through Friday, April 21.

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