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.
Please note that while regular registration is still open, registration for the Virtual 5K has ended.
Once you’ve conquered the course, stay for a postrace party 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.
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 winner, 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?
- Pick up your race bib and T-shirt at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle from Friday, September 29, through Friday, October 6, during regular store hours, Friday, September 27 through Friday, October 6. If this free in-person, packet pickup option does not work for you, there are two options available for an additional fee of $10. There is no free packet pick-up on-site during race day. Dick Pond Athletics is located at 2775 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL.
- 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.
Virtual 5K
Please note that this year’s Virtual 5K has now ended. The Virtual 5K allows participants to run or walk a 5K on a day and course of their choosing and then submit their results. This option allows participants the flexibility to complete their 5K any day or time.
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 packet pickup dates or it will be mailed to those that select that option during registration. Dick Pond Athletics is located at 2775 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL.
- Run a 5K anywhere at any time; be sure to time yourself. Please note that Virtual 5K participants are not eligible for awards. Virtual runners must register by Saturday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m. to receive the free packet mailing. Any virtual runners registering after Saturday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m. will be able to pick up their packet for free at Dick Pond Athletics during the scheduled packet pickup times.
What’s included with the Virtual 5K registration cost?
- Free packet mailing
- 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 Friday, September 29 and Friday, October 6, 2023.
Can I run my Virtual 5K at the Arboretum?
Yes, you can run the Virtual 5K 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 website. Guests will receive an email in September with instructions for reserving a free timed-entry pass for the Virtual 5K that can be used from Friday, September 29 to Friday, October 6, 2023.
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.
Free packet pickup at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle
Pick up your race shirt and bib at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle during store hours the week of the race. Dick Pond Athletics is located at 2775 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL.
Free packet pickup times
Friday, September 29, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, October 2 to Thursday, October 5, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Race day packet pickup and registration
Register online until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6. 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. There is no registration on race day.
Postrace Party
After the race, join the fun at our postrace party in Arbor Court. Enjoy live music provided by Anchors Away and celebrate your race with a postrace beer.
New this year: Both an alcoholic beer option, provided by Ike & Oak in Woodridge, and a non-alcoholic option, provided by Go Brewing located in Naperville, will be available.
Referral Program
Returning this year! We are rolling out a new referral program for the Fall Color 5K. Runners can earn Arboretum rewards just for inviting friends, family, co-workers, and more to join them on Saturday, October 7. At the end of your registration, you will be given a link that is designated as your referral link. The link will also be included in your registration confirmation email. Share that link through social media, email, or direct message to recruit friends to receive rewards.
3 Referrals—$5 off a $25 and above order in the Arboretum Store
5 Referrals—Two Any Day general admission tickets to the Arboretum ($32 value)
12 Referrals—Two tickets to IllumiBrew on Thursday, November 16 ($150 value)
Helpful tips for locating your personal referral code
There are three main locations you can find your referral code:
1. Within your confirmation email
2. Within your RunSignup profile
3. Within the confirmation page following registration
For more information on how to find your referral code, follow this guide.
Shoe Recycling
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 during packet pickup and onsite on race day. Visit Dick Pond during packet pickup times before the race or the shoe recycling tent near the Start/Finish line on race day to drop off your pair.
For more details on how and where these shoes are recycled, please visit this link.
