Firefly 10K

Reach your fitness goals with a challenging 10K race at The Morton Arboretum.

Lace up for a 10K run at The Morton Arboretum on Saturday, June 14, and enjoy the natural scenery of the Arboretum’s grounds. The Firefly 10K race follows a USATF-certified course through the woodlands and tree collections on the Arboretum’s East Side.

Whether you exercise casually or run competitively, race events like the Arboretum’s Firefly Race Series are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. The Firefly Race Series also features the Firefly 3K, a shorter course well-suited to all experience levels.

Event Highlights

The Firefly 10K course is USATF-certified, following the main paved road through the woodlands and tree collections of The Morton Arboretum’s East Side.

All Firefly 10K participants will receive branded Firefly Race Series apparel, invitation to a postrace party, and free admission on Saturday, June 14, to explore the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres.

Awards will be given to the top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners of the Firefly 10K, as well as the top three male, female, and nonbinary winners in each age division. Participants who complete both the 3K and the 10K races as part of the combined Firefly Race Series Challenge will receive challenge completion awards.

Race results will be shared online via Athlinks.

Registration Details

Registration is now open for the Firefly 10K. Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp.

Register for both the Firefly 10K and the Firefly 3K to take on the combined Firefly Race Series challenge and save on the cost of registration.

On-Site Race Registration

Cost: $65
Member cost: $55

Virtual Race Registration

Cost: $35
Member cost: $25

Combined 3K and 10K Firefly Race Series Challenge

On-site cost: $100
On-site member cost: $90
Virtual cost: $60
Virtual member cost: $50

Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp. Registration will not be available at the Arboretum on the day of the race.

Your registration and participation in the Firefly Race Series supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Registration

Registration for the Firefly 3K is now open. Register online through RunSignUp.

Register for both the Firefly 10K and the Firefly 3K to take on the combined Firefly Race Series Challenge and save on the cost of registration.

Registration will not be available at the Arboretum on the day of the race.

On-Site Race Registration

Cost: $65
Member cost: $55

Virtual Race Registration

Cost: $35
Member cost: $25

Combined 3K and 10K Firefly Race Series Challenge

On-site cost: $100
On-site member cost: $90
Virtual cost: $60
Virtual member cost: $50

Registration in the Firefly Race Series includes a branded apparel item and invitation to a postrace party.

Your registration and participation in the Firefly Race Series supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Virtual Participation

Support the Arboretum’s vision no matter when or where you run by participating in the Firefly Race Series. As a virtual participant, you’ll complete the Firefly 10K course distance at a location of your choosing and log your results online via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

Virtual Firefly 10K participants may complete the race distance at The Morton Arboretum from Friday, June 6, through Friday, June 13, and will enjoy free Arboretum admission during that period.

Race packets and apparel will be sent to virtual participants via mail, free of charge.

Virtual participants will not be eligible for race awards based on finishing time.

Virtual participants who complete both the 3K and the 10K races as part of the Firefly Race Series Challenge will receive challenge completion awards.

Whether you participate on-site or from far away, your registration supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Spectator Admission

Spectators may enter the Arboretum for free to attend the Firefly 10K on Saturday, June 14, before 9:00 a.m.

Spectators who arrive after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, will need to purchase Arboretum general admission.

Spectators are also invited to attend the Firefly 10K postrace party.

Spectators are not permitted to participate in the race.

Those attending the Firefly 3K as spectators on Friday, June 13, must purchase spectator admission tickets online in advance.

Awards

For the Firefly 10K race, awards will be given for 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 older. 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.

Virtual 10K participants are not eligible for awards.

Participants who complete both the 3K and the 10K races as part of the Firefly Race Series Challenge will receive challenge completion awards.
Children

Strollers are not permitted in the Firefly 10K race. For children who will be participating in the race, a registration fee and a waiver signed by an adult are required.

Please note that race apparel is only offered in adult sizing; children’s sizing is not available.
Gear Check

Gear check for the Firefly 10K is available from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, across from the Visitor Center main entrance.

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. No gear will be held overnight until the next day.
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.

Parking Lot 1 has accessible parking spaces and is close to the Visitor Center; the distance from the farthest parking spot to the main entrance of the Visitor Center is one-quarter of a mile.
Prohibited

Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on the race courses.
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 donation. Visit the shoe recycling tent near the start line on race day to drop off your pair.
Spectators

Spectators may enter for free for the Firefly 10K on Saturday, June 24, before 9:00 a.m. Arboretum general admission is required after 9:00 a.m.

Runners and spectators can register and purchase spectator admission tickets online.
Time 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.
Restroms

Portable restrooms will be available near the start line. Accessible restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center and West Pavilion.
Water Stations

Cups of water will be available at the start line and at stations along race courses. Water availability may vary by race.
Weather Emergencies

Races will take place rain or shine. In the case of an emergency, participants will be notified via email. Notifications will also be posted on the website and The Morton Arboretum Facebook page.