The Firefly 10K is a competitive race starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. The course follows the previous Champion of Trees 10K route through woodlands and living collections on the Arboretum’s East Side.
After crossing the finish line, pick up a Boxed Water and scan the QR code on your race bib to view your results. Firefly 10K awards can be picked up starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Packet Pickup Tent.
Highlights include:
- USATF Certified Course (IL6002NM)
- A vehicle-free course on East Side roads
- BAW Xtreme-Tek Performance Quarter Zip Pullover
- Firefly 10K finisher sticker
- Free Arboretum admission on Saturday, May 4, to explore 1,700 acres, including the award-winning Children’s Garden
- Awards for the Firefly 10K top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners, plus the top three male, female, and nonbinary winners in each age division
- Race results shared via Athlinks
Ticket Details
On-site
Members: $60
Guests: $65
Virtual
Members: $50
Guests: $55
Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp. Same-day on-site registration will not be available.
Key Dates
Tuesday, February 27
Registration opens
Tuesday, April 23
Virtual registration ends
Race packet mailing option ends
Combined 3K and 10K Firefly Challenge registration discount ends
Friday, May 3
Registration ends at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 4
Firefly 10K race starts at 8:00 a.m.
Award pickup starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Packet Pickup Tent
Virtual Participation
Runners have the option to participate in the race virtually by running at a location of their choosing. Registration for virtual races ends Tuesday, April 23, at 11:59 p.m. Virtual participants will not be eligible for awards.
Highlights include:
- Virtual participants will have access to the course at the Arboretum from Friday, April 26, to Friday, May 3.
- Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.
Virtual participants will record their times via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.
No matter when or where you run, you will be supporting the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Firefly 10K Spectators
Firefly 10K spectators are not required to purchase spectator admission in advance of the race, and receive free admission to the Arboretum if they arrive before 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4.
Firefly 10K spectators who arrive after 9:00 a.m. will need to purchase Arboretum general admission.
10K spectators may attend the Firefly 10K postrace party on Saturday, May 4.
If you are also running the Firefly 3K, you may add spectator admission to your purchase during online checkout. Firefly 3K spectator admission includes after-hours admission to the Arboretum, access to the 3K postrace party on Friday, May 3, and a free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage.
Race Packet Pickup and Mailing
Your race packet includes a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, race apparel (if purchased), and spectator admission wristbands (if purchased).
Free pickup of your race packet prior to race day is available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle. Stop by during regular store hours, Friday, April 26, through Friday, May 4.
You can choose to receive your packet by mail for an additional fee of $15, or in person on race day for an additional fee of $10.
Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.
Participants may only request race packet mailing through Wednesday, April 24, at 8:00 a.m.
Race Day Schedule
Firefly 10K on Saturday, May 4
7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Gear check, Visitor Center
8:00 a.m.
Firefly 10K race begins, West Lawn
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Postrace party, Arbor Court
9:30 a.m. to sunset
Award pickup, Packet Pickup Tent
Firefly 10K Race Apparel
BAW Xtreme-Tek Performance Quarter Zip Pullover
100% polyester interlock fabric with moisture-managing technology, fresh assurance with antibacterial treatment, 50+ UV protection, and silver zipper.
Race apparel items have a nontapered fit. Sizing is adult unisex. 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 the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Firefly 10K Course Map
The Firefly 10K course follows the main paved road on the Arboretum’s East Side. The route features steeper grades than the Firefly 3K and hills that may be challenging for wheelchair users.
