Firefly 3K

Bring the whole family for a festive sunset run at The Morton Arboretum.

Kicking off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, the Firefly 3K offers a fun fitness challenge and a chance to enjoy stunning sunset views at The Morton Arboretum.

The Firefly 3K course will follow the main paved road on the Arboretum’s East Side, moving through the Arboretum’s tree and plant collections, and down Frost Hill. The course is relatively flat and well-suited for runners, walkers, and wheelchair users of all experience levels.

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 10K, a more challenging, USATF-certified 10K course through the rolling terrain of the Arboretum’s East Side.

Event Highlights

Participants can run the Firefly 3K at the Arboretum or participate virtually by completing the course distance at another location and logging the results online.

All Firefly 3K race participants will receive branded Firefly Race Series apparel.

Participants and spectators are invited to attend an evening postrace party with a live DJ, glowsticks, a disco ball, and refreshments.

Race results will be shared online via Athlinks.

The Firefly 3K is not a competitive event and will not feature race awards. Participants who complete both the 3K and the 10K races as part of the combined Firefly Race Series Challenge will receive challenge completion awards.

Registration Details

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

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

On-Site Firefly 3K Registration

Cost: $45
Member cost: $35

Virtual 3K 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

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 Firefly 3K Registration

Cost: $45
Member cost: $35

Virtual 3K 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 virtually in the Firefly 3K. As a virtual participant, you’ll complete the course distance at a location of your choosing and log your results online via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.

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

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

Spectator Admission

Invite your friends and family to cheer you on as you take on the Firefly 3K! Those attending the Firefly 3K as spectators on Friday, June 13, must purchase spectator admission tickets online in advance.

Firefly 3K spectator admission includes afterhours admission to the Arboretum on Friday, June 13, to attend the race and access to the Firefly 3K postrace party, as well as a pair of light-up laces and one free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage.

Spectators are not required to be accompanied by a Firefly 3K race participant when entering the Arboretum.

Firefly Race Series Apparel

A branded running shirt featuring The Morton Arboretum and Firefly Race Series logos is included in registration.

When registering, participants will have the option to choose between a pink or white T-shirt. Pink shirts have an adult tapered fit; white shirts are sized adult unisex. Please note that children’s sizing is not available.

Both shirts are made from breathable, moisture-wicking 100% polyester interlock fabric with PosiCharge® technology to prevent fading.

Awards

The Firefly 3K does not feature 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

Children who are being pushed in strollers do not require race registration. 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 is available for free for the Firefly 3K on Friday, June 13, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., 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

Special admission is required for spectators attending the Firefly 3K.

Runners and spectators can register and purchase spectator admission tickets online.
Strollers

Firefly 3K participants are permitted to run with strollers. Runners pushing strollers must line up at the back of the running or walking section when starting the race. Volunteers will be available to direct participants with strollers to the proper starting place.
Timing 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.
Restrooms

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.