The Firefly 3K is an approachable course designed for runners and walkers of all levels. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, the Firefly 3K offers stunning sunset views of the Arboretum grounds.
Event Details
Race participants will enjoy free after-hours admission to the Arboretum on Friday, June 13.
Participants and spectators are invited to attend a postrace party.
Participants receive branded Firefly 3K race apparel.
Race results will be shared online via Athlinks.
Please note that Firefly 3K participants will not receive awards. Sign up to run the Firefly 10K on the morning of Saturday, June 14, if you’re looking for a competitive race!
Ticket Details
Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp. Same-day on-site registration will not be available.
Virtual Participation
Runners have the option to participate in the race virtually by running at a location of their choosing. Virtual participants will not be eligible for awards.
Virtual 3K participants will have access to the course at the Arboretum from Friday, June 6, to Friday, June 13.
Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.
Participants may 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.
Postrace Party
Firefly 3K participants and spectators can enjoy the evening at the Arboretum with a DJ and illuminated experience at an exclusive postrace party. 3K participants and spectators will receive a free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will also be available.
Firefly 3K Spectator Admission
Invite your friends and family to cheer you on as you take on the Firefly Race Series! Race participants may add special admission for spectators to their purchase during online checkout.
Spectator admission includes after-hours admission to the Arboretum on Friday, June 13; access to the Firefly 3K postrace party on Friday, June 13, and a free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage.
For each spectator admission you purchase, one admission wristband will be included in your race packet. Spectators must present the wristband at the gatehouse when entering the Arboretum and wear it for the duration of the event. Spectators are not required to be accompanied by a Firefly race participant when entering the Arboretum.
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.
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.
Race Day Schedule
Firefly 3K on Friday, June 13
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Gear check, Visitor Center
7:30 p.m.
Firefly 3K race begins, Meadow Lake
7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Postrace party, Arbor Court
Firefly 3K Race Apparel
Details about the 2025 Firefly 3K apparel will be available closer to the race date.
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 3K Course Map
The Firefly 3K course follows the main road on the Arboretum’s East Side, moving down Frost Hill and along the alternate route.
A 2025 Firefly 3K course map will be available closer to the race date.
