The Firefly 3K is an approachable course designed for runners and walkers of all levels. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, the Firefly 3K offers stunning sunset views of the Arboretum grounds.
Cross the finish line, pick up a Boxed Water, and enjoy a special postrace party. Then, scan the QR code on your race bib to view your results.
Highlights include:
- A vehicle-free course on East Side roads
- Free after-hours admission to the Arboretum on Friday, May 3
- Postrace party with a DJ and a free alcoholic beverage from Alter Brewing or nonalcoholic beverage from Go Brewing
- Sport-Tek® Long Sleeve PosiCharge® Competitor™ Tee
- Firefly 3K sticker for all finishers
- Race results shared via Athlinks
Please note that Firefly 3K participants will not receive awards. Sign up to run the Firefly 10K on the morning of Saturday, May 4, if you’re looking for a competitive race!
Ticket Details
On-site
Members: $50
Guests: $55
Virtual
Members: $40
Guests: $45
Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp. Same-day on-site registration will not be available.
Key Dates
Tuesday, April 23
Virtual registration ends
Race packet mailing option ends
Combined Firefly 3K and 10K Firefly Challenge registration discount ends
Friday, May 3
Registration ends at 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 3
Firefly 3K race starts at 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Participation
Runners have the option to participate in the race virtually by running at a location of their choosing. Registration for the virtual race 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 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 is $25 when purchased in advance of the race and $30 when purchased on race day.
Spectator admission includes after-hours admission to the Arboretum on Friday, May 3; access to the Firefly 3K postrace party on Friday, May 3, 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.
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 from Alter Brewing or Go Brewing. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will also be available.
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 3K on Friday, May 3
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
Sport-Tek® PosiCharge® Competitor™ Tee
100% polyester interlock with PosiCharge technology, removable tag, and set-in sleeves.
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.
