Registration
Registration for the Firefly Race Series is now open. Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp. Registration will not be available at the Arboretum on the day of the race.
Firefly 3K
On-Site Firefly 3K Registration
Cost: $45
Member cost: $35
Virtual Firefly 3K Registration
Cost: $35
Member cost: $25
Firefly 10K
On-Site Firefly 10K Registration
Cost: $65
Member cost: $55
Virtual Firefly 10K Registration
Cost: $35
Member cost: $25
Combined 3K and 10K Firefly Race Series Challenge
Register for both the Firefly 3K and 10K events to take on the combined Firefly Race Series challenge and save on the cost of registration.
On-Site Race Series Challenge
Cost: $100
Member cost: $90
Virtual Race Series Challenge
Cost: $60
Member cost: $50
Virtual Participation
Support the Arboretum’s vision no matter when or where you run! As a virtual participant, you’ll complete the 3K or 10K course distance at a location of your choosing and log your results online via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.
Virtual participants may also complete the race distance at The Morton Arboretum grounds 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.
Firefly 10K virtual participants will not be eligible for race awards.
Virtual participants who complete both the 3K and the 10K races as part of the combined Firefly Race Series Challenge will receive challenge completion awards.
Whether you participate on-site or from far away, your registration and participation supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Spectator Admission
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.
Those attending the Firefly 3K as spectators on Friday, June 13, must purchase spectator admission tickets online in advance.
Race Packet Pickup and Mailing
Race packets include a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, and race apparel items.
Free pickup of your race packet prior to race day is available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle, IL from Friday, June 6, through Thursday, June 12, during store hours, and on Friday, June 13, until 1:00 p.m.
Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.
Race Apparel
A branded running shirt featuring The Morton Arboretum and Firefly Race Series logos is included in registration.
Participants will have the option to choose between a pink or white running shirt. Pink shirts have an adult tapered fit; white shirts are sized adult unisex. Please note that children’s sizing is not available.
Race Details and Policies
Read below for details about what to expect before, during, and after race day.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Gear check is available for free for the Firefly 3K on Friday, June 13, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., and for the Firefly 10K 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.
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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.
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Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on the race courses.
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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/Finish Line on race day to drop off your pair.
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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.
Special admission is required for spectators attending the Firefly 3K.
Runners and spectators can register and purchase spectator admission tickets online.
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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.
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Large digital clocks will be stationed throughout the course. Finish line times will also be displayed on digital clocks.
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Granola bars, bananas, and Boxed Water will be provided at the finish line.
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Portable restrooms will be available near the start line. Accessible restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center and West Pavilion.
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Cups of water will be available at the start line and at stations along race courses. Water availability may vary by race.
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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.
Course Map
A map of both Firefly Race Series courses will be available closer to the race dates.
Firefly 3K
The Firefly 3K course will follow the main paved road on the Arboretum’s East Side, moving down Frost Hill, and along the alternate route.
Firefly 10K
The Firefly 10K course also 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.
