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Firefly Race Series

Firefly 3K

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

Content Detail

Kicking off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 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.

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 3K apparel.

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

Registration

Firefly 3K registration opens on Tuesday, April 21. Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp.

The earlier you register, the more you save! Early registration rates for adults and children are available through Saturday, May 16; regular rates apply through Thursday, June 18; and race day rates begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

During early registration, Arboretum members can save $15 on registration for children ages 10 and younger. Members always save on race registration and special event tickets. Become a member today.

Early Registration
(Tuesday, April 21–Saturday, May 16)
Cost: $40
Member cost: $30
Child cost (10 and younger): $30
Member child cost (10 and younger): $20

Early registration opens at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Registration
(Sunday, May 17–Thursday, June 18)
Cost: $45
Member cost: $35
Child cost (10 and younger): $35

Regular registration opens at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.

Race Day Registration
(Friday, June 19)
Cost: $50
Member cost: $40
Child cost (10 and younger): $35

Race day registration is open after 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

Your member discount will be applied after inputting your member ID number during online registration.

 

Your registration and participation in the Firefly 3K supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Registration

Firefly 3K registration opens on Tuesday, April 21. Registration must be completed online through RunSignUp.

Registration includes a branded apparel item and invitation to a postrace party.

The earlier you register, the more you save! Early registration rates for adults and children are available through Saturday, May 16; regular rates apply through Thursday, June 18; and race day rates begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

During early registration, Arboretum members can save $15 on registration for children ages 10 and younger. Members always save on race registration and special event tickets. Become a member today.

Early Registration
(Tuesday, April 21–Saturday, May 16)
Cost: $40
Member cost: $30
Child cost (10 and younger): $30
Member child cost (10 and younger): $20

Early registration opens at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Registration
(Sunday, May 17–Thursday, June 18)
Cost: $45
Member cost: $35
Child cost (10 and younger): $35

Regular registration opens at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.

Race Day Registration
(Friday, June 19)
Cost: $50
Member cost: $40
Child cost (10 and younger): $35

Race day registration is open after 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

Your member discount will be applied after inputting your member ID number during online registration.

 

Your registration and participation in the Firefly 3K 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 RunSignUp.

Virtual Firefly 3K participants may complete the race distance at The Morton Arboretum from Friday, June 5, through Friday, June 19, and will enjoy free Arboretum admission during that period.

Race packets and apparel will be sent to virtual participants via mail, free of charge.

 

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

Postrace Party

After the Firefly 3K, participants and spectators can enjoy the evening at the Arboretum with a postrace party.

This exclusive event features a light show, a live DJ, a disco ball, blacklights, and one free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage for race participants and spectators.

Additional snacks, alcoholic beverages, and nonalcoholic beverages will be available to purchase.

Race Packet Pickup and Mailing

Race packets include a 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 12, through Thursday, June 18, during store hours, and on Friday, June 19, until 1:00 p.m.

On-site race participants who register by Wednesday, June 10 at 8 a.m. can opt to have their race packet mailed for a fee of $10. Those who register on Wednesday, June 10, after 8:00 a.m., can pick up their packet for free at Dick Pond Athletics or on race day for a fee of $10. Packet pickup on race day opens at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge. Registration for virtual races is now closed.

Race Apparel

A branded running shirt featuring The Morton Arboretum and Firefly 3K logos is included with registration.

Details will be available soon.

Race Details and Policies

Read below for details about what to expect before, during, and after race day.

Accordion List

  • The Firefly 3K is not a competitive event and will not feature race awards.The race will not be timed and there will be no official race results.

  • Gear check is available for free for the Firefly 3K on Friday, June 19, 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.

  • Strollers will be allowed at this event. 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.

  • 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 P-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.

  • Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on Arboretum grounds during the race.

  • 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.

  • Spectator admission to the Firefly 3K is not available. Starting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, entry to the Arboretum will be restricted to registered race participants.

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

  • 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.

  • Granola bars and Boxed Water will be provided at the finish line.

  • Portable restrooms will be available near the start line. Accessible restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center and West Pavilion.

  • There will be no water stations along the race course.

  • 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

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.

A map of the Firefly 3K course will be available closer to the race date.

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