Virtual Participation
Support the Arboretum’s vision no matter when or where you run! As a virtual participant, you’ll complete the 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 on Arboretum grounds during the week preceding the on-site race, 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 will not be eligible for awards.
Whether you participate on-site or from far away, your registration supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Spectator Admission
For races that take place outside of regular Arboretum hours, special admission is required for spectators. In addition to after-hours admission to the Arboretum, spectator admission may include access to postrace party events and perks such as complementary food and beverages. Race participants may add special admission for spectators to their purchase during online checkout.
Pricing and Benefits
Spectator admission pricing and benefits vary by race.
Race Packet Pickup and Mailing
Your race packet includes a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, and race apparel.
Free pickup of your race packet prior to race day is available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle.
For an additional fee, on-site participants can choose to receive their race packet by mail or in person on race day.
Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.
Race Details and Policies
Accordion List
-
Awards will be given to the top three Firefly 10K 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.
Firefly 3K participants will not receive awards.
Firefly 10K awards can be picked up starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Packet Pickup Tent.
-
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 is available for free on Friday, June 13, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and from 7:00 a.m. 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.
-
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 (P1) 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 the race course.
-
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 donating. Visit the shoe recycling tent near the Start/Finish line on race day to drop off your pair.
-
For races that take place outside of regular Arboretum hours, special admission is required for spectators. In addition to after-hours admission to the Arboretum, spectator admission may include access to postrace party events and perks such as complementary food and beverages. Race participants may add special admission for spectators to their purchase during online checkout.
Admission wristbands for spectators will be included with your race packet. Spectators are not required to be accompanied by a Firefly race participant, and may enter the Arboretum by showing the wristband at the gatehouse.
Spectator admission pricing and benefits vary by race.
-
Participants are permitted to run with strollers. All runners pushing strollers must be lined up at the back of the running or walking section when starting to race. Volunteers will be available to direct participants with strollers to the proper starting place.
-
Large digital clocks will be stationed throughout the course. Finish line times will also be displayed on digital clocks.
-
Granola bars, bananas, and Boxed Water will be provided at the finish line.
-
Portable restrooms will be available near the start line. Restrooms are also available inside the Visitor Center and West Pavilion.
-
Cups of water will be available at the start line and at stations along race courses. Water availability may vary by race.
-
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.
Race Apparel
Included with registration is a branded apparel item featuring The Morton Arboretum and Firefly Race Series logos. Participants who register for multiple races will receive all associated apparel items.
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.
Course Map
A map of all Firefly Race Series courses will be available closer to the race dates.
Firefly 3K
The Firefly 3K course follows the Meadow Lake Path around Meadow Lake, a manmade lake located directly outside the Visitor Center. The paved asphalt path has a typical grade of 3% and a maximum grade of 8%. One loop around Meadow Lake is 0.6 miles.
Firefly 10K
The Firefly 10K course 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.
