Events

Firefly 3K Fun Run

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 18, the Firefly 3K Fun Run offers a fitness challenge for the whole family and stunning sunset views at The Morton Arboretum.

The 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

Registration includes an evening postrace party with a live DJ, a disco ball, and refreshments.

All Firefly 3K Fun Run participants receive branded race apparel.

Support the Arboretum’s vision, no matter when or where you run. Register as a virtual participant to complete the course distance at a location of your choosing.

Registration

Registration for the Firefly 3K Fun Run opens on Tuesday, April 13.

 

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

 

The Firefly 3K Fun Run is supported by

Supported in-kind by

Registration

Registration for the Firefly 3K Fun Run opens on Tuesday, April 13.

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

Your participation in the Firefly 3K Fun Run 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 Fun Run. As a virtual participant, you’ll complete the course distance at a location of your choosing and log your results online via RunSignUp.

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

Postrace Party

After the Firefly 3K Fun Run, 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.

Virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.

Race Apparel

A branded apparel item is included with registration.

Details will be available closer to the race date.

Race Details and Policies

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

Accordion List

  • The Firefly 3K Fun Run 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.

  • Strollers are allowed at this event. Children who are being pushed in strollers do not require race registration. Age-based pricing is available for children ages 4 through 13, with discounts automatically applied once the child’s age is entered.

    For children who will be participating in the race, a registration fee and a waiver signed by an adult are required.

  • Free parking is available on-site at The Morton Arboretum. We suggest arriving at the Morton Arboretum at least 45 minutes prior to the race start time to allow for parking and to walk from parking to the start line. 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. Trained service dogs are always welcome.

  • 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.

  • Attend the race as a spectator to cheer on friends and family! Spectator admission includes evening admission to the Arboretum on Friday, June 19, and access to a postrace party.

    Purchase spectator admission to the Firefly 3K Fun Run through RunSignUp.

    Cost: $25
    Member cost: $15

    Spectator admission does not grant entry to participate in the race, and is not subject to age-based discounts.

  • 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 for registered participants.

  • 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.

  • The race will take place rain or shine. In the case of an emergency, participants will be notified via the email address used during race registration. Notifications will also be posted to The Morton Arboretum website and Facebook page.

Course Map

The Firefly 3K Fun Run 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.

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