Firefly Race Series

The Firefly Race Series offers a variety of invigorating races on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum.

Virtual Participation

Runners can participate in any Firefly Race Series race virtually by completing the race distance at a location and date of their choosing.

Virtual participants may also complete their distances on-site during the two weeks preceding the race. During this period, virtual runners will enjoy free admission to the Arboretum and may complete their distances on the course.

Highlights:

Virtual participants will receive a free general admission ticket to the Arboretum to complete their distances during the week before the race
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, but will not be eligible for awards.

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.

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.

Admission Wristbands

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.

Pricing and Benefits

Spectator admission pricing and benefits vary by race.

Awards

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

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 unisex adult sizing; children’s sizing is not available.
Gear Check

Gear check is available for free 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.
Parking

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.
Prohibited

Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on the race course.
Shoe Recycling

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.
Spectators

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.
Strollers

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.
Timing Clocks

Large digital clocks will be stationed throughout the course. Finish line times will also be displayed on digital clocks.
Recovery Food

Granola bars, bananas, and Boxed Water will be provided at the finish line.
Restrooms

Portable restrooms will be available near the start line. Restrooms are also available inside the Visitor Center and West Pavilion.
Water Stations

Cups of water will be available at the start line and at stations along race courses. Water availability may vary by race.
Weather Emergencies

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.