The Pine Pacer

Kick off the new year with a month-long winter running and walking challenge.

Start the new year off on the right foot with the Pine Pacer running and walking challenge hosted at The Morton Arboretum. Throughout the month of January, participants can track runs and walks they complete and submit the mileage of each workout to the Arboretum’s virtual challenge website.

To start the Pine Pacer challenge, select a goal of 25, 50, or 100 miles that you commit to complete by the end of January. To reach your goal, you can run or walk at the Arboretum, around your neighborhood, on a treadmill, or anywhere else you like to run and walk. Remember, this is a challenge! Push yourself and get a healthy start on your new year’s resolutions.

Event highlights include:

Commemorative Pine Pacer Flex Fleece 1/4-Zip Pullover with men’s and women’s styles
An option to have your sweatshirt mailed
Challenge completion stickers
Participants who aren’t yet members of the Arboretum receive complimentary admission passes and the opportunity to become a member at a discounted rate.

New for 2024: Pine Pacer Travel Mug

For an additional $15, participants will receive a branded Pine Pacer travel mug. Present this travel mug at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center when you visit in January to receive a free hot coffee or hot tea voucher for the day.

Membership Special

Pine Pacer participants who are not yet members of the Arboretum have an opportunity to save $10 off a one-year Morton Arboretum membership using discount code HOL2023E. After registering for the Pine Pacer challenge, view your confirmation email for instructions on how to purchase your new membership. Participants can use their new member benefits to walk or run at the Arboretum to collect Pine Pacer miles.

Pine Pacer participants who are already members of the Arboretum but want to share the gift of membership can receive $10 off the annual cost of a gift membership. Share the joy of an Arboretum membership with a friend and you can collect your Pine Pacer miles together! Please note that this offer is only valid for new Morton-level memberships purchased on or before Sunday, January 7, 2024. This offer does not apply to membership renewals.

Pine Pacer Travel Mug

For an additional $15 when registering, participants will receive a Pine Pacer travel mug and a voucher for free hot coffee or tea at the Ginkgo Café redeemable on each visit to the Arboretum. Participants can present their Pine Pacer travel mug at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center to receive a free hot coffee or hot tea voucher for the day.

Members who have signed up for the free Frequent Visitor Rewards Program may collect their points and save them to enjoy a free small beverage or pastry throughout the remaining winter months!

How do I receive my travel mug?

Your Pine Pacer travel mug will be available to pick up beginning on Monday, January 1, 2024 at The Arboretum Store during regular store hours 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The store will be closed January 8th. Please note that travel mugs will not be shipped. You will receive your first free coffee voucher as soon as you collect your travel mug. You will need to provide your Pine Pacer registration confirmation to claim your travel mug.
How can I receive my free hot coffee or tea?

You must bring your travel mug to the Arboretum and present it at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center to receive your free hot coffee or hot tea voucher for that day. Then, head over to the Ginkgo Café with your travel mug and present the voucher to the barista to receive your coffee or tea. The drink must be served in your branded travel mug. Please make sure the travel mug is clean at the time of ordering. You may receive one free hot coffee or hot tea per day (up to 31 free beverages during the month of January). This promotion does not include specialty lattes or fountain beverages. Vouchers will expire at the end of each day. No vouchers will be accepted after Wednesday, January 31.
How many free coffee vouchers can I receive?

If you come to the Arboretum every day for the month of January, you are eligible for up to 31 free beverages. Vouchers will expire at the end of each day received.
I forgot my travel mug, can I still get a free coffee?

No. Coffee or hot tea must be poured into the designated travel mug to be eligible.
I lost/broke my travel mug, can I get a new one?

No, we cannot replace a lost or broken travel mug.
Can I just purchase the travel mug?

No, this purchase is only available as part of the Pine Pacer challenge.
What do I do with my travel mug when the challenge is over?

The Arboretum’s Ginkgo Café offers 10 cents off beverages to guests who bring their own travel mug. Continue to use it here or anywhere!

Please reach out to races@mortonarb.org if you experience any issues with your travel mug.

Tracking Your Performance

Pine Pacer participants will record their official results here. The leaderboard is updated in real time and can help participants stay motivated.

In addition to tracking miles on the Official Pine Pacer web page, participants may also find it helpful to use Strava, a fitness app that can log mileage on an iPhone or Android using smartphone data, a GPS-supported smartwatch, or head unit. Please note that logging miles on the Strava app will not synchronize with the official Pine Pacer Challenge results.

The Morton Arboretum uses Strava to create routes to support and inspire current users of the app and to create visual routes for non-users to enjoy.

Do I need to download Strava on my phone to complete this challenge?

The Morton Arboretum is not affiliated with Strava. It is a premier mobile app for runners and a valuable tool to help participants track and discover new routes. If you are interested in downloading the app as a new user, please do your own research before purchasing a subscription.
Can the Pine Pacer challenge be done without Strava?

Yes. Strava is an optional tool that is not necessary to complete the challenge.
I already use Strava. Will it track my miles for this challenge?

Using the Strava app is optional and allows you to personally track your miles. You will still need to manually submit your miles to count towards the challenge at the virtual challenge website.
Why isn’t there a Pine Pacer Challenge on Strava?

Strava has specific restrictions on what groups can coordinate a sponsored challenge. Unfortunately, The Morton Arboretum does not meet the criteria to create a sponsored challenge.

Can I register in person at the Arboretum?

This race uses the platform RunSignup for registration. To register, please fill out the secure online form.

Do I have to complete the challenge on Arboretum grounds?

No, participants can complete the challenge anywhere they like, but we encourage participants to complete their miles at the Arboretum when possible. All paved roads at the Arboretum are accessible to runners and walkers. Running is not permitted on wood chipped hiking trails.
Do I need a timed-entry admission pass when visiting the Arboretum for this challenge?

Arboretum members do not require advanced timed-entry passes to enter the Arboretum.. Nonmembers do need to reserve advance, timed-entry admission to enter. Once registered for the Pine Pacer challenge, guests will receive a discount code for a free weekly admission ticket and can reserve their pass online through the Arboretum website.
Can other forms of exercise apply toward my miles?

No, this challenge is only for tracking miles from walking or running.
Can I walk or run on a treadmill?

Yes, you can track your miles anytime you walk or run, regardless of whether you are outside or inside.
When will participants receive their complimentary pullover?

Participants will receive a notification about receiving their pullovers when registration closes on Monday, January 15. Every effort will be made to expedite mailing.
Where do I log my challenge results?

You can view and submit your results on RunSignup from Monday, January 1, through Wednesday, January 31.
What if I don’t complete my miles?

There is no consequence to not reaching your set goal. The Pine Pacer is meant to help participants kick start their long-term exercise and wellness goals.