Spend a magical fall morning running or walking through a scenic course with trees just at the cusp of their full autumnal color change. You’ll experience a unique course with rolling terrain along the Arboretum’s East Side, perfect for participants of all levels to help kick off the Fall Color Festival.
Once you’ve conquered the course, stay for a postrace party with live music, food, and a complimentary beer!
Event highlights
- USATF Certified Course (IL6002NM)
- Course is entirely contained within the East Side of the Arboretum
- Commemorative T-shirt
- Free admission on race day to explore 1,700 acres, including the award-winning Children’s Garden
- Awards for the top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners, plus top three male, female winner, and nonbinary winners in each age division
- Race results will be shared with Athlinks
How does it work?
- Run or walk the 5K course on the spacious, vehicle-free East Side roads.
- Cross the finish line, pick up a Boxed Water, enjoy the post race party and then scan the QR code on your race bib to view your results.
- Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the Arboretum.
Virtual 5K
The Virtual 5K allows participants to run or walk a 5K on a day and course of their choosing and then submit their results. This option allows participants the flexibility to complete their 5K any day or time.
How does it work?
- Register for the Virtual Fall Color 5K Run and Walk.
- Pick up your race bib and T-shirt at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle during scheduled packet pickup dates. Race bibs may also be mailed to those that select that option during registration. Dick Pond Athletics is located at 2775 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL.
- Run a 5K anywhere at any time; be sure to time yourself. Please note that Virtual 5K participants are not eligible for awards.
What’s included with the Virtual 5K registration cost?
- Free packet mailing
- Tri-blend unisex Bella+Canvas T-shirt
- A race bib
- Separate result page for virtual participants
- A free general admission ticket to run at The Morton Arboretum to use between Friday, September 29 and Friday, October 6, 2023.
Can I run my Virtual 5K at the Arboretum?
Yes, you can run the Virtual 5K at the Arboretum. Members may enter The Morton Arboretum at any time without general admission tickets by showing their current physical or digital membership card at the gatehouse.
Guests will receive an email in with instructions for reserving a free general admission ticket for the Virtual 5K.
Running is not permitted on any trails at the Arboretum, and runners must stay on the roads. Runners or walkers are encouraged to go the opposite direction of vehicles and stay on the right side of the road.
Packet Pickup Information
On-site participants can select one of the following packet pickup options while registering for the race.
Free packet pickup at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle
Pick up your race shirt and bib at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle during store hours the week of the race. Dick Pond Athletics is located at 2775 Maple Ave, Lisle, IL.
Free packet pickup times will be available closer to the race date.
Questions about registering for the 2024 Fall Color 5K? Contact races@mortonarb.org.
Postrace Party
After the race, join the fun at our postrace party in Arbor Court, where you can enjoy live music and celebrate your race with a postrace beer.
Referral Program
Runners can earn Arboretum rewards just for inviting friends, family, co-workers, and more to join them on Saturday, October 5. At the end of your registration, you will be given a link that is designated as your referral link. The link will also be included in your registration confirmation email. Share that link through social media, email, or direct message to recruit friends to receive rewards.
Details about referral benefits will be available closer to the race date.
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 during packet pickup and onsite on race day. Visit Dick Pond during packet pickup times before the race or the shoe recycling tent near the Start/Finish line on race day to drop off your pair.
For more details on how and where these shoes are recycled, please visit this link.