Firefly 3K

Kicking off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, the Firefly 3K offers a fun fitness challenge and a chance to enjoy stunning sunset views at The Morton Arboretum.

The Firefly 3K 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.

Virtual Participation

Participants can run the Firefly 3K at the Arboretum or participate virtually by completing the course distance at another location and logging the results online.

All Firefly 3K race participants will receive branded Firefly Race Series apparel.

Pricing

Firefly Race Series
Firefly 3K: $35 member, $45 guest

Virtual Participation
Firefly 3K: $25 member, $35 guest

Ready, Set… Glow!
The final event of the Firefly Race Series is almost here — the Firefly 10K takes place tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 14, starting promptly at 8:00 a.m.

Before you arrive, please review the course information, event details, and policies included in your race packet. Below are key reminders to help you prepare:

👀 Spectator Info
Spectators get in FREE before 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Anyone arriving after 9:00 a.m. will be charged general Arboretum admission.

🎶 Post-Race Entertainment
Celebrate your finish in Arbor Court with:

Live music by OMT (One More Time Band)
Craft beer from Homewood Brewing and Go Brewing
A complimentary beverage (drink ticket attached to your race bib)
📣 Registration & Packet Pick-Up
Still need to register?
Race-day registration is open from 6:30 –7:45 a.m. near the start line. While supplies last.
No cash accepted.

If you haven’t picked up your packet yet, your last chance is:

Friday before 1:00 p.m. at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle
Onsite packet pickup is available for a $10 fee (invoiced; no cash handled onsite)
🕗 Start Time & Timing Details
The Firefly 10K starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp. To be officially timed, you must cross the starting line by 8:10 a.m. We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking and getting to the start line.

🚗 Parking & Arrival
Please carpool if possible and allow 30–45 minutes to park and walk to the race area.
Parking near the Visitor Center is limited and fills quickly.

🏅 Challenge Participants
If you're completing the Firefly Challenge, congratulations — this is your final race!

Bring your bib from Friday’s 3K — it’s used for both events
After finishing, visit the awards tent in Arbor Court to pick up your Firefly Series completion medal

📲 Race Results & Awards
Scan your bib after the race to see your results.
Awards will be presented to top finishers in each age category — head to Arbor Court near the awards tent for updates.
Thank you!

We appreciate your support in helping us build a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Ready, Set… Glow!
The countdown is on! The Firefly Race Series kicks off tomorrow night with the Firefly 3K starting promptly at 8:00 p.m.

Before you arrive, please review the course information sheet, details, and policies included in your race packet. Below are a few key reminders to help you get race-ready:

👀 Spectator Info
Spectators will need a wristband to attend the Firefly 3K. You can purchase them online or in person at the packet pickup tent near the starting line from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Cash will not be accepted. 

Each wristband includes:

After-hours admission to the Arboretum on Friday, June 13
One complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage
A pair of light-up laces (while supplies last!)
✨ Dress to Shine
Get ready to glow! Wear your brightest neon or illuminated gear to light up the night and help create a glowing Firefly experience.

🎶 Post-Race Party Perks
After you cross the finish line, stick around for:

Live DJ music
A complimentary drink from Noon Whistle Brewing or Athletic Brewing (your drink ticket is attached to your race bib or spectator wristband)
Soft drink or juice options for those under 21
Additional bar and concessions available for purchase
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Please carpool if possible and allow 30–45 minutes to park and make your way to the race area. Parking near the Visitor Center is limited.

📦 Last Call for Packet Pick-Up
Haven’t picked up your packet yet?
Your last chance for free pickup is tomorrow before 1:00 p.m. at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle.

If not previously purchased, any runners picking up their packet onsite at the race will be invoiced a $10 fee (no cash accepted onsite).

🏃 Still Need to Register?
Registration is still open! New participants can register onsite from 6:30–7:45 p.m. near the start line. No cash will be accepted.

🕗 Start Time & Timing Details
The Firefly 3K starts at 8:00 p.m. sharp.
To be officially timed, you must cross the start line by 8:10 p.m. We recommend arriving by 7:30 p.m. to allow enough time for parking and check-in. Runners will line up based on their anticipated pace per mile.

📲 Race Results
After the race, scan your bib to view your results.
Please note: There are no awards given for the Firefly 3K.

🏅 Challenge Participants
Participating in the Challenge? We’ll see you again the next day for the Firefly 10K!

Hang onto your bib — you’ll use the same one for both races.
After completing the 10K, stop by the awards tent in Arbor Court to claim your Firefly Series completion medal.
We can’t wait to see you glow tomorrow night!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at races@mortonarb.org.
Thank you!

We appreciate your support in helping us build a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Arboretum Membership

Current Arboretum members save $10 per race entry. Join now to save. Members, enter your member ID at check-out.

Free Race Packet Pickup at Dick Pond

Free race packet pickup is available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle. Stop by and pick up your race bib and apparel during regular store hours, Friday, June 6 through Friday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m.

You must pick up your packet before 1 p.m. on Friday or you will be charged $10 for Race Packet Pick up.

Race Packet Mailing

You can choose to receive your packet by mail for an additional fee of $10. The deadline to request packet mailing is Tuesday, May 27. All virtual participants will automatically receive free packet mailing.

Race Day Pickup

You may pick up your race packet in person at the Arboretum on race day for an additional fee of $10. Please note that in person pickup on race day must be purchased in advance during online registration.

When you register for the Firefly Race Series, you will receive a free giveaway!

Choose the style that suits you best:

 White Unisex Top – A relaxed, roomy fit for all-day comfort.
 Neon Pink Fitted Top – A stylish, tapered fit for a sleek look.

Both options are made from lightweight, breathable 100% polyester interlock with PosiCharge technology, ensuring vibrant color and long-lasting logos. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and comfortable!

Firefly Race Series

Firefly 3K: $35 member, $45 guest
Firefly 10K: $55 member, $65 guest

Firefly Race Series Challenge (3K & 10K): $80 member, $100 guest

Firefly Spectator Ticket (non-participant): $20 member and guest

Virtual Participation

Firefly 3K: $25 member, $35 guest
Firefly 10K: $25 member, $35 guest

Virtual Firefly Race Series Challenge (Virtual 3K & 10K): $50 member, $60 guest 

Arboretum members will receive their member discount by entering their membership ID number during the online registration process.

Firefly Challenge Perks
Participants in the Firefly Challenge can enjoy the following benefits for both races:

Firefly 3K (Friday, June 13)
Your choice of one apparel item (even if registered for both races)
Free after-hours admission to the Arboretum on race day
Glow dance party with a live DJ
One free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage at the post-race party

Firefly 10K (Saturday, June 14)
USATF Certified Course (IL6002NM)
A vehicle-free route on East Side roads
Free Arboretum 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 the top three in each age division
One free alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage at the post-race party
Live band at the post-race celebration

Firefly Challenge Bonus
Participants who complete both races will receive a special Firefly Challenge completion medal to celebrate their achievement!

Runners can participate in the Firefly Race Series virtually by completing the race distances at locations and on dates of their choosing. Both the 3K and 10K courses at the Arboretum are open to virtual participants from Friday, June 6 through Friday, June 13. Virtual runners will receive free admission to the Arboretum during this period to complete their distances. Virtual participants will record their times via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform. Virtual participants will not be eligible for placement awards.

Registration for virtual races ends Tuesday, May 27, at 11:59 p.m. All virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.

Virtual Firefly 3K and 10K Challenge

Register for both the Virtual Firefly 3K and the Virtual Firefly 10K to save on registration and earn a bonus Firefly Series Completion medal!