Firefly 3K Fun Run

Kicking off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, the Firefly 3K Fun Run 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 Fun Run at the Arboretum or participate virtually by completing the course distance at another location and logging the results online.

All Firefly 3K Fun Run and Virtual race participants will receive branded Firefly 3K apparel. Spectators will not receive branded apparel.

Pricing

Firefly 3K Fun Run
Firefly 3K: $35 member, $45 guest

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

Spectator Ticket
$15 member, $25 guest

AwardsThe 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.

Children
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 4–13, 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.

Gear Check
Gear check is available for free on Friday, June 19, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., 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 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.

Prohibited
Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on Arboretum grounds during the race.

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 donation. Visit the shoe recycling tent near the start line on race day to drop off your pair.

Spectators

Spectator admission to the Firefly 3K Fun Run s not available. Starting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, entry to the Arboretum will be restricted to registered race participants.

Participants are invited to attend an evening postrace party with a live DJ, a disco ball, and refreshments.

Strollers
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.

Recovery Food
Granola bars and Boxed Water will be provided at the finish line.

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

Water Stations
There will be no water stations along the race course.

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.

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 12 through Friday, June 19 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 Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00 a.m. 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:

Atomic Blue Unisex Top – A relaxed, roomy fit for all-day comfort.
Neon Orange Kid-Sized Top – A comfortable, easy fit designed for kids on the move

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!

Support the Arboretum’s vision no matter when or where you run by participating virtually in the Firefly 3K. As a virtual participant, you’ll complete the course distance at a location of your choosing and log your results online via RunSignUp.

Virtual Firefly 3K participants may complete the race distance at The Morton Arboretum from Friday, June 5, through Friday, June 19, and will enjoy free Arboretum admission during that period.

Your registration and virtual participation supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Registration for virtual races ends Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00 a.m. All virtual participants will receive their race packets and apparel via mail, free of charge.