Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 2026

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event.

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners.

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively):

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

6th to 8th Grade

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs!

#GetUpandGo

The Champion of Trees 10K is back!

Kick off your spring with a refreshing run through the Morton Arboretum! Runners will enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of a vibrant spring morning as they tackle our USATF-certified 10K course along the rolling East Side trails. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievement at the post-race party in Arbor Court, complete with live music and good vibes all around. Lace up, breathe in the fresh air, and make this a morning to remember!

Race-day highlights include:

• Champion of Trees branded T-shirt

• Official race bib with ChronoTrack timing

• Post-race beer

• $10 Dick Pond Athletics shoe coupon

• Post-race party & live entertainment

• Access to a closed, USATF-certified course

• Post-race recovery food & water

NEW THIS YEAR

Become a Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant!

When you become a fundraising participant, you are extending your impact in advancing the Arboretum’s work to protect, grow, and advocate for trees. With your contribution, you are supporting healthier and greener communities and building a more resilient future.

Fundraising Benefits

Pledge a minimum of $250 and receive the following benefits:

• Complimentary race registration

• 4 daytime Arboretum guest passes to be used by December 31, 2026

• Special fundraiser race bib

• Fundraiser medal

• Post-race coffee and snack at the Team Arboretum tent

Can't participate in person?

Complete your virtual 10K anytime between April 10-17. Run at The Morton Arboretum with a free admission pass or on your favorite local trail.

You will receive:

• Official race bib mailed straight to you

• Champion of Trees 10K Shirt

• Free shipping of your packet

Superheroes Unite! Join us on April 18 at 8:30A with your friends and family and show off your superpower at the Superhero Fun Run 3K, taking place at the Sensory Garden Playground!

All participants are invited to wear their favorite superhero attire for this 3K Fun Run – so break out your Wonder Woman costume, Captain America t-shirt, or Iron Man mask! Along the way, you will see some of your favorite superheroes cheer you on! After the run, stick around at the playground for music, character meet and greets, and more fun! All participants will receive giveaway items and post-race refreshments.

Superhero Fun Run is an untimed run/walk that is open to all ages and abilities. Superhero Fun Run is presented by the Wheaton Park District and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation, in support of the Sensory Garden Playground.

RACE DETAILS

• Saturday, April 18 | 8:30A | Sensory Garden Playground (2751 International Dr., Lisle, IL 60532) | 3K Race

• Virtual Race | Not able to participate on race day? Run a 3K anywhere on your own time!

PRICING DETAILS

Superhero Fun Run spaces are limited so register early!

ADULT REGISTRATION (13 years old and up)

• Early Bird Registration - $30.00 through March 18

• $35.00 from March 19 through April 17

• $40.00 on Race Day, April 18

CHILD REGISTRATION (12 years old and under)

• Early Bird Registration - $20.00 through March 18

• $25.00 from March 19 through Race Day, April 18

PACKET PICK-UP

• Thursday, April 16 | 12 - 7P | Central Athletic Complex (500 S. Naperville Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187)

• Saturday, April 18 | 7:30 - 8:15A | Sensory Garden Playground (2751 International Dr., Lisle, IL 60532)

PARKING

Participant parking will be in the Science of Spirituality Parking Lot (4105 Naperville Rd, Lisle, IL 60532). From Naperville Rd, turn east onto International Dr. Then turn right into the designated area.

If you are participating with a stroller or wheelchair, please note that part of the course will be on paved streets and part of the course will be on crushed limestone/unpaved trails throughout Danada Forest Preserve. If you require special accommodations, please contact us at least 15 days in advance of the run at events@wheatonparks.org.

Looking to volunteer? Click here!