From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find virtual events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
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 [email protected].
Looking to volunteer? Click here!
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