Morton Arboretum 10K celebrates beauty, value of trees
Running 10 kilometers over a treeless, bleak landscape, devoid of vegetation, is quite a different experience from moving past and around sturdy oaks, graceful birches and flowering magnolias.
In celebration of the beauty and positive environmental impact of trees, runners will participate Sunday, April 23, in the Champion of Trees 10K race, a competition that will take athletes through the heavily forested east side of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
“We call this race the Champions of Trees because trees need more champions than ever before, and by running with us, participants are supporting our mission to plant and conserve trees for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world,” said Mary D'Amico, the arboretum's special events coordinator.
Proceeds from the race help support the arboretum's conservation and research efforts, she said.
The event is in its seventh year. Runners and walkers will traverse paved roads, closed to motorists during the race.
“They'll get to see budding and potentially some flowering,” D'Amico said.
Redbud trees already have begun to flower, she said, and daffodils are in full bloom.
The route is a somewhat demanding one that includes hilly terrain.
“They'll run through our Frost Hill, which is a pretty good challenge. This is a good race that will challenge most runners,” D'Amico said. “It's a USATF course. We do have some very serious runners.”
Even so, athletes who want to take on the course at a leisurely pace are invited to join in.
“Walkers are welcome. Strollers are welcome,” she said.
Runners will wear timing bibs and be lined up at the start based on their estimated time.
D'Amico said 1,400 runners are expected to participate. The race starts at 8 a.m.
The first-, second- and third-place finishers in each age group for males and females will receive medals that will be mailed later.
The top finishers also will receive prizes from Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle.
At a post-race party, all runners 21 and older will be offered a complimentary beer.
“Beer is actually a good recovery drink,” she said. “And they can always get soda and water.”
Musical entertainment will include a performance by Final Groove, a Chicago dance band.
The race kicks off the arboretum's weeklong celebration of Arbor Day.
Preregistration fees through 5 p.m. April 21 are $50 for members and $55 for nonmembers. D'Amico said preregistration is available through the arboretum website.
Preregistration also will be available at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, she said.
Race day registration will be available from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday and is priced at $55 for both members and nonmembers.
D'Amico said spectators may enter the arboretum for free until 9 a.m. Sunday.
Champion of Trees 10K
<b>Where:</b> Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
<b>When:</b> 8 a.m. Sunday, April 23
<b>Registration:</b> $50 for members, $55 for nonmembers through Friday; $55 for members and nonmembers on race day
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.mortonarb.org">www.mortonarb.org</a>