Morton Arboretum hosts Champion of Trees 10K to support tree conservation
Join hundreds of runners on Saturday, April 18, for the Champion of Trees 10K through The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
The 10K course winds through budding woodlands, peaceful prairies, and the Arboretum’s renowned global tree collections.
Become a tree champion and raise funds in support of The Morton Arboretum’s work to safeguard tree species through research, conservation, and collaboration.
Highlights
Race registration includes a commemorative Champion of Trees 10K T-shirt, access to a post race party, recovery snacks, a post-race beer, and a coupon for $10 off shoes at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle.
As a USATF-certified course, the Champion of Trees 10K meets USA Track & Field standards for distance accuracy.
Awards will be given to the top overall male, female, and nonbinary winners and the top three male, female, and nonbinary winners in each age division.
The post-race party in Arbor Court will feature refreshments and live entertainment.
Virtual Champion of Trees 10K
You can support the Arboretum from afar by completing the Champion of Trees 10K race distance at a location and date of your choosing.
No matter when or where you run, you can support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Virtual participants may complete the race distance in any location, including at the Arboretum.
Get a free admission code to complete the distance on Arboretum grounds between Friday, April 10, and Monday, April 20, if desired. Participants must submit their time by 8 a.m. Monday, April 20.
Registration
Cost is $75 or $65 for members. Register via mortonarb.org. The registration fee for the on-site Champion of Trees 10K increases by $5 on Monday, April 13, at 8 a.m.
If you can’t attend the in-person event, join the virtual Champion of Trees 10K. The fee is $45 or $35 for nonmembers. Registration for the virtual race closes at 8 a.m. Monday, April 6.
Raise funds for tree research and conservation
New this year will be the Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising. There is no registration fee and the minimum fundraising commitment is $250.
In addition to complimentary race registration, fundraising participants will receive a number of benefits with a fundraising commitment of $250 or more.
Become a fundraiser to extend your impact and advance the Arboretum’s work to protect, grow, and advocate for trees that support healthier communities and a more resilient future.
Raise $250 or $500 for The Morton Arboretum by race day to receive exclusive benefits and become a true champion of trees. Only on-site race participants have the option to become a fundraiser.
To become a fundraiser, select “Champion of Trees 10K Fundraising Participant” during online registration via the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.
Your participation helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Proceeds will fund important work being done by Arboretum researchers and staff in the Chicago region and around the world, from science-based conservation action projects in biodiversity hot spots to ensuring a more equitable distribution of trees throughout Illinois.
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center near Chicago in Lisle, Illinois. Its 1,700 acres include specialty tree and plant collections, nine miles of roads and 16 miles of hiking trails, a central Grand Garden, Children’s Garden, educational programs and a Visitor Center. Information about exhibitions, events and admission is available at mortonarb.org.
Shoe recycling
Do you have athletic shoes that you no longer need? The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with Dick Pond Athletics, will be accepting used athletic shoes during packet pickup and on-site on race day. Visit the shoe recycling tent near the start/finish line on race day to drop off shoes. All shoes received during packet pickup and race day are donated to the Reuse-A-Shoe Program.