Register now for arboretum's fall 5K
The Fall Color Festival at the Morton Arboretum gets off to a running start Oct. 4 as the 12th annual Fall Color 5K Run and Walk and Kid's Dash takes place with a new post-race party.
The 5K begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, and the dash starts at 9 a.m. at 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Race day registration and packet pickup opens at 6:30 a.m.
The Fall Color 5K Run and Walk will follow the Morton Arboretum's challenging U.S.A. Track and Field-certified course along the East Side Main Route through a hilly course lined with early signs of fall color.
Participants are tracked using the ChronoTrack B-Tag timing system, and each runner will receive a technical T-shirt and recovery food and water. Also new this year, runners 21 and older will receive a complimentary beer to toast to their finish. Awards will be given out in age and gender categories.
The Kid's Dash is designed for ages 2 to 10, and each participant will receive a cotton T-shirt and ribbon. Kids can run in one of three categories: 2- to 4-year-olds will race for 50 yards; 5- and 6-year-olds will run a quarter mile; and 7- to-10-year-olds will complete a half mile.
The 5K cost is $30 for arboretum members, $35 for others in advance, or $40 on race day. The fee for children participating in the dash is $10 for members, $15 for others or $20 on race day. Registration includes admission to the arboretum, and participants are encouraged to explore the 1,700 acres, including the Children's Garden and Maze Garden, following the race.
Those who can't participate but would like to support the Morton Arboretum's mission to create a greener, healthier and more beautiful world are welcome to register in the Virtual Runner/Walker category. In exchange for a $25 donation, contributors will receive a race T-shirt.
To learn more or to register, go to mortonarb.org/fallcolor5k.
If you go
What: Fall Color 5K Run and Walk and Kid's Dash
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, for 5K; 9 a.m. for Kid's Dash
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Cost: $30 members, $35 others, $40 day-of registration for adults; $10 members, $15 others, $20 day-of for kids
Info: mortonarb.org/fallcolor5k