Fall Color 5K gets autumn off to a running start

Morton Arboretum's 13th annual Fall Color 5K Run and Walk and Kids Dash is Sunday, Oct. 2. Runners breathe in crisp, fall air and enjoy the orange, red and purple changing leaves during the race, which concludes with a post-race party, complete with live music.

The race officially opens the arboretum's Fall Color Festival, which takes place throughout October at the tree museum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

The 5K takes runners on a challenging U.S.A. Track and Field-certified course along the arboretum's East Side Main Route - a hilly course studded with early hints of fall color.

Participants are tracked using the ChronoTrack B-tag timing system, and each runner receives a technical T-shirt and recovery food and water. Following the race, participants can enjoy live music from Chicago-area band Soda. Runners ages 21 and older also receive a complimentary beer to toast to their finish. Awards are given in age and gender categories.

The Kids Dash is designed for ages 2 to 10, and each child participating receives a cotton T-shirt and participation ribbon. Kids can participate in one of three categories: 2- to 4-year-olds race for 50 yards, 5- and 6-year-olds run a quarter-mile, and 7- to 10-year-olds complete a half-mile.

The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the dash at 9:30 a.m. Those who preregister can pick up their bib number, timing strip, T-shirt and additional race day information from Dick Pond Athletics, 2775 Maple Ave., Lisle, at select times Friday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 1. For pickup times, visit mortonarb.org/fallcolor5k.

The 5K registration fee is $30 for members, $35 for others, 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. 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 Morton Arboretum's vision of a greener and healthier world may register in the Virtual Runner/Walker category. In exchange for a $25 donation, contributors receive a race T-shirt.