Registration is now open.
The nature preserve and tree museum, Morton Arboretum, is holding a socially distant Fall Color 5K Run and Walk on Saturday and Sunday October 3 and 4 with the opportunity of running a Virtual 5K
The Morton Arboretum is taking the next step with their Fall Color 5K Run and Walk the first weekend in October. Registration for the event is now open, in which participants can sign up for either the in-person or virtual run. Participants must pre-register and choose a time slot to start. To ensure ample space between runners, participants will be dispatched in groups of 25 every 15 minutes. Runners will have to show up 30 minutes before starting and queue in line 6 feet apart from others while wearing a mask before their group is dispatched.
After registering, participants will need to pick up their bibs at the Arboretum on the day of the race, or Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle. The 5K runs from 7 am – 1 pm, with the course taking place on the spacious East Side roads which will then be closed off to vehicles. There will not be snacks or water stations along the route, so participants are advised to come prepared. Due to the circumstances, there will be no post-race party, but participants will be allowed to explore the grounds of the Arboretum.
Spectators can reserve a timed-entry ticket prior to the race. While in the core race area — Visitor Center, Tram Road, and Arbor Court — participants and visitors alike are required to wear masks and social distance.
Registration for both the in-person 5K and Virtual 5K costs $42 + $4.44 SignUp Fee, and will include a technical t-shirt, race packet — with t-shirt and coupons mailed after the race — race bib, and boxed water at the start and finish line of the race.
For those wishing to participate in Virtual Race, simply register choosing that option. Afterwards, run a 5K anytime anywhere before October 5 and time yourself. Submit your final time to the Virtual Race Result page before the above date. If you choose this option, you will not be allowed to run or walk on the East Side roads at the time of the in-person race.
For more information, consult the Arboretum’s website.
See more: Embark On A Quest For Giant Trolls At The Morton Arboretum