The Champion of Trees 10K
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Champion of Trees 10K
The Champion of Trees is a 10K road race held on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum on April 17, 2027. The USATF certified course winds through budding woodlands, peaceful prairies, and the Arboretum’s global tree collections.
Race registration includes a commemorative T-shirt, access to a postrace party in Arbor Court with refreshments and live entertainment, recovery snacks, a postrace beer, and a coupon for ten dollars off shoes at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle. Race apparel is adult unisex with a nontapered fit; participants may opt out of apparel to direct their registration cost to the Arboretum.
A virtual Champion of Trees 10K option allows participants to complete the distance at a location and date of their choosing. Virtual participants receive race packets and apparel by mail free of charge, including a Chronotrack race bib, safety pins, and a commemorative T-shirt. Virtual results are recorded on the Arboretum’s RunSignUp platform.
Awards are presented to the top overall male, female, and nonbinary finishers and to top finishers in multiple age divisions ranging from 14 and under to 80 and up. On-site services include free gear check, portable and Visitor Center restrooms, water at the start and at two course stations, and postfinish recovery items such as granola bars, bananas, and Boxed Water.
The event supports the Arboretum’s tree research and conservation work. Organizers accept used athletic shoes for recycling; donated shoes are given to the Reuse A Shoe program. The race takes place rain or shine and organizers post updates via email and on the Arboretum website and Facebook page. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
