Fall Color 5K Run and Walk at The Morton Arboretum

Crisp autumn air, a canopy of trees overhead, and a USATF-certified 5K course through the wooded East Side of The Morton Arboretum: welcome to the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing a personal best or simply looking for a fun way to enjoy fall with family and friends, this event on Saturday, October 24, 2026, delivers the perfect mix of movement and nature.

Just a short drive from downtown Naperville, the Arboretum in Lisle spreads across 1,700 acres in DuPage County. Registration is $60 through October 23 ($50 for Arboretum members) and $65 on race day ($55 for members). It includes commemorative race apparel plus free general admission to the Arboretum on race day, making it an easy choice for locals and visitors alike.

A Fall Morning a Short Drive from Naperville

The Fall Color 5K is an active way to spend an October morning a short drive from Naperville. Start your morning on the USATF-certified course winding through the Arboretum’s wooded East Side, then stick around to explore the grounds or head back toward the Riverwalk for brunch.

Why You Can't Miss Fall Color 5K Run and Walk at The Morton Arboretum

This isn’t just another road race: it helps kick off the Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival, a series of seasonal events at The Morton Arboretum. The rolling course passes trees at the cusp of their full autumn color change, and your registration helps support the Arboretum’s mission to plant and protect trees. Top overall and age-group awards (including nonbinary categories) add friendly competition, and commemorative race apparel is included with registration to remember the day.

What to Expect on Race Day

The race begins with an 8:00 AM shotgun start, and participants must cross the start line by 8:15 AM. Arriving by 7:30 AM is strongly recommended, since some parking areas are a 15 to 20 minute walk from the start line. Strollers are permitted (participants pushing strollers line up behind the runners and walkers), and the course is open to runners, walkers, and families. Children must be registered to participate; there is no separate youth registration fee or youth T-shirt sizing, and children riding in strollers do not need to register. After you cross the finish line, enjoy a postrace party featuring live music, food trucks, and a complimentary beer for participants 21 and older. Granola bars, bananas, and water are provided at the finish, while the broader Fall Color Festival offers seasonal treats like kettle corn and apple cider doughnuts for purchase.

• Free on-site parking (carpooling encouraged; some lots are a 15 to 20 minute walk from the start line)
• Free gear check for participants, 7:00 to 9:30 AM on the Sycamore Room patio next to the Visitor Center
• Portable restrooms near the start line, plus water at the start and at two stations on the course
• Award pickup at the Awards tent from 9:30 to 10:30 AM
• Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are not allowed on the race course
• The race takes place rain or shine; emergency updates go out by email by 6:00 AM on race morning

Plan Your Visit

The Morton Arboretum sits at 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, a short drive from Naperville’s downtown and Century Walk. Free packet pickup is available beforehand at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle from Friday, October 16, during regular store hours, until 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 22. Having your packet mailed or picking it up on race day costs extra, and race day registration automatically adds a $10 race day packet pickup fee. After the race, you are welcome to spend the rest of the day exploring the Arboretum’s living collections, natural areas, and award-winning Children’s Garden. Spectators arriving before 9:00 AM enjoy free entry; later arrivals purchase general admission. Dress in layers for the crisp morning and wear comfortable shoes.

Can’t make it on October 24? The virtual 5K costs $45 ($35 for members), and registration for it closes at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, October 13. Virtual participants receive their race packet and shirt by mail, free of charge, plus a coupon for free general admission to complete the race distance at the Arboretum. All registration is completed online through RunSignup and is non-refundable.

Whether you’re training for a bigger goal or simply craving fresh air and fall foliage, the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk offers an unforgettable morning a short drive from home. Grab your spot at runsignup.com and make this October 24 a highlight of your Naperville-area fall season.

Event Details At-A-Glance

• When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 8:00 AM shotgun start
• Where: The Morton Arboretum
• Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532, United States
• Admission: $60 through October 23 ($50 members); $65 on race day ($55 members); virtual 5K $45 ($35 members)
• Organizer: The Morton Arboretum
• Tickets / info: Get details

Dates, times, and pricing can change. Confirm the latest details on the official event page before making plans.

Looking for more? Explore other things to do in Naperville or browse the full Naperville events calendar.