Spruce Shuffle 5K

How Does it Work? 

1. Select a start time when you register for the On-site Spruce Shuffle 5K.
2. Pick up your race bib on select pickup dates. (Please note that T-shirts will be mailed after race day).
3. On race day, arrive no more than 45 minutes before your start time. Every 15 minutes, a wave of runners will be asked to move to the start line. Runners will form a queue; each person will be  6 feet away from the person ahead. All runners will be required to wear masks until they cross the start line.
4. Run or walk the reverse of the Fall 5K course on the spacious, vehicle-free East Side roads.
5. Cross the finish line, pick up a Boxed Water, and then scan the QR code on your race bib to view your results.
6. Pick up your post-race hot chocolate or cider, and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the Arboretum.

What steps will be taken to protect public health at this event?  

To mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19, the Arboretum will take the following precautions:
There will be limited touch points.

• Staff and volunteers on-site will wear masks and gloves at all times.
• There will be no on-site registration; participants must pre-register before arriving.
• There will not be any course water stations or recovery food. Boxed Water will be available at the finish line.
• No one will be allowed to gather in groups, and there will be no post-race party.
• Race T-shirts will be mailed directly to participants the week following the race.
• Spectators are not allowed to gather around the start/finish line or the race core area. Visitors that would like to attend during the race are required to reserve a timed-entry pass before arriving at the Arboretum.
• Everyone will be required to wear a mask in the core race area (this includes the Visitor Center, Arbor Court, and Tram Road) and in every building.
• Everyone will be strongly urged to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance from others.
• Gear check will be unavailable.

What's included with the registration cost?

• One men’s or women’s long-sleeved T-shirt, mailed to you after the race;
• A race bib with a timing strip;
• Access to run or walk the official 5K course without vehicle traffic;
• Boxed Water at the finish line; and,
• A hot chocolate or hot apple cider after the race.

How does it work? 

1. Register for the Virtual Spruce Shuffle 5K.
2. Run a 5K anywhere at any time; be sure to time yourself.
3. Upload your final time on the Virtual Race Result Page before December 13.
4. Race packets, including a long-sleeved T-shirt, will be mailed to you after the race.

Can I run my Virtual 5K at the Arboretum? 

Yes you can run the Virtual 5K at The Arboretum, but you must reserve a timed-entry pass or ticket prior to visiting. Virtual Runners are not allowed to run on the course during the Socially Distant 5K on December 12 from 7 am - 3 pm. 

Members can reserve their free, timed-entry pass on the Arboretum's ticket website. Nonmembers will receive an email with instructions for reserving a free timed-entry pass after registering for the Virtual 5K.

Please note, if you choose the Virtual 5K you will not be able to run or walk on the East Side roads during the scheduled On-site Spruce Shuffle 5K. Running is not permitted on any trails at the Arboretum and runners must stay on the roads. Runners or walkers are encouraged to go the opposite direction of vehicles and stay on the right side of the road.

What's included with the registration cost?

• One men’s or women’s long-sleeved T-shirt mailed to you after the race;
• A free timed-entry pass to run at The Morton Arboretum before December 12.
• A free hot chocolate or hot cider at The Morton Arboretum the month of December.

The Morton Arboretum is committed to providing a safe Spruce Shuffle 5K Run for all participants. If circumstances related to COVID-19 change or severe weather occurs and a socially distant, on-site run becomes impossible, your registration will automatically be transferred to the virtual race option and you will be notified immediately. As with all ticket purchases at The Morton Arboretum, your registration is nonrefundable, including in the event of an exclusively virtual race.

AWARDS: Due to COVID-19, no medals or prizes will be awarded this year.

GEAR CHECK: Due to COVID-19, gear check will not be available.

PACKET PICKUP: On-site Spruce Shuffle 5K participants can pick up their timing bib on select dates and times that will be announced closer to race day. Please note: T-shirts will be mailed after the race to reduce contact.

PARKING: Free parking is available on-site at The Morton Arboretum. Participants will be directed to parking locations within walking distance of the start/finish line.

PROHIBITED: Motorized vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, and pets are prohibited on the race course. 

RESTROOMS: Portable restrooms will be available near the start line and will be sanitized regularly. Restrooms are available inside the Visitor Center and West Pavilion building. Masks are required in these buildings.

RESULTS: Race results will be available immediately online after you cross the finish line. There will not be a race results station on-site this year.

SPECTATORS: Due to COVID-19, spectators are not allowed to gather around the start/finish line or the race core area. Visitors that would like to attend during the race are required to reserve a timed-entry pass prior to arriving at the Arboretum. 

STROLLERS: Due to COVID-19, strollers are prohibited during the race.

T-SHIRTS: T-shirts and race packets will be mailed to all participants after the race. If there are any delays or changes to the packet mailing schedule, participants will be notified by email.

WATER STATIONS: No water stations will be available along the course. Boxed Water will be available near the start/finish line.

WEATHER AND EMERGENCIES: The race will take place rain or shine. In the case of emergency, participants will be notified by 6:00 a.m. on race morning via email or text with event updates. Notifications will also be posted on the website and The Morton Arboretum's Facebook page.