Lawyer in Motion: My Road to Marathon Fitness

Date: October 25, 2025
Location: Lisle, IL
Distance: 5K
Verdict: Worth the miles.

Course & Scenery

The course was mostly flat and very runnable, with one notable exception: the start line launches runners straight into a climb up Frost Hill. It’s steep, it’s real, and it’s not the hill to sprint up if you want to finish strong. Once past that, the route winds through the Morton Arboretum’s stunning fall foliage. Gold, crimson, and amber leaves lined the path like a seasonal runway. The course was well marked and easy to follow, with no confusion at turns or intersections.

Race Organization

Online registration was smooth and intuitive. Packet pickup was offered at Dick Pond Athletics (Chicagoland’s oldest running specialty store), with race-day pickup available for an extra fee. Parking was easy. Early birds like me snagged spots in the main lot. Overflow parking was just a short 15-minute walk from the start. The only hiccup: the start line could have used a bit more space for faster runners to line up ahead. I was taking it easy today, but I noticed some congestion early on.

Aid Stations & Amenities

Two water stops along the course were perfectly spaced and well-staffed. The volunteers were phenomenal. They were cheerful, helpful, and strategically placed at key points to guide runners and keep spirits high. Medical support was visible and reassuring, with an ambulance on-site and physical therapists from Duly Health and Care offering pre- and post-race stretching. Post-race refreshments included boxed water, granola bars, Nutri-Grain bars, bananas, and a drink ticket for beer. I’m not a beer drinker, but the live music and festive atmosphere made it feel like a celebration.

Atmosphere & Crowd Support

Because the Arboretum was closed to the public during the race, on-course spectators were sparse. But the energy at the start and finish was fantastic, and volunteers more than made up for the quiet stretches. There was no on-course entertainment but the fall colors were the show. The event was family-friendly, with plenty of kids and strollers (lined up respectfully behind runners).

Swag & Medals

The race t-shirt was soft burgundy cotton with a cute map of the course on the back. Only the top three finishers in each age group received medals, but they were beautiful wooden leaf designs. Something to aspire to in the future!

Weather & Timing

Race start was a brisk 40°F with a light wind. It was close to perfect for fall running. Timing was accurate and results were posted promptly. No issues there.

Personal Performance

I’m still working through the Mayo Clinic 5K training plan, so today was about enjoying the experience, not chasing a PR. I felt strong throughout and soaked in the scenery. My advice: respect Frost Hill. Don’t burn all your energy in the first quarter mile.

Final Ruling

Would I run it again? Absolutely! The Fall Color 5K is ideal for families, friends, couples, and anyone who loves a scenic fall run with a lively, welcoming vibe. The organization was solid, the volunteers were top-notch, and the setting was pure autumn magic.

Verdict: Worth the miles.