Run or walk in the 14th annual Race Against Hate to support the Evanston YWCA’s mission of racial equality and violence prevention.
This event draws more than 4,000 participants from all over the Chicago area. There will be on-field refreshments and fun for the whole family!
What: Sign up to walk or run a 5K, 10K or youth mile to support the YWCA’s racial justice programming in the community.
Runners and walkers alike will not want to miss out on the T-shirts, giveaway bags, awards, and scenic course along Lake Michigan!
Where: Long Field, Lincoln St. and Sheridan Rd., Evanston
When: Sunday, June 16, 7:30 a.m.
How: Register online for the race as an individual or team, or sponsor a participant on the event website. Volunteer to work at the event by emailing raceagainsthate@ywcae-ns.org.
The organization: Proceeds from the Race Against Hate are used to further the mission of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, in particular, its efforts to prevent racial injustice and violence. With this funding, the YWCA assists children in local schools and youth organizations to challenge their own prejudices and foster healthy, violence-free relationships among their peers.
The race, an Evanston tradition, was inspired in 1999 by the death of Ricky Byrdsong, former Northwestern Men’s Basketball Coach, who was shot and killed by a white supremacist while walking with his two young children in Skokie. Because of Ricky’s lifelong love of sports and compelling work with young people in the community, his wife, family and friends wanted to bring attention to the need to combat hatred in all of its forms. To accomplish this, they launched the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate.
“It is impossible to express with words the feelings of joy and pride that my children and I experience each year as we see thousands of people come together to Race Against Hate,” said Ricky’s wife Sherialyn Byrdsong. “We look forward to sharing this very special day in such a meaningful way. Together we can turn tragedy into victory.”
Whether you’re a casual walker or a competitive runner, there’s a place for you in the Race!
