Race FAQs

REGISTRATION

How much is the Race registration fee?​ 

     5K walk/run: $45   ($50 on Race Day) 

     10K run: $45   ($50 on Race Day) 

     Youth Mile/Half Mile: $12    ($15 on Race Day)

What’s the difference between signing up to run or to walk? 

All participants who register as runners are chip-timed, and their official times appear in the results which will be posted on the field and on our website after the Race. If you intend to walk, don’t care about getting an official time, or are signing up for the Race because of the benefits (t-shirt and give-away bag), please sign up for the 5K walk. 

RACE COURSE

What are race start times? 

     7:30 am: 10K Run starts 

     7:50 am: 5K Run/Walk starts (walkers line up behind runners) 

     9:00 am: Youth Mile Fun Run starts (ages 9-13) 

     9:15 am: Youth Half Mile Fun Run starts (ages 2-8) 

Where is the Start and Finish of the Race? 

The Race starts and ends at Long Field on the campus of Northwestern University, at the corner of Sheridan Road and Lincoln Street in Evanston. 

What are the course routes? 

The Youth Mile is an out-and-back course along the same route with a turnaround point at Library Place and Sheridan Road. 

Course maps will be available in the volunteer/information tent on Race Day. 

Is there gear check? 

Yes, there is a secure gear check area and bike racks on the northwest end of Long Field. 

Is the course USATF certified? 

Yes, both the 5K and 10K courses are USATF certified. 
The 5K course runs out-and-back along Evanston's lakefront between Lincoln/Sheridan and Greenwood/Sheridan. It is a flat and fast race course! The 10K course is an out and back run that follows the 5K, but continues south before heading north along the lakefront through Northwestern University campus, then turning south on Sheridan before looping back to finish at the start/finish line. The Youth Mile is an out-and-back course along the same route with a turnaround point at Library Place and Sheridan Road. Course maps are available at packet pick-up and in the volunteer/information tent on Race Day.   
 
10K USATF #: 160Z3WR 
5K USATF#: 13066-JW 

Is the race a CARA certified race? 

Yes, the 5K course is CARA certification and part of the CARA circuit. 

Are there mile markers? 

All miles are marked. Digital display clocks are located at every mile and at the Finish Line. 

Is chip timing used? 

Yes, the race will be timed by Chicago Athlete. Only runners are timed by chips attached to their numbered bibs. Walkers who want chip timing should sign up as runners and then just walk the course. 

CHILDREN

What ages can Youth Milers be? 

Any age through age 13. High school students do not qualify as youth. 

Youth races will be divided into two age groups: 2-8 (1/2 mile) and 9-13 (mile). 

Can I join my child for the Youth Mile? 

Adults may not register at the youth registration price, but are free to accompany their children for the Youth Mile at no cost. To receive full benefits including the adult t-shirt and give-away bag, please register for one of the events open to adults (5K run or walk, 10K run). 

Can you run with a stroller? 

Baby joggers are allowed in the Race but if you are running with a stroller or jogger you MUST line up well behind the competitive runners. You may also walk the 5K with a stroller and strollers are allowed in the Youth Mile and Half Mile. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Can a handicap scooter be used in the walk? 

Yes, as long as you line up behind runners and fast walkers at the start line and you stay in the designated area for walkers. 

Can you run with a dog? Are pets, bicycles, in-line skates or other wheeled vehicles permitted? 

No. For the safety of all, pets and wheeled vehicles (other than those mentioned above) are not permitted on the course or the field. 

Can you run with headphones? 

The use of headphones is strongly discouraged on road races, both for your safety and the safety and consideration of other participants. With headphones on, you may not be able to hear vital instructions and are not as aware of runners around you. 

 Where can I park? 

The parking garages at Northwestern University are open for your use. There is a garage at the entrance to South Campus off Sheridan Road just north of Clark Street beach. There is also a parking garage just east of Long Field on Lincoln Street across from the Henry Crown Sports Pavillion, 2311 Campus Drive. Please be aware that you may not be able to leave those garages until the final race is completed. Street parking is also available in the local neighborhood.  Please be respectful of residents and do not block driveways. 

AWARDS & RESULTS

 Are there awards or prize money? 

Yes, for both the 5K and the 10K: 

     - 1st place male, female, and non-binary runners receive $200 cash 

     - 2nd place male, female, and non-binary runners receive $100 

     - 3rd place male, female, and non-binary runners receive $50 

     - 1st place masters (over 40 years old) male, female, and non-binary runners receive $100 

     - 1st place seniors (age 65 and over) male, female, and non-binary runners receive $100 

In addition: 

We love our runners who fundraise! Raise $150 over your registration fee and be rewarded with a Race Against Hate incentive prize!

Go on to raise $350 and you will receive a second Race Against Hate incentive prize!

For the Youth Mile: 

  • Top 3 male, female, and non-binary youth in 13 age groups (5 year age increments starting at under 14 and ending at over 70) will receive awards. As is standard Race practice, overall winners do NOT also win their age group. 
  • All youth milers receive participation ribbons. 

How will I know if I won an award? 

Results will be posted as soon as they are available at the Awards tent on the southwest corner of Long Field.  Awards for the following will be presented from the stage: 

     - overall top three male, female, and non-binary participants in both 5K and 10K events 

     - 1st place male, female, and non-binary masters in both 5K and 10K events 

     - all Team awards 

All other awards may be picked up from the Awards tent on the southeast corner of Long Field. Athletes who do not pick up their awards on Race Day will be contacted about how to pick up their award at the YWCA.  

Will results be posted online? 

Yes, results will be posted on Chicago Athlete and on our website, www.ywca-ens.org, by Monday following the Race. 

Is there a team competition? 

Team Captains must report the top three times of their team to the Awards tent following both the 5K and 10K. The times will be averaged to determine the fastest team in each event. There will also be an award for the largest team in all events. These awards will be determined by list downloaded by YWCA staff after online registration closes on June 14th.  Any additions to team rosters after online registration closes must be done by the Team Captain on Race Day at the Awards tent. The Awards tent will be located along the southeast side of Long Field.  

What are the proceeds from the Race used for? 

All proceeds benefit the YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s programming, especially in the areas of anti-racism, racial justice, and violence prevention.