Start Times and Routes 

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

8K Run/Walk 

7:30 am - 8K Run/Walk starts  
We will have a single corral for those who run 5-7 minute miles. All others, including walkers, should line up behind this group.  

This year, due to ongoing construction affecting our usual 10K route, we’re excited to introduce a one-time-only 8K run option! We’ve worked closely with our race director and the City of Evanston to create a safe and engaging course that still captures the spirit of the Race Against Hate. While the 10K will return in future years, we appreciate your flexibility and enthusiasm in making this year’s race just as meaningful.  View 8K course map here.

5K Run/Walk  

7:50 am - 5K Run/Walk starts   
We will have a single corral for those who run 5-7 minute miles. All others, including walkers, should line up behind this group.
Note: After 8K Run/Walk starts, 5K runners may begin lining up. 5K walkers should line up behind 5K runners ​ 

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!  View 5K course map here. 

Copies of all course maps will be available at packet pick-up and in the volunteer/information tent on Race Day.   

Youth Mile/Half Mile Fun Run   

9:00 am - Youth Mile Fun Run starts, recommended ages 8-13  

9:15 am - Youth Half Mile Fun Run starts, recommended ages 2-7 

The Youth Mile Fun Run is an out-and-back course along the same route with a turnaround point at Library Place and Sheridan Road. The Youth Half Mile Fun Run course turns around at Dartmouth Place.  View Youth Mile/Half Mile Fun Run course map here.  

Copies of all course maps will be available at packet pick-up and in the volunteer/information tent on Race Day.   

USATF certification 

Both the 5K and 8K courses are USATF certified. 

8K USATF #: IL25016NM

5K USATF#: IL25015NM
 

CARA certification 

The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate 5K Course is designated as a CARA Certified Race. This race has agreed to adhere to and uphold CARA’s Best Practices Guidelines. These guidelines embody the highest standards for quality, safety and comfort for participants in a road race. CARA members qualify for a 10% discount. Members can reach out to CARA to learn more and recieve their promo code.
 

Mile Markers 

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

Timing 

The race will be timed by Championchip timing. Only runners are timed by chips. Walkers who want chip timing should sign up as runners and then just walk the course. If you come to pre-race packet pick up, REMEMBER to bring the chip along with your number (do not remove chip from number) to the race with you.   
 

Awards

Are there awards or prize money for runners? 
Yes, for both chip-timed races: 8K Run and 5K Run
     - 1st place male, female, and non-binary runners overall receive $200 cash 
     - 2nd place male, female, and non-binary runners overall receive $100 cash
     - 3rd place male, female, and non-binary runners overall receive $50 cash

     - 1st  place Masters (age 40 - 64) male, female, and non-binary runners receive $100 cash
     - 2nd place Masters (age 40 - 64) male, female, and non-binary runners receive $50 cash
     - 3rd place Masters (age 40 - 64) male, female, and non-binary runners receive a Commonwealth Running gift certificate

     - 1st  place Seniors (age 65 and over) male, female, and non-binary runners receive $100 cash
     - 2nd place Seniors (age 65 and over) male, female, and non-binary runners receive $50 cash
     - 3rd place Seniors (age 65 and over) male, female, and non-binary runners receive a Murphy's Fit gift certificate

     - ALL Youth Mile and Youth Half Mile runners receive participation ribbons at the finish line.
     - The team that raises the most funds will be acknowledged during the awards ceremony on race day, and the team captain will receive a special prize on behalf of their team.

Results will be posted as soon as they are available at the Awards tent on the southwest corner of Long Field. Results will also be posted on Chicago Athlete, on this homepage, and on our website, www.ywca-ens.org, by Monday following the Race.

Awards for the following will be presented from the stage:
     - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male, female, and non-binary overall in both 8K Run and 5K Run
     - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male, female, and non-binary Masters (40-64) in both 8K Run and 5K Run
     - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male, female, and non-binary Seniors (65+) in both 8K Run and 5K Run
     - Top Team Fundraising Award

Athletes who do not pick up their awards on Race Day will be contacted about how to pick up their award at the YWCA.  
 

Training

The Evanston Running Club invites you to join their FREE 0-5K Training Program. This 12-week walk-to-run group program will strengthen your cardio fitness through a structured plan leading up to the Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate on June 16th.  

The group will meet every Sunday at 7:30 AM at Dawes Park, beginning March 24th. Click here to learn more!