REGISTRATION

How much is the Race registration fee? 

• 8K & 5K Run and Walk:
  • Early Bird (Wed March 26 – Mon April 14 at 11:59pm Central): $40 
  • General (Tue April 15 – Sat June 7 at 11:59pm Central): $45
  • Race Week and Race Day (Sun June 8 – Sun June 15): $50
• Youth Mile & Half-Mile Fun Run
  • General (Tue April 25 – Sun June 8 at 11:59 Central): $12
  • Race Week and Race Day (Mon June 9 – Sun June 15): $15

Why is registration on Race Roster this year instead of Qgiv?
For the 2025 Race Against Hate, we are using Race Roster for registration to ensure more accurate data collection and a seamless race day experience. In previous years, we manually transferred data to Race Roster for chip-timed results, which introduced potential errors. Using Race Roster directly allows us to:

• Keep online registration open up to and including Race Day (previously, it closed in the week leading up to the race).
• Eliminate manual data entry from paper forms, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide a smoother, all-digital experience for participants.

This setup is unique to 2025 as we continue exploring the best platform to house everything in one place for future races. To make registration even easier, we will have onsite support at packet pickup and on Race Day to assist participants with signing up online. QR codes will also be available for quick and easy registration from your smartphone.

Click here to view step-by-step instructions on how to register.
 

Where should I go to register, donate, or fundraise?

• Register: Race Roster
• Fundraise & Main Event Info: Qgiv
• Donate: Donations can be made on Qgiv or added during registration on Race Roster.
• Store Items: Purchase merchandise on either site—items can be added to your Race Roster registration at checkout.

We will also have onsite registration support at packet pickup and on Race Day, with QR codes available for easy scanning and mobile sign-up.

Will this registration setup continue in future years?
Not necessarily. This dual-platform setup is unique to 2025 as we evaluate the best long-term solution for an optimal user experience. Our goal is to eventually have all aspects—registration, fundraising, and race-day logistics—housed in one place.

What’s the difference between signing up to run versus walk? 
All participants who register for the 8K Run or 5K Run are chip-timed and their official times appear in the results which will be posted on the field and on our website after the event. If you register for the 8K Walk or 5K Walk you will not be chip-timed. Youth Mile and Youth Half Mile runners are also not chip timed. If you are an adult participant who doesn’t want to compete for an award or get an official time, please sign up for the Walk. Any walkers who want chip timing should sign up as runners and then just walk the course. 
 
Can I change my registration from X to Y? 
Any participant who has already registered and needs to change their selected course can do so by using the Transfer option on our registration page. Click here to begin the transfer to a different registration. If you need to change your registration on Race Day stop by the Check-in tent for assistance. Please note that if you are changing your registration from Youth Mile or Half Mile to the 10K Run, 5K Run, or 5K Walk: you will need to pay the difference in registration price before the change can be confirmed.
 
RACE COURSE

Why is the 10K not being offered this year?
Due to construction along our usual route, we are unable to safely offer the 10K run this year. However, we’re excited to provide a special 8K run option for 2025! We worked with our race director and the City of Evanston to create a great alternative course, and we look forward to bringing back the 10K in future races.

Will the 10K return next year?
Yes! The 10K is an important part of the Race Against Hate, and we plan to bring it back once construction allows.

What are race start times? 
     7:30 am: 8K Run/Walk starts (walkers line up behind runners) 
     7:50 am: 5K Run/Walk starts (walkers line up behind runners) 
     9:00 am: Youth Mile starts (ages 8-13) 
     9:15 am: Youth Half Mile starts (ages 2-7)
 
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? 
•    8K Run/Walk course map – coming soon!
•    5K Run/Walk course map 
•    Youth Mile/Half Mile Fun Run course map

Course maps will be available during packet pickups and in the YWCA 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? 
Both the 5K and 8K courses are in process of USATF certification to be completed mid-April. Course maps are available at packet pick-up and in the volunteer/information tent on Race Day.

8K USATF #: updated ID number available mid-April
5K USATF#: updated ID number available mid-April
 
Is the race a CARA certified race? 
The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate 5K run is in process of recieving Chicago Area Runners Association's designation 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.
 
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 for either the 8K or 5K, and then just walk the course. 
 
CHILDREN

What is the age cut-off for the Youth Half Mile and Mile? 
Any child age 13 or younger can run in the Youth Half Mile or Mile. Children older than 13 are encouraged to register for the 8K Run/Walk or 5K Run/Walk.
Youth Half Mile Fun Run is recommended for ages 2 - 7 years old, Youth Mile Fun Run is recommended for ages 9 - 13 years old.

Can I join my child for the Youth Half Mile or Youth Mile? 
Adults chaperones are allowed to accompany registered Youth Half Mile and Youth Mile Fun Run participants at no cost. If you'd like your own event t-shirt, or plan on participating in the 8K Run/Walk or 5K Run/Walk, you must register yourself for the event.

Can my child join me for the 8K Run/Walk, or 5K Run/Walk? 
If your child plans on running or walking in the 8K/5K they must register for the event (unless they are in a baby jogger or stroller, see below). As stated above, adult chaperones are free to accompany registered Youth Half Mile and Youth Mile Fun Run participants at no cost.

Can you run with a stroller? 
Baby joggers and strollers are allowed at the event. However, all 8K Run or 5K Run participants with strollers or joggers are required to line up behind the runners without joggers or strollers, this is non-negotiable for the safety of the participants. Those with joggers and strollers who are participating in the 8K Walk or 5K Walk, or accompanying children for the Youth Half Mile and Youth Mile, are asked to be mindful of the other participants and small children during the event. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Can a wheelchair or scooter be used in the race? 
Yes, we ask that participants using wheelchairs or scooters begin the course in the designated area for walkers. 

Can you run with a dog or other pet? Are skateboards, bicycles, in-line skates or other wheeled vehicles permitted? 
As a safety requirement: all pets and wheeled vehicles (that are not designated for accessibility purposes) 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 will likely be unable to hear vital instructions and are not as aware of runners around you. 

Where can I park my car? 
The parking garages at Northwestern University will not be open for use for this year’s race due to graduation commencement weekend. We highly recommend public transportation and carpooling this year. Street parking has limited availability in the local neighborhoods outside of the designated race courses, we ask all be respectful of residents and do not block driveways.

AWARDS & RESULTS

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 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 a swag prize
     - 3rd place Seniors (age 65 and over) male, female, and non-binary runners receive a swag prize

     - ALL Youth Mile and Youth Half Mile runners receive participation ribbons at the finish line.

Are there awards for fundraising?: 
We love our runners who fundraise! Raise $150 over your registration fee and be rewarded with a Race Against Hate incentive prize! Raise $350 or above and you will receive a second Race Against Hate incentive prize!
 
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: 
     - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male, female, and non-binary participants in both 8K Run and 5K Run
     - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male, female, and non-binary Seniors 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.  
 
Will results be posted online? 
Yes, results will be posted on Chicago Athlete, on this homepage, and on our website, www.ywca-ens.org, by Monday following the Race. 
 
Is there a team competition? 
While we won’t be holding a timed competition between teams, we do want to recognize and celebrate the team that makes the biggest impact through fundraising. 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.
 
What are the proceeds from the Race used for? 
All proceeds benefit YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s programming, especially in the areas of racial equity and violence prevention. Learn more about YWCA Evanston/North Shore here.