Race Day Details

 

Schedule:

Note: We will have a single corral for those who run 5-7 minute miles. All others should line up behind this group for both the 5K and 10K races.

6:15 am     Race Day registration opens
7:00 am Warm-up led by AthletiCo Physical Therapy
7:30 am 10K RUN START
7:50 am 5K START (walkers line up behind runners)
8:35 am Family friendly stretch led by Redefined Fitness
8:45 am Karen Singer, YWCA Evanston/North Shore CEO and Sherialyn Byrdsong
9:00 am YOUTH MILE START (ages 8-13)
9:15 am YOUTH 1/2 MILE START (ages 7 & under)
9:30 am Move with Hip Circle Empowerment Center
9:45 am AWARDS TO TOP RUNNERS

* Program subject to change

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I register on Race Day?


Yes, Race Day registration begins at 6:15 am at Floyd Long Field, at the corner of Lincoln St. and Sheridan Avenue in Evanston. Race Day registration fees are $47 for the 5K/10K run and walk, and $15 for the Youth Mile/Half Mile. Please note that tee shirts and packets are available to the first 5,000 participants to pick up their packets.

What are race start times?

  • 7:30 am - 10K Run starts (We will have a single corral for those who run 5-7 minute miles. All others should line up behind this group.)
  • After 10K Run starts, 5K runners may begin lining up. 5K walkers should line up behind 5K runners
  • 7:50 am - 5K Run/Walk starts  (We will have a single corral for those who run 5-7 minute miles. All others should line up behind this group.)
  • 9:00 am - Youth Mile starts, ages 8-13
  • 9:15 am - Youth 1/2 Mile starts, ages 2-7

What are course routes?

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. Route subject to change. Course maps are below:

Can I join my child for the Youth Mile?

Adults are free to accompany their children for the Youth 1/2 Mile and 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 I run with a stroller?

No, but you may walk the 5K with a stroller and strollers are allowed in the Youth Mile and 1/2 Mile.

Can a handicap scooter be used for 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.

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 I 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.

How do you get to Long Field?

From downtown Chicago: Take Lake Shore Drive North to Sheridan Rd. Follow Sheridan Rd. to Evanston. Stay on Sheridan until you reach Lincoln Ave. From the North/South/West: Take Interstate 94 to Dempster St. East. Follow Dempster east to Chicago Ave. Go left on Chicago Ave. This turns into Sheridan Rd. Stay on this to Lincoln Ave. CTA: Red Line to Howard Street station. Transfer to Purple Line to Central Street Station. Walk 6 blocks east on central St. to Sheridan Road/lakefront and go south two blocks to Lincoln St.

Where can you park?

Street parking is available on the residential streets surrounding the field if you arrive early. Parking is also available in the Northwestern University parking lots east of Sheridan Road on Lincoln and in the Lakeside Parking structure east of the main campus entrance at the turn in Sheridan Road.

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 CARA certified?

Yes. The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate has applied for and received the Chicago Area Runners Association 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.

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 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.  

How are top finishers determined?

Top overall male and female finishers are based off gun time, and age award winners are based off chip time.

Are there awards or prize money?

Yes, for both the 5K and the 10K:

  • 1st place male and female receive $200 cash
  • 2nd place male and female receive $100
  • 3rd place male and female receive $50
  • 1st place masters (over 40 years old) male and female receive $100  
  • 1st place seniors (age 70 and over) male and female receive $100

In addition:

  • Top 3 males and females in 13 age groups (5 year age increments starting at under 14 and ending at over 70) will receive awards.

For the Youth Mile and 1/2 Mile:

  • The top three fastest boys and the top three fastest girls in Mile and 1/2 Mile will receive awards.
  • All youth milers receive participation ribbons.

How will you know if you won an award?

Results will be posted as soon as they are available at the Chicago Athlete tent on the southwest corner of Long Field. Awards for the following will be presented from the stage: overall top three men and women in both 5K and 10K events:

  • 1st place male and female masters in both 5K and 10K events
  • Top 3 fastest girls and boys in Youth Mile
  • All team awards top fund raiser and top fund raising team

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 the results be posted online?

Yes, results will be posted at www.mychicagoathlete.com by Monday following the Race.  

Is there a team competition?

Yes, teams should register as a team online, regardless of whether or not they choose to fund raise for the YWCA. The team/awards tent will be located on the southeast corner of Long Field. Find more complete details about teams here. 

Is there gear check?

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

Can I transfer or get a refund on my registration?

Unfortunately, we do not issue refunds under any circumstances. Transferring registrations have to be submitted within seven days prior to the event. If for some reason you can’t make it to race day, at least come to the packet pickup, pick up your Race Against Hate Gear gear, and say hi to us!

What happens in the event of severe weather?

Participant safety is our first priority. We reserve the right to cancel any event that may be deemed as "dangerous" to participants. These scenarios include, but may not be limited to: strong winds, thunder, lightning, heavy precipitation and natural disasters.

The start of the event may be delayed up to one hour from the posted start time if any of the above conditions exist. Event cancellation is at the discretion of the Event Directors. No refunds can be provided, since funds have already been spent in preparation for the race.

What are the proceeds of the Race used for?

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

What are we doing to lessen the impact of the Race on the environment?

We are working on ways to reduce the impact of the Race on the environment by:

  • Using biodegradable wax-coated paper cups at water stations instead of water bottles
  • Providing on-site opportunities for recycling.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Contact Jean Kim, Special Events Coordinator at raceagainsthate@ywca-ens.org