Evanston Races For Racial Justice, Against Hate

EVANSTON, IL — Founded to honor the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong, the Northwestern University basketball coach, Aon Corporate vice president and Skokie resident who in 1999 was shot to death by a white supremacist, the 17th annual Race Against Hate is set for Sunday in Evanston.

Each June on Father's Day, the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate brings together thousands of people to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence in memory of Ricky's lifelong love of sports and work with young people in the community.

In 2016, more than 5,000 participants took part in the race. The event has been organized by the YWCA Evanston/North Shore since 2007. It includes music, on-field refreshments, give-away bags and awards.

There will be 5K and 10K runs, a 5K walk, a youth mile and a youth half mile. All proceeds support the racial justice and violence prevention programs of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, which was last week named as one of the top three finalists for the YWCA USA Association Excellence Award for Racial Justice.

Those interested can register this week at any of the locations listed below and pick up race packets, or they can register on race day beginning at 6:15 a.m. at Floyd Long Field at the corner of Lincoln Street and Sheridan Road in Evanston.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 FROM 10-7

Whole Foods Market, 1640 Chicago Avenue, Evanston

THURSDAY, JUNE 15 FROM 4-8 PM

Murphy's Fit, 513 Dempster, Evanston
On PACKET PICK - UP days at Murphy's Fit, each participant will get a free pair of New Balance Socks while stock lasts.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 FROM 10-4 PM

Murphy's Fit, 513 Dempster, Evanston
On PACKET PICK - UP days at Murphy's Fit, each participant will get a free pair of New Balance Socks while stock lasts.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 10-4

YWCA Evanston/North Shore, 1215 Church Street, Evanston

SUNDAY, JUNE 18 (RACE DAY) STARTING AT 6:15 AM

Floyd Long Field (corner of Lincoln St. and Sheridan Rd. in Evanston).
Registration fees on Race Day are $42 for 5K/10K/Walk and $15 for the Youth Mile.

» Find more information at the Race Against Hate website

Top photo via YWCA