​Race Details

Please read this entire page before participating on race day, August 8.

COVID-19 Precautions: In compliance with CDC and MDH recommendations amid rising Delta variant spread and COVID-19 cases in the Twin Cities, YWCA Minneapolis highly recommends that all race attendees, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask when social distancing cannot be maintained. We also recommend anyone who is not fully vaccinated, including children ages 2 and older, wear a mask. Masks are not required while walking or running during the 5K.

Please remember to wash your hands often, socially distance and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

Gear Check: To minimize contact, there will be no gear check and we strongly encourage you to leave valuables at home. Water cups will be available on tables at the Mile Two Aid station but will not be passed out by volunteers.

Virtual Option: If you would like to refrain from attending the in-person event and switch to the virtual option, simply click on the "Run Anywhere" option when submitting your race time and email engagement@ywcampls.org to confirm your switch.

Parking: The main event area, bib pickup, finisher bag pickup and start line will be at the Lake Nokomis main beach. We encourage you to find street parking in the neighborhoods around Lake Nokomis. You may also park in the main beach parking lot, bike or walk. Bike valet parking will be available.

Bib Pickup: Pick up your race bib from 8:00 – 8:45 am at the Lake Nokomis main beach.

Course Map: Here is a link to the course map. The start line is located just north of the main beach. Participants will follow the pedestrian path counter-clockwise around the lake and finish near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Lake Nokomis Parkway.

Timing: Due to a change in the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board's policy, we can no longer offer chip timing for this event. We will have time clocks at the start and finish line so you can record your own time, and we encourage you to use a personal timing device. All virtual and in-person participants will receive an email from noreply@MTECresults.com after 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 4 with a personalized link to submit their finish times. Your link will remain open until August 11.

Waves: The race will have five start waves based on minute-per-mile pace. Please join the wave that is closest to your estimated pace.
  • 9:00 am - Wave 1: <7 min pace
  • 9:02 am - Wave 2: 8-9 min pace
  • 9:05 am - Wave 3: 9-10 min pace
  • 9:08 am - Wave 4: 10-11 min pace
  • 9:10 am - Wave 5: >11 min pace
Finish Instructions: After finishing the race, walk back to the start line/main beach area to pick up your finisher bag and enjoy snacks from our vendors and sponsors.

Prize Drawings: Stick around after the race for a chance to win a fabulous prize from our partners. Prizes include tickets to the Vikings, a gift basket from Lunds & Byerlys and prize packages from 3M!

In case of inclement weather or other reasons for cancelation: In the case of extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances that threaten the safety of participants and volunteers, Race Against Racism 5K will be canceled. If canceled, participants will be notified by 7:00 am on race day. Participants may still submit a virtual time and swag items will be mailed out after the race date.