June 18, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - This Saturday, June 23 -- just one day before he would have turned 45 years old -- the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial 5K Race Against Hate (Run/Walk and Youth Mile) will take place. The event is being presented by Aon Corporation and will be held on Northwestern's Evanston Campus.
Close to 50 sponsors have graciously donated time, money or product to make the run/walk possible. All proceeds from the event will go to the Ricky Byrdsong Foundation.
The mission of the Ricky Byrdsong Foundation is to arrest the growing epidemic of hate and violence in our society by and against our youth. By providing opportunities that broaden perspective, build character, and instill a sense of purpose, the foundation promotes reconciliation and champions diversity.
Date/Time: The Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, June 23, in Evanston. The Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m., while the Youth Mile starts after the 5K at approximately 9 a.m.
Where: The start/finish location is at Northwestern University's Long Field, which is located at the corner of Sheridan Road and Lincoln Avenue in Evanston.
Entry Fees: The Run/Walk is $20, while the Youth Run is $8. All proceeds go to the Ricky Byrdsong Foundation.
Prizes: The top three male and female 5K finishers will receive cash prizes provided by Duxler Tire as follows: first place, $200, second place, $100 and third place, $50. For the top male and female finisher who are Evanston residents, Jamba Juice will provide them with a free smoothie each week for one year.
All entrants will be entered into a raffle with approximately 50 prizes awarded. The raffle grand prize is two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S., courtesy of American Airlines. The second grand prize is a trip for two for three nights (airfare included) at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita Mexico, courtesy of Four Seasons.
Those wishing to participate in the Run/Walk can call 847-328-4579 or e-mail RBMFK@aol.com. Members of the media wishing more information may call Brad Hurlbut at 847-491-7503.
The following companies are sponsors of the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial 5K Race Against Hate
Active Endeavor
Amateur Athlete Magazine
Aon Corporation
Art & Science Salon
Carols Cookies
Chicago Bulls
City of Evanston
Clif Bar
Dixie Kitchen/Calypso
East Bank Club
Edy's Ice Cream
Einstein Bagel
Eli's Cheesecake
Endlers Pharmacy
Evanston Toyota
Fleet Feet Sports
Folkworks Gallery
Gibsons Steak House
Hubbard Woods Travel
Hyatt Hotels
Jelly Belly Candy
Kendal College
Minasian Oriental Rug
Moto Foto Evanston
Murphys Fit
Nemeth Product Design and Human Factors
Northwestern University
Ofischl Sports
Opus North Corporation
Pollywood
Pot Belly Sandwiches
Prairie Shore Realty
Quaker Oats
Ramsey Ad Specialties
R.C. Cola
Rosie Toyshop
Runner's World Magazine
Sign One
SoFunToDo Workout Studio
Sparkling Spring Water
Sweet Shop Evanston
Toy's Etc
Trattoria Demi
Trattoria 10
United Way of Evanston
Virgin Atlantic Airways
Whole Foods
Windy City Sports Magazine