About the Race Against Gun Violence

The Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV) celebrates the life-changing work of community organizations and provides a dynamic platform for people who care about ending gun violence to connect and get involved.

Due to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, concerns about the new variant, the reopening of schools, and how many of our attendees live and work in communities with low vaccination rates, the 8th Annual Race Against Gun Violence has moved to a VIRTUAL ONLY format. As much as we want to bring people together in Grant Park, the health and safety of us all is our greatest priority. Run/walk when and where is best for you, or join us on September 25th at 10AM where we will “race” together across Chicago and beyond.

RAGV offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to Choose Hope and join others who share the common vision of a Chicago free from the fear of gun violence. 100% of donations go directly to participating charities.

Be Part of Building Peace.

  • VISION

    We believe all of Chicagoland has a stake in ending gun violence and that by working together, we can build a Chicago where all can thrive, free from the fear of gun violence.

  • GOALS

    RAGV is the rallying point to raise funds for and awareness about what is being done to end gun violence and provide an opportunity for everyone to get involved. More than a single event, the Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV) is a dynamic platform to support and celebrate community organizations working to build peace and bring out the best of our city. This year’s race is dedicated to our “Community First Responders” frontline workers and grassroots leaders who work tirelessly to provide a bridge to hope, healing and possibility while we work towards change.

  • WHY VIRTUAL

    The communities contending with the highest levels of gun violence also experience the highest rates of Covid-19. With infection rates trending up, concerns around the new variants, the reopening of schools, and the fact that many of our attendees live and serve in communities with the lowest vaccination rates, it is imperative to put safety first. The GOOD NEWS is we can still run together, if apart, to bring out the best of our city and support those building peace in Chicago.

  • WHEN

    Our VIRTUAL Platform is OPEN NOW so you can choose to run or walk your distance when it’s best for you! We also encourage you to join us on September 25th at 10AM where we will “race” together across Chicago and beyond. Whenever you decide to complete your race, you can upload your results and finish line photos to share with family and friends!

  • WHERE

    Anywhere! This is your virtual run, and we want you to complete it wherever you want. Sidewalks, paths, treadmill—make this run your own! Want to run with your family or your pet? Do it! With people from more than 250 zip codes joining RAGV, you’ll be joining others from communities across Chicago and the country! 

  • WHAT

    RAGV offers a one-of kind opportunity to connect, commit, contribute and be part of positive CHANGE. Get to know our 60+ community partners/charities through our Interactive Map and join of a community of people working to bring out the best of our city. RAGV’s Choose Hope, Why I Run and Let’s Talk About Peace series as well as our Virtual Race Platform offer meaningful ways to connect and get involved!!

  • RACE

    There is a race for every age and fitness level and the virtual race format offers the opportunity for participants to complete an 8k or 5k run, or a 2-mile walk. Kids can do a Tots for Peace Sprint. You’ll choose the course and share your victory lap with the RAGV community!

  • FUNDRAISE

    Participating charities are encouraged to use the Race Against Gun Violence online platform to raise funds for their organization, receiving 100% of donations every two weeks. Especially now as community organizations contend with loss of revenue, uncertainty and emerging needs related to the pandemic, RAGV provides a catalyst for concerned citizens to connect directly to communities and get involved.

  • HOW

    Starting now you can register for 8k, 5k races, a 2-mile walk and Tots for Peace Sprint and our virtual platform is open! All virtual race participants will receive a new design high-tech race shirt, medal, individualized bib and $10 off your next purchase at Fleet Feet!

Race Packet Strides Site Graphic
KEY DATES
NOWVirtual Race Platform OPEN
9/13 11:59PMLast Packet Mailing before Race Day
9/25VIRTUAL RUN TOGETHER (10 AM)
9/26 11:59PMLast Chance to Register
9/27Last Packet Mailing
Mid OctRAGV 2021 Film Fest
10/31Fundraising and Virtual Platform Close
PEACE WALKS
June 13Mundelein Race Against Gun Violence (Peace Walk)
July 17One West Side Peace Walk
August 7Washington Park Peace Walk
August 27The Kindness Campaign with Notes for Peace
Play Video

Check back for more community peace walks coming soon!

Explore our
Community Map

Meet the people and the places who step up and step out to provide a bridge to hope, healing and possibility. Learn how you can get involved and bring out the best in our city.

2020 Race Against Gun Violence By The Numbers...

1792 … Registered runners and walkers representing 362 different zip codes and 30 states.

$150,000 … Raised, a 25% increase from 2019 with 43% of donations coming from outside of Chicago.

57 … Participating nonprofits, a 14% increase from 2019. Our COMMUNITY PARTNERS and AFFILIATES serve a variety of communities and employ a range of strategies, but all share the common goal of ending gun violence.

$11,000 … Worth of race registrations provided to community organizations to ensure youth, community members and staff can participate at no cost.

12 … CIVIC PARTNERS and HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERS who lent their name, networks and expertise to help elevate the race and demonstrate how Chicago can come together to solve a common problem.

17 … SPONSORS, providing in-kind and financial support to make it possible to offer workshops and benefits to our nonprofit participants.

122 … Community, corporate, health care, and civic organizations participated.

17 … WHY I RUN films produced to give voice to a wide spectrum of the impacts of gun violence on people and our society, a testament to why we must strive for a Chicago where all can thrive, free from the fear of gun violence.

11 … CHOOSE HOPE films produced to transport viewers to the frontlines of communities facing the greatest challenges providing a window into what is happening on the ground now and introducing the hidden heroes who through their actions, choose hope, no matter the odds. 

98 … The percentage of 2020 participants who plan to take part in the 2021 Race Against Gun Violence.

Are You Ready to Join the Race Against Gun Violence?

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