YWCA Race Against Racism and Diversity Day
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Event overview
The 30th Annual YWCA Race Against Racism and Diversity Day takes place on January 17, 2026 at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 South Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN. The event combines a community running program with Diversity Day activities. Proceeds support the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley and help fund programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center in East Knoxville. No racers with strollers or dogs are allowed.
Events and entry
The event includes multiple participant options:
- 5K Open
- 1-Mile Walk
- Kids Fun Run
- Sleeping But Supporting
- Wheelchair Athlete
The 5K is open to ages 14 to 100. The Kids Fun Run is open to ages 17 and under. Fees are listed per event and some prices increase after mid-December 2025. Registration deadlines affect shirt-size guarantees and event entry; registering by December 28, 2025 is required to request a specific shirt size. Participants receive a personal referral url that can trigger a $5 retroactive refund after five referrals.
Course, awards and activities
The 5K course starts and finishes at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, follows S Cruze Street north, turns right onto Linden Avenue, reaches the Linden and N Castle Street intersection, then returns and finishes back at the center. Custom medals will be awarded: 1st place male and female for Overall, Master, Grandmaster, and Veteran, plus 1st-3rd male and female in listed age groups including youth through 70+. Diversity Day offers free family activities and community partnerships. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
