Photo Credit: Stridesforpeace.org
An event borne from tragedy has now become something more than a tradition. It’s a critical fundraising event designed to fight one of the biggest scourges of our time — gun violence.
Now in its 12th year, the annual Race Against Gun Violence for Strides for Peace is coming back to Grant Park on June 5 to raise funds for the grassroots community organizations combating gun violence and bringing Chicagoans from all corners of the city to run, walk, jog or simply be together for a common cause.
The beginnings of the event start with Blair Holt, a 16-year-old fatally shot on a CTA bus back in 2007. His death compelled Maggie Baczkowski to action. She founded Strides for Peace in 2014.
“So, the goal was basically to get communities from north, south, east and west all together to run as a way to come together,” said Rubye Lane, director of Community Outreach for Strides for Peace, “And then to raise funds for these organizations who have been doing the work on the front lines for a very long time.”
Expanding Reach, Increased Need
Last year’s event brought in nearly 1,500 participants and over $250,000 in funds. This year is expected to top that.
“We’d like to see 2,000 or 3,000 runners,” Lane replied. “We certainly can accommodate that.”
And the benefit of this expanded reach would be immediate.
Donations from the Race Against Gun Violence would go to programs such as Diane Latiker’s “Kids Off the Block” in Roseland and “Paving the Way” in Washington Park–organizations that offer life-affirming programming.
“Whether it’s providing shelter, whether it’s providing resources, whether it’s providing activities, that’s saving lives,” said Lane.
“Because that’s one last person who has to be outside or in a situation that may be compromising towards them.”
What’s New in 2025?
The race includes an 8K, 5K, two-mile walk, and a “Kids for Peace” sprint that allows children to sprint across home plate before the main event.
Though the course is still essentially the same—USA Track & Field certified—there is more to the experience. There is a village where the involved organizations interact with the attendees in person, a brief program with distinction awards, and live music throughout the day.
Lane stated that it is a day for all to gather to honor those working day in and day out to alter the Chicago narrative.
Corporate Support and Long-Term Outlook
Strides for Peace has garnered significant corporate backing from funders such as the Burt Family Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the University of Chicago Crime Lab, and the Field Foundation.
“I think our corporate partners see the value in the race, and they see the value and the longevity of Strides for Peace,” said Lane. “I think they realize that in order for us to change the narrative, we all have to come together.”
“This is not just a South Side issue. This is not just a West Austin issue. This is a Chicago issue, and more or less, it’s a national issue.”
That’s precisely the future vision for this race: a tradition-turned-national movement.
Lane imagines the Race Against Gun Violence as a model nationwide, with races in cities such as Los Angeles, New York and St. Louis.
“We know that if we work hand in hand with our community organizations, with our partners, that this race can be duplicated across the country,” she said.
She sees the race “as a template for cities large and small across the nation” to “empower the organizations already doing the work” and bring them together with “corporate organizations who have a passion and a mission for making sure we all can live in a place safely together.”
A Race with Purpose
So, what can participants expect on June 5?
“Surrounding neighborhoods can expect a great race with good people who are doing exceptional work,” Lane said. “It’s going to be fun.”
She added, “You may be reflective about yourself and your community and where you are, but you’re going to leave feeling inspired and wanting to do good.”
For More Information
Race Against Gun Violence 2025
Date:
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Schedule:
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5:00 PM – Charity Set-Up
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6:00 PM – Welcome, Warm-Up & Kids for Peace Sprint
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6:30 PM – Race Start (8K, 5K, 2-Mile Walk)
Location:
Grant Park, Chicago
To participate or learn more about the Race Against Gun Violence 2025, visit www.stridesforpeace.org.
