Racing Against Hate 5K in Jacksonville returns, linking fitness, unity programming and community fundraising goals

A downtown run and walk anchored in an anti-bias partnership

Racing Against Hate, a 5K run/walk paired with a 1-mile fun run, is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, with start and finish activities based at the Winston Family YMCA in Downtown Jacksonville. Organizers have set the 5K start for 1 p.m. Eastern, followed by the 1-mile event at 2 p.m., and have positioned the day as a community gathering focused on unity and inclusion.

The event is tied to an ongoing local initiative known as “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in Our Community,” a partnership between the First Coast YMCA and the Jewish Community Alliance that combines public programming with community engagement. The initiative’s stated purpose is to reduce bias and hatred through education and conversation-based events, with the race serving as a visible, public-facing component of that broader effort.

Route and event setup

Event materials describe a 5K course that includes a crossing of the Acosta Bridge using the southbound main roadway, with the 1-mile fun run staged along the Riverwalk. Both events are promoted as open to runners and walkers of all abilities, including families and first-time participants.

Race-day programming is planned to extend beyond the course. A “Unity Village” is advertised as a pre- and post-event area with community partners, activities, and food trucks, along with a group warm-up led by instructors.

• Location: Winston Family YMCA, 221 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, Florida

• 5K Run/Walk start: 1:00 p.m. ET (Sunday, February 22, 2026)

• 1-Mile Fun Run start: 2:00 p.m. ET

Fundraising and how proceeds are expected to be used

Organizers are also using the race as a fundraising mechanism. Registration materials indicate proceeds are intended to support the YMCA and Jewish Community Alliance’s joint programming under the Together Against Hate banner, including education, community conversations, and speaker events planned across 2026–2027.

Organizers describe the race as “more than a run,” framing it as a public demonstration of community unity alongside year-round educational efforts.

Context: civic events as convening points

Community road races frequently serve dual roles in Jacksonville: fitness events that also function as convening spaces for civic priorities, fundraising, and partnership-building. Racing Against Hate follows that model by linking a recreational event to a programmatic agenda focused on addressing prejudice and strengthening social cohesion through scheduled discussions and educational programming.

Registration materials emphasize participation options for different ages and fitness levels, signaling a goal of broad turnout rather than a competition-first approach. With the race set on a Sunday afternoon and incorporating Riverwalk programming, the overall design highlights the event’s community-gathering dimension alongside the athletic component.