The Homecoming Hustle 5K debuted on Sunday morning, September 27, 2026, marking the highlight of Evanston Township High School’s homecoming week. Organized by the ETHS Alumni Relations department and held in partnership with the Evanston Police Department the race began promptly at 8:00 a.m. on the expansive grounds of Lazier Field, adjacent to Memorial Stadium.
Event logistics and registration details
All community members were invited to participate, from current students and staff to retirees, alumni, families and local friends. Registration cost was $35 and covered a custom race bib, an official Homecoming Hustle T-shirt, professional chip timing, a finisher medal and post-race refreshments. Packet pickup opened at 7:15 a.m. at Lazier Field, where participants collected their race materials and sized shirts—those who signed up before September 10 received guaranteed sizing.
The five-kilometre course, roughly 3.1 miles, started and finished along Pitner Avenue Drive. Volunteers posted clear signage every quarter-mile, and a hydration station was positioned near the halfway point. Professional timing was provided by Lakeshore Athletic Services, with chips attached to each runner’s bib; all participants—whether they ran, jogged, walked or rolled—were timed.
Who showed up and how they performed
The race attracted a diverse crowd, and the results reflected the competitive spirit of the event. Sam LeVon claimed first place with a finishing time of 17:40, followed closely by Christopher Schmidt. In the women’s division, Mary Bowman crossed the line first in 20:46, with April Likhite securing the runner-up spot. The inclusive format also allowed walkers to line up behind the runners, ensuring a safe and orderly start for all.
Beyond the elite finishers, dozens of participants completed the route, each receiving a custom finisher medal—a tangible piece of the inaugural Homecoming Hustle history. The medal, T-shirt and post-race snack reinforced the event’s focus on community building rather than fundraising.
Celebration, community vibe and future outlook
After the last runner crossed the finish line, the celebration moved back onto Lazier Field. A hot breakfast was served to every participant, and alumni, staff and families mingled while sharing photos and stories of past homecoming traditions. The event’s success was credited to the collaborative effort of ETHS staff, volunteers, the police department and the broader Evanston community.
Organizers emphasized that the Homecoming Hustle is not a fundraiser; registration fees simply offset the costs of shirts, medals, timing services and refreshments. The overarching goal is to create an annual tradition that unites multiple generations of Wildkits and strengthens ties with the surrounding Evanston neighborhood.
Looking ahead, ETHS Alumni Relations plans to refine the race experience based on participant feedback. Potential enhancements include additional hydration points, expanded parking options in Lot 3, and more detailed course maps available online. The event’s rain-or-shine policy ensures that future editions will continue regardless of weather, with safety briefings provided if severe conditions arise.
With strong community turnout, competitive results and a festive aftermath, the event set a high bar for the years to come, promising that every September Sunday will echo with the sound of sneakers hitting the pavement at Lazier Field.
