YWCA Lancaster will host its annual Race Against Racism with an interactive/educational twist, as this year's event will offer a history lesson along with the race. The Race Your Way Race Against Racism will run from Saturday, April 24, through Saturday, May 22.

"This is an opportunity to use our 5K course through Lancaster with an opportunity to learn about various historic sites or make your own race in your neighborhood, on your treadmill or any other way that works for you," explained Stacie Blake, CEO of YWCA Lancaster.

This is the 23rd consecutive year for the race, making it the longest-running Race Against Racism in the country, she noted. As always, the race is a fundraiser for the YWCA's programs. This year's race supports the new Center for Racial and Gender Equity. "This is a division of YWCA that focuses on education, advocacy and community engagement in our quest to create an equitable community for all residents," Blake stated.

One option for this year's race will be to utilize a self-guided course through Lancaster city with a curated Race Against Racism playlist featuring music and spoken word about historic stops along the route.

"This year we wanted to make a stronger connection with our important mission of eliminating racism and empowering women," Blake said. "Our first step was to work with the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania to identify six key sites of historical significance to African Americans in Lancaster. Our professional race coordinator used these points to map and measure a new 5K course."

Information will be recorded about the sites and will be interspersed with music to create a Spotify playlist. "The playlist was culled from suggestions of our Social Justice Training Team, and you will find some moving, motivating and inspiring music on this mix," she remarked. "We are excited about the new course, which still starts and ends at Musser Park, just around the corner from YWCA Lancaster."

A Kids Fun Run is also part of the event this year, and children age 12 and under are encouraged to participate in a 100-yard dash virtually. "This year we have a special gift for youth participants," Blake said. "Zetta Elliott, an award-winning author recently published a children's book set in Lancaster, 'Roots Run Deep.' It is illustrated by a Lancaster artist, Gracie Berry." Every child who signs up will receive the book, which tells the story of the resilience and determination of Africans as they resist enslavement and fight for their rightful place as citizens of the United States.

Blake encourages anyone to sign up for the race, adding, "In addition to supporting our work, by participating in the race you will learn more about your community, get outside - unless you run your way on your treadmill - and learn more about the issues impacting Lancaster today."

To register for the Race Against Racism, visit http://www.ywcalancaster.org/RaceAgainstRacism or call 717-393-1735.