HOMECOMING HUSTLE 5K

Frequently Asked Questions

Get ready to move, Wildkits! The first-ever ETHS Homecoming Hustle 5K Walk & Run takes place Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM.

Whether you plan to run, jog, walk, or roll, here’s everything you need to know before Race Day!

REGISTRATION

Who can participate in the Homecoming Hustle 5K?

Everyone! The Homecoming Hustle is open to ETHS students, staff, alumni, retirees, families, friends, and community members.

You do not have to be an ETHS alum to participate. This is a community event, and everyone is welcome!

Can I walk instead of run?

Absolutely! This is a 5K Walk & Run, and walkers are welcome.

Walkers should line up behind runners at the start to help everyone get off to a safe and smooth start.

How much is Race Day registration?

Race Day registration is $50.00.

Race Day registration opens at 7:15 AM at Lazier Field. The Homecoming Hustle begins promptly at 8:00 AM.

What does my registration include?

Your Homecoming Hustle registration includes:

• Official Homecoming Hustle 5K t-shirt
• Custom race bib
• Professional chip timing
• Finisher medal
• Post-race refreshments
• Race equipment and course support
• Admission to the post-race celebration

Is my race shirt guaranteed?

Participants who registered by September 10 were guaranteed their requested t-shirt size.

Participants registering after September 10 may still receive a shirt, but sizes and quantities are subject to availability.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

No. Race registrations are non-transferable and may only be used by the individual who originally registered.

Is the Homecoming Hustle a fundraiser?

No. The Homecoming Hustle 5K is not a fundraiser. It is a community-building event.

The goal of the Homecoming Hustle is to bring together ETHS alumni, students, staff, retirees, families, friends, and members of the Evanston community for a fun, active, and spirited Homecoming tradition.

Registration fees help cover the costs associated with producing the event, including participant t-shirts, custom race bibs, finisher medals, refreshments, race equipment, professional timing, and the post-race celebration.

PACKET PICKUP & RACE DAY CHECK-IN

When and where is packet pickup?

Packet pickup begins at 7:15 AM on Race Day, Sunday, September 27, at Lazier Field.

Please arrive early enough to park, pick up your race materials and t-shirt, and be ready for the 8:00 AM start.

What will I receive at packet pickup?

Participants will receive their custom race bib, race t-shirt, and race materials at packet pickup at Lazier Field.

Participants who registered by September 10 were guaranteed their requested t-shirt size. Shirt sizes for registrations received after September 10 are subject to availability.

Can someone else pick up my race packet for me?

No. Please plan to pick up your own race packet and t-shirt.

This helps us ensure that each participant receives the correct race bib, shirt, and race materials.

What time should I arrive?

We recommend arriving early, especially if you need to pick up your race packet or register on Race Day.

Packet pickup and Race Day registration open at 7:15 AM at Lazier Field. The Homecoming Hustle begins promptly at 8:00 AM.

Is there a gear check?

No. There is no gear check at the Homecoming Hustle.

Please leave personal belongings in your vehicle or with someone you trust.

RACE COURSE

What time does the Homecoming Hustle start?

The Homecoming Hustle 5K Walk & Run begins promptly at 8:00 AM on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Where does the race start and finish?

The Homecoming Hustle 5K starts and finishes along the Pitner Avenue drive at Lazier Field/Memorial Stadium.

Packet pickup and Race Day registration will also take place at Lazier Field beginning at 7:15 AM.

How long is the course?

The Homecoming Hustle is a 5K, which is approximately 3.1 miles.

Where can I see the course map?

The official Homecoming Hustle course map is available [INSERT COURSE MAP LINK].

Course signage and volunteers will also help direct participants along the route on Race Day.

Are the miles marked?

Yes! Each mile will be clearly marked along the Homecoming Hustle 5K course so participants can easily track their progress.

Will there be water along the course?

Yes! There will be a Hydration Station along the race route for participants.

Additional refreshments and hydration will be available after you cross the Finish Line.

Is the race chip timed?

Yes! The Homecoming Hustle 5K is professionally chip timed by Lakeshore Athletic Services.

Each participant's timing chip will be attached to their race bib. Please wear your bib on the front of your clothing and keep it visible throughout the race.

Do walkers get timed, too?

Yes! All registered participants are chip timed, whether you run, jog, walk, or roll the 5K.

Is there a course time limit?

[TO CONFIRM]

What happens if it rains?

The Homecoming Hustle is planned to take place rain or shine.

In the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, participants will receive information regarding any changes or cancellation.

PARKING & ARRIVAL

Where should I park?

Free Race Day parking is available in ETHS Lot 3, located at the rear of the school along Wildkit Drive.

IMPORTANT: Please do NOT park along Church Street.

From Lot 3, participants should make their way to Lazier Field/Memorial Stadium for packet pickup and Race Day activities.

Please allow plenty of time to park, walk to Lazier Field, pick up your race materials, and be ready for the 8:00 AM start.

Will there be street closures?

Temporary traffic restrictions may be in place along portions of the 5K route for participant safety.

Please follow instructions from race volunteers, ETHS staff, Evanston Police Department personnel, and posted signage.

ACCESSIBILITY, STROLLERS & PETS

Are wheelchairs and mobility devices allowed?

Yes! Wheelchairs and mobility devices are welcome at the Homecoming Hustle 5K.

We want the Homecoming Hustle to be an event that members of our entire community can enjoy.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes! Strollers are welcome.

Participants with strollers should line up behind runners at the start for everyone's safety.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted at the Homecoming Hustle or on the race course.

Can I wear headphones or earbuds?

Yes, but please make sure you can still hear your surroundings.

For everyone's safety, participants should keep the volume low enough to hear instructions from race officials, volunteers, police personnel, and other participants.

RACE BIBS, SHIRTS & FINISHER MEDALS

Do I need to wear my race bib?

Yes. Your timing chip is attached to your custom Homecoming Hustle race bib, so your bib must be worn on the front of your clothing and remain visible throughout the race.

Please do not fold, bend, or alter your race bib, as doing so may interfere with the timing chip.

Does everyone receive a finisher medal?

Yes! Registered participants who complete the Homecoming Hustle 5K will receive a custom finisher medal.

Since this is our inaugural race, you'll officially have a little piece of Homecoming Hustle history!

When will I receive my race t-shirt?

You will receive your Homecoming Hustle 5K t-shirt at packet pickup on Race Day.

Packet pickup begins at 7:15 AM at Lazier Field.

What if the shirt size I selected doesn't fit?

We will do our best to accommodate shirt-size exchanges after registered participants have received the sizes they originally requested.

All exchanges are subject to availability.

POST-RACE CELEBRATION

Is there anything happening after the 5K?

Absolutely! Don't rush home after you cross the Finish Line!

Stick around for the Homecoming Hustle Post-Race Celebration and enjoy the morning with fellow Wildkits, alumni, students, staff, families, friends, and community members.

Will there be refreshments after the race?

Yes! Post-race refreshments and hydration will be available for registered participants.

Will there be photos?

There will be plenty of opportunities to capture your Homecoming Hustle memories!

Don't forget to take your own photos, share your Race Day experience, and show off that finisher medal!

RESULTS

Will race results be available?

Yes. Official race results will be provided by Lakeshore Athletic Services following the Homecoming Hustle 5K.

[INSERT RESULTS LINK/DETAILS WHEN AVAILABLE]

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

Is the Homecoming Hustle only for alumni?

Not at all!

While the Homecoming Hustle is part of ETHS Homecoming Weekend, everyone is welcome to participate.

The Hustle is about bringing together generations of Wildkits and the greater Evanston community.

What else is happening during ETHS Homecoming Weekend?

Make a weekend of it!

Homecoming festivities include the Alumni & Friends Pre-Game and Tailgate on Friday, September 25, reunion activities, Homecoming events, and the Homecoming Hustle 5K on Sunday morning.

QUESTIONS?

I have another question. Who should I contact?

Have a question we didn't answer here? We're happy to help!

Please contact ETHS Alumni Relations at alumni@eths202.org with any additional Homecoming Hustle questions.

We can't wait to see you at the starting line!

Lace up. Show your Wildkit spirit. Make history.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 | 8:00 AM

GO KITS!