Race for Peace 5K returns to Little Village to fund violence prevention

By AI, Created 10:27 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Little Village Rotary Club is bringing back the Race for Peace 5K run/walk on May 30 at La Villita Park in Chicago. The event is designed to raise money for local violence-prevention, youth, education and economic-opportunity programs while pulling together residents, nonprofits, businesses and public agencies.

Why it matters: - The Race for Peace is built to fund local solutions to violence in Little Village and nearby neighborhoods. - Proceeds support nonprofits and community initiatives focused on prevention, youth engagement, education and economic opportunity. - The event is meant to turn a neighborhood run/walk into sustained support for grassroots programs.

What happened: - The Little Village Rotary Club is hosting the annual Race for Peace, also called Carrera por la Paz, in Little Village. - The event returns on May 30 at La Villita Park, 2800 S Sacramento Avenue in Chicago. - Registration is open at LVcraceforpeace.com. - The event is scheduled for an 8:30 a.m. run and a 9:30 a.m. walk.

The details: - The race is organized as a community-wide 5K run/walk. - The Little Village Rotary Club says the event raises funds for programs that address the root causes of violence. - Community leaders, runners, residents and local businesses are expected to take part. - Event goals include reducing violence through targeted community grants. - The race aims to engage residents and local businesses in prevention efforts. - The organizers want to unite organizations already working to reduce violence. - The event also funds programs with community-based impact. - Partners include the Chicago Area Runners Association, the Chicago Police Department, the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, the Alderman’s Office and local businesses and community groups. - Cash prizes will go to the top three runners in men’s and women’s competitive divisions. - Every registered participant will receive a finisher medallion and race-day T-shirt. - Participant packets are available only on race day and include a bib number, race-day shirt and other freebies. - Organizers recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early for check-in. - Volunteers will store personal belongings for participants. - People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to walk, run, sponsor or volunteer.

Between the lines: - The Race for Peace is positioned as more than a fundraiser; it is also a community-building effort. - Support from runners, boxers, neighborhood groups and residents suggests the event is trying to connect different parts of the community around a shared anti-violence message. - Rotary International’s broader service mission gives the event a global-service frame, but the local spending is aimed at neighborhood impact. - As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Little Village Rotary Club says raised funds go directly to programs intended to make a measurable difference.

What’s next: - The May 30 event will bring together participants for the run, walk and race-day activities. - Organizers are seeking runners, walkers, sponsors and volunteers as the event approaches. - Funds raised are expected to be directed back into local prevention and opportunity programs after the race.

The bottom line: - Race for Peace is trying to convert a neighborhood fitness event into a funding engine for community-led violence prevention in Little Village.