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They did their best to stamp out hatred with their feet on Sunday in Evanston.

Julius Rotich (photo) and Briana Stott-Messick were champions of a road race, but also champions of a cause. The two strong regional runners won the 4th annual Ricky Byrdsong Memorial 5K Race Against Hate in Evanston, taking advantage of fast conditions to produce good times. On a day when the weather was almost perfect for running, they joined people from all walks of life, who ran and walked together to help end racism and the violence associated with it.

Rotich, 27, a Kenyan living in West Des Moines, IA, won the fast-paced race in 14 minutes, 31 seconds. Stott-Messick, 24, of Madison, WI, led the women with a 16:27. More than 900 runners finished, and another 800 people participated in the walk and youth events.

Rotich said that he and third-place finisher, Christopher Sagul, also of West Des Moines, raced the day before at the Standard Federal Bank 10K in Lansing, MI, and were looking for a race to run in the Chicago area on the way home. Not having exact directions, they said they drove around until they found Floyd Long Field in north Evanston, where the event was based.

Sagul was second in 14:39 with Emisael Favela, also, 26, was third in 14:40. Five men broke 15 minutes on the fast, flat course some runners thought might have been short.

On the women's side, Dot McMahan, 26, of Shorewood, WI, was second to Stott-Messick (photo) with a 17:08, while Chicago-area stalwart Cindy James, 42, of Floosmoor, placed third in 17:19.

"I thought the temperature was great," Stott-Messick said. "We ran when there was still cloud coverage. My grandma lives just two blocks from here so it was easy just to get up and come to the race." Stott-Messick also won the Race That's Good for Life 5K in Oak Park on April 6.

McMahon said she had technical difficulties while on the racecourse.

"I lost my chip at the two-mile mark," she said. "It came off my shoe. I stopped and grabbed it and carried it in my hand. [When she crossed the mat, it didn't register so she went back and held it down to the mat, hence her time was actually faster.]

Race directors Mary Ann Malarkey and John Corrigan did hear some comments about a possible short course.

"Some people think the course was short," Malarkey said. "There was a minor course alteration, but it was remeasured by John Corrigan. If necessary, we will recertify it next year to avoid any controversy."

Mike Adamle, sports director at CBS2, was the scheduled master of ceremonies, but was unable to attend. CARA Board Member Dan Daly filled in and was "great" according to Malarkey.

The race honors former Northwestern University men's basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong, who was a hate crime murder victim in September 1999, right in his Skokie neighborhood. Proceeds will go to the Ricky Byrdsong Foundation, which promotes diversity and racial healing. Sherialyn Byrdsong, Ricky's widow, was on hand for the race, raffle and other activities during the morning.

For race results, click here .