1. One of the groups of people who can be distinguished from others based on physical characteristics,  geographical distribution, etc.: It is a constant hope that the different races in our world can live in harmony and friendship.
2. A group, or groups, of people who share the same history, language, culture, etc.: The group of people were members of a race who were isolated in the jungle beyond the mountains and just recently discovered.
3. A competition between people, animals, vehicles, etc., to see which one is the fastest: Victor spent several hours watching the car race.

It rained very hard during the marathon race today.

Sharon became a candidate for the senatorial race in her state.

1. To participate in a contest of speed: There are seven horses that will race for the championship tomorrow.
2. To go, to move, or to function at a very fast speed: Fern's heart was racing because of the speeding car that almost ran into her own car.
3. To try to do something very quickly because there is not much time left to finish it: Jennifer was racing against the clock to be sure that her class assignment was handed in on time.

Patricia and Alisa overslept and so they had to race like mad to get to school on time and avoid being tardy.