Approximately 400 runners and walkers sported their rainbow colors and gathered near Diversey Harbor on June 26 to kick off the biggest weekend in the LGBTQ calendar with the first ever evening Pride 5K run and walk along the lakefront.
A cool mist didn't affect turnoutwhich far exceeded organizers expectationsnor did it numb the enthusiasm of the participants for both the run and the cause with all proceeds going to the Center on Halsted.
"We wanted to have a great kick-off event and we thought what good timing to do it right before Pride weekend," StarEvents President John Barry told Windy City Times. "It's like a party and a race combined and a fun opportunity for us all to get together on the lakefront and enjoy a few cocktails after the race while raising money for the Center."
The atmosphere Barry was hoping for was apparent at least an hour before the start of the race, as enthusiastic pairs and groups of people were already enjoying music from Adam LeBlanc, a singer with the Chicago band Sixteen Candles. LeBlanc was also on hand for the race after-party.
Among those groups was a contingent from United Airlines lead by Dan Ingram a training coordinator with the company and the Chair for Equal- United's LGBTQ business resource group. "This is the first Pride with our group," he said. "Employees from across the company are here. A run like this is great for us and is part of a week of volunteer events and happy hours." Ingram added that he expected over 100 United employees to participate in the Pride parade.
Also eagerly anticipating Pride weekend were John Cardone and Craig Cherry. "I like to run at night, so this is perfect for me," Cardone said. "We both wanted to show our pride and have fun with the community. I'm 53 years old, so in my lifetime I never thought issues like marriage and bullying would be on the table. The fact that we are closer to equal rights is a miracle. "
"We're out here to celebrate," StarEvents Vice-President Michelle Krage agreed. "And it's open to everyone. Tonight is all about bringing your plus-onedoing something with somebody and being a part of the LGBTQ community."
Krage explained that the event had been in the planning stages for two years. "We wanted to put our best foot forward," she said. "We're thrilled at the number of people coming, the energy and the excitement."
The circuit took runners and walkers in a "lucky horseshoe" from Diversey Harbor to Fullerton and back along the lakefront. Prizes were awarded to the fastest male of the evening, Graham Marcy, and the fastest female, Lauren Heck, both of whom finished the course in under 20 minutes.
Marcy was participating as an ally for his gay friend Timothy Best. "Everyone here is so happy and I feel fantastic!" Marcy said after he'd caught his breath. "It's the first race I've ever won."