The 32nd annual Proud to Run race, which includes both 5K and 10K races, took place June 29 at Montrose Avenue near Lake Shore Drive. About 1,600 participants—an event record—gathered in foggy, windy and chilly weather to participate in the run/walk to benefit the Links Pride Youth Program, The Night Ministries and TPAN.
"I've been involved with Proud to Run for the last three years and in those three years it's grown so much and become more inclusive of not only the entire LGBT community but also straight allies. This is a great event and a great way to celebrate pride especially during this week when the Supreme Court decided that DOMA is unconstitutional," said Proud to Run co-director Tim Henney. Henney also noted that more than 100 volunteers assisted the organizers during the morning of the race.
Fitness Formula Club Lakeview led participants in warm-up exercises before the race. Members of the Windy City Cycling Club were the lead bicyclists during the race and kept the pace as the runners/walkers navigated the course.
Tim Hite of Gay Chic Magazine was the DJ for the event; following the race, the Chicago Spirit Brigade provided the entertainment. Then, the awards were handed out to the top finishers of both the 5K and 10K races as well as the winners of various age groupings.
In the 5K race Samantha Kirkham finished first in the women's category and Matthew Frey finished first in the men's category. In the 10K race, Nicole Perez finished first in the women's category and Kevin Garcia finished first in the men's category.
The sponsors for this year's event were CNA, Crew, Evian, Fitness Formula Clubs, Jamie Franz, J.P. Morgan Chase, PepsiCo, Sidetrack, The Sofo Tap, Svedka Vodka, Universal Sole, Urban Pooch and Whole Foods.
See www.proudtorun.org for more information.
