The 31st annual Proud to Run race, which includes both 5K and 10K races, took place June 23 at Montrose Avenue near Lake Shore Drive. Just under 1,500 peoplean event recordparticipated in the run/walk to benefit the Links Pride Youth Program and Gerber/Hart Library.
Proud to Run Volunteer Coordinator Dawn Barcus said, "The vibe is so positive here and everyone is doing this event to raise money for two great causes. It's also a great way to kick-off the Saturday of pride weekend in a healthy way." Barcus noted that more than 100 volunteers assisted the organizers during the morning of 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.
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 the various age groupings.
In the 5K race, Heidi Jane Sarna finished first in the women's category and Brad Runnion finished first in the men's category. In the 10K race, Patricia Jadran finished first in the women's category and Jesse Kleinjan finished first in the men's category.
Among the many sponsors for this year's event were CNA, Crew, Nike, Orbitz, PepsiCo, Sidetrack, The Sofo Tap, Svedka Vodka, Universal Sole and WCPT.