Proud to Run: Pride Race

—-Short Description (1 to 2 sentences)
Proud to Run (501c3) is an annual 5K and 10K celebrating the LGBTQ+ community through sport and solidarity. Held the Saturday before Chicago’s Pride Parade, the race benefits local LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations.
—-Medium Description (1 short paragraph)
Proud to Run (501c3) is a Chicago tradition that has celebrated the LGBTQ+ community through sport since 1982. Held the Saturday before the city’s Pride Parade, the event features a 5K run and walk and a 10K run along the lakefront, welcoming more than 1,000 participants each year. Proceeds benefit LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations working in health, housing, youth empowerment, advocacy, and the arts. Proud to Run also supports a Charity Marathon Team for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and a Community Team through the Chicago Distance Series Entries for Equity program, helping us stay active in and connected to the community throughout the year.
—-Long Description (2+ paragraphs)
Proud to Run (501c3) is a Chicago tradition that has celebrated the LGBTQ+ community through sport since 1982. Held annually on the Saturday before the city’s Pride Parade, the event features a 5K run and walk as well as a 10K run along the scenic lakefront. What began as a grassroots gathering has grown into a vibrant and inclusive community event welcoming more than 1,000 participants each year.

At its core, Proud to Run is about visibility, solidarity, and community care. While the event attracts competitive runners pursuing personal bests, its heart remains rooted in connection and collective celebration. Race proceeds support LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations across Chicago working in health, housing, youth empowerment, advocacy, and the arts.

In 2024, Proud to Run launched a Charity Marathon Team for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, creating new opportunities for LGBTQ+ runners and allies to train and fundraise together. PTR also participates in the Chicago Distance Series Entries for Equity program through its Community Team, expanding access to endurance events for runners from historically underrepresented communities.

Together, these programs diversify funding, strengthen year-round engagement, and extend the organization’s impact beyond Pride weekend. Whether someone is a competitive runner, casual participant, volunteer, or supporter, Proud to Run welcomes everyone into a legacy rooted in inclusion, celebration, and forward momentum.