Pride Run Lexington raises funds for Queer youth, educators in Fayette County: Register today!

Registration is now open for the third annual Pride Run Lexington!  The race takes place on October 8, 2022 along the scenic trails of Coldstream Park. Participants are encouraged to run, walk, skip, or stroll across the chip timed finish line.  

The race features three gender categories including Male, Female, and Non-Binary. There are also 13 different age groups.  The top three finishers in each age/gender category will be awarded commemorative Pride Run Lexington medals, so come add some rainbow pride hardware to your trophy shelf.

The date of the event was chosen to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 8th.  The race has a lifetime earnings of over $17,000 for LGBTQ youth and educators in Fayette County. 

According to their website, Frontrunners Lexington encourages and supports LGBTQIA+, gender non-conforming individuals, and allied persons of all fitness levels in the Lexington, Kentucky area who are interested in running and walking. They also promote general public health, fitness, and create a welcoming environment for sexual and gender minorities in the region.

“We’re so happy that we can take a sport we love and turn it into a mechanism to make Lexington’s schools safer and more welcoming for queer youth,” said race Co-Director and club Coordinator Roy Harrison. Taylor Steele is Harrison’s co-director, a member of Frontrunners and an architecture teacher at Fayette High School.

It’s a party from start to finish benefitting an important cause. There will be entertainment at the start & finish lines including a DJ, drag show, refreshments, local vendors, sponsors and non-profit tables handing out swag and resources. Proceeds from the race are available to Fayette county schools’ Gay Straight Alliance clubs for students to run activities, and to educators to cover expenses related to training and resource building to promote inclusive education.

The cost is $25 and If you are 18-years-old or younger, use coupon code STUDENT5 for a $5.00 discount on your registration.

Register here

Harrison also said that the visibility this race creates is critical for LGBTQ+ folks.

“Last year 1 in 4 LGBT youth attempted suicide. Nearly 1 in 2 seriously considered it. The discussions that adults have are not un-noticed by these kids, and it’s having a pernicious effect” he said. “In this act of proud visibility, the Pride Run says to kids: you matter. And the funds raised from the race go to concrete ways to create healthy spaces for LGBTQ youth the entire year.”

Running a 5K not your thing or unable to attend on October 8th?  You can still come play or donate to the fundraiser by selecting the 1 Mile Fun Walk or registering to participate virtually.  Race volunteers are needed from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. and can register for free while spots remain.

Sign up for the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Walk, and/or Virtual Runner by September 16th, 2022 to be guaranteed a Pride Run T-shirt or Pride Run Water Bottle. (You will have the opportunity to choose this year!) 

Check out the Countdown to Race Day ticker and more info at https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/PrideRun5K. 

For more info on how to join Lexington’s Queer Walk/Run Club  at http://frontrunnerslex.com/.  

View  photo gallery of last year’s event here.