One of the favorite events of Atlanta’s LGBTQ running community, the Atlanta Pride Run, returns for its 34th year this summer. As per usual, the 5K (which is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier race) will be held in Piedmont Park during Pride month, on June 4. This year, however, participants can expect a whole new experience.
Thanks to a new partnership with leading athletic wear brand Lululemon, this year’s course will be completely different from years past. Lululemon will support the run by covering race day expenses, marketing, custom running shirts and merch.
“We are thrilled to continue breaking down barriers with Lululemon,” Atlanta Pride Run President, DJ Pulce, said in a press release. “Our partnership with Lululemon has been a rewarding experience for not only us, but the entire Atlanta LGBTQ sports community.”
Lululemon has also pledged to use its brand to promote and spotlight the athletes in the LGBTQ community fighting for equality just by being themselves.
“Working with the Lululemon team is a true partnership,” Pulce said. “They listen to the challenges that face our community and seek to fix them.”
This year’s theme is “We See YOU,” symbolizing both the empowerment of members of the community who feel unseen as well as the importance of combating stigma via visibility to end the HIV epidemic in Atlanta and beyond.
“AIDS is the leading cause of death for Black men in Georgia between the ages of 35 and 44,” Pulce said. “Every donation and registration is going to help those impacted by HIV and raise awareness for this devastating statistic.”
As always, Atlanta Pride Run participants will raise money to fund critical research, care, and advocacy to help end the HIV epidemic. This year’s will benefit local nonprofits include AID Atlanta, Bridge of Light, and Lost-n-Found Youth. Runners and walkers who wish to participate can either create a fundraising team or raise money individually. The top fundraising team will win a prize, and participants who raise $100 or more will receive special prizes, including water bottles, hats, and backpacks.
The top fundraising team currently is Front Runners Atlanta, a running and walking club for the LGBTQ community, which has raised almost $780 at the time of writing. Front Runners is hosting several fundraising events leading up to the race, including a margarita bust on April 29 at Zocalo, Drag Queen Yoga on May 6 at Dancing Dogs Yoga, and a bathing suit car wash at Felix’s on May 20. Learn more at frontrunnersatlanta.org/events.
Those who cannot come out on June 4 can participate virtually this year. Simply register for the Atlanta Pride Run Virtual 5K, download your custom digital bib, run or walk when and where you want on your own time, and submit your results through raceroster.com any time from May 31 to June 4. You will be able to view your virtual results the Monday following the event.
Registration is now available for both the in-person and virtual races for $40 through April 30. Price will increase to $45 on May 1, $50 on May 31, and $55 the day of the race. To register, visit bit.ly/ATLPRIDE-23-RACE.
For more information on the Atlanta Pride Run, visit atlantapriderun.org or contact the Pride Run committee at info@atlantapriderun.org.