Windy City Times: PRIDE '17 Proud to Run sports record participation

The following article was published on June 28, 2017. A link to the article can be found here.

By Nina Matti

The 36th annual Proud to Run brought in a record 2,200 participants for the 10K run and 5K run/walk on June 24.

Co-directors Ty McCarthy, Corbin Woodling and Justin Koziatek thanked the over 200 volunteers that made the event possible. "This is my favorite part of Pride," Koziatek said.

Since it began in 1982, Proud to Run has donated over half a million dollars to Chicago LGBTQ-based organizations. This year's event benefitted Care2Prevent, The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Pediatric Aids Chicago Prevention Initiative and Test Positive Aware Network.

"Pride weekend is such a great reminder of what the community is capable of doing and the change that we can affect," said Matt Richards, Care2Prevent's program director.

After the race, participants were entertained by sponsor Urban Pooch's dog agility demonstration and a performance by the Chicago Spirit Brigade. Awards were given to the top finishers of the 5K and the 10K races in male, female and nonbinary categories.

Congressman and vice-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus Mike Quigley was also present, and he spoke to the crowd about the importance of supporting one another.

"Since November, the number one question I get from folks is, 'How can I help?' You're doing it," he said. "Love is stronger than hate and the number one thing we can do is help each other... Watch out for each other, stay active, stay involved, and don't let them get you down. I can't thank you all enough... You're doing extraordinary work."

Sponsors included Urban Pooch, PepsiCo, Universal Sole, CNA, Thorek Memorial Hospital, CMSA, United Airlines, U.S. Cellular, Tylenol PM, Factset, Pavich Law Group, LaGrange Country, Vivid Seats, ZS, ClosetBox and ChicagoPride.com .