The annual Front Runners & Walkers San Diego Pride 5K returns on July 15. The run starts at University Ave. at Center St. in Hillcrest at 8 a.m. to kick off the weekend of pride activities.
Front Runners & Walkers was formed in 1981 and is one of over 100 Front Runner clubs worldwide. The organizations priority is to “provide running and walking activities for lesbians, gay men and their non-gay family members and friends.”
Participants of all ages and abilities are set to run, with support from the community. Proceeds of the 5k help fund local organizations aimed at creating a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are not only welcome but celebrated.
2022 marked the first year back since the race was put on a virtual hold due to Covid-19, and staff and participants are thrilled to have another in-person event.
“We are in a period of assessing how many people we can have in the event but are trying to include as many people as possible. We have seen increased interest since the Pandemic, including corporate engagement, for examples sponsoring their employees to participate or as sponsors themselves,” Andy Kleink, race director for the 5k, explained.
In addition to expanding sponsorship opportunities, the past several years the race has seen an overall sense of heighted inclusion. In turn, this has encouraged more participants across the spectrum of age, ability, gender and sexuality.
“The diversity and inclusion movement that started during the pandemic really shed light onto these types of activities as ways for organizations to engage with their employees and we have benefited from that,” Kleink said.
Aside from the fun of running and celebrating what makes the San Diego community unique, the 5k is a charity and the goal every year has been to raise money and awareness.
“Most importantly, it is a charity run. We are raising funds for two local charities, the San Diego Pride Community Grants and Youth Programming and the San Diego LGBT Center Youth Housing Program,” Kleink explained. “The fiscal impact has an effect throughout the fiscal year. Last year, we donated $40,000 from our funds and that is what gets me excited and engaged.”
Another aspect of the run that stands out to Kleink is involvement for members of the LGBTQ+ community in sports. Kleink explained that typically, LGBTQ+ individuals are given a back seat in sporting events and having a race dedicated to celebrating this group is vital.
“We don’t see a lot of LGBT people openly competing in races and sports and to have that visibility and space and dress how they want, with whatever gender designation they feel represents them and not have anyone judge them is really important,” Kleink said. “To have people think ‘I can do these healthy, community-based things.’”
In addition to the 5k run, there will also be a Kid’s Dash. The Kid’s Dash is free and for anyone 10 and under.
“The Dash happens at 7:30 a.m. and anyone can participate. We made a special effort to bring that back last year,” Kleink said.
Interested individuals can register at https://events.hakuapp.com/pride-5k-run-walk/. Same day registration is available while spots remain open.
“We want to invite everyone out, everyone is welcome. We take all abilities at this event,” Kleink said.
