Proud To Run

This year was my second year running Proud to Run. Last year I ran the 5k, and this year I ran the 10k. I’m already planning to run the race again next year, because it is one of my favorite things about Chicago’s Pride celebration.
Proud to Run is awesome for a lot of reasons. It has been part of Chicago’s Pride activities since 1982, and everyone is invited to come out to run and celebrate, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
In addition to celebrating pride, the race raises funds for local LGBT organizations. This year’s beneficiaries were Affinity Community Services, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, and Chicago House. With race entries getting more expensive every year regardless of distance, I’m always more willing to hand over my money when I know the money is going to a good cause. And, in order to keep as much of the money as possible going to the chosen charities every year, Proud to Run is organized by an all volunteer, community based board of directors. How great is that?
Even with it being all volunteer led, the race is extremely well organized. Online registration is quick and simple, and there is always plenty of information about the race available at the website and email reminders sent leading up to race day. There are also plenty of packet pick up opportunities, with five different advance packet pick up dates offered this year, in addition to race day packet pick up. The course is pretty standard, starting at Montrose Harbor and winding through the park, utilizing the Lake Front Trail. The course this year was well marked and easy to follow, with volunteers stationed at any turns to make sure that racers went in the right direction.
All of the volunteers, from packet pick up, to water stations, to those just making sure folks know where to turn on the course, were lovely. These were some of the best and happiest race volunteers I’ve ever seen!
As I mentioned, I ran the 5k last year and the 10k this year. I love that there are two distances to choose from, giving more people an opportunity to participate. I have friends who aren’t interested in a 10k, but they will run a 5k, so we can all run our chosen distance and then meet back up after the race. The 10k starts about 10 minutes before the 5k, allowing a little extra time for 10k runners and keeping the course a little less crowded for everyone.
Every runner gets a medal once you cross the finish line (sorry, but I love some race bling!) and various post race goodies (bagels, fruit, water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, etc.). There are prizes for the top finishers for each distance, as well as a pretty sweet raffle after the race with prizes from various local business, including Universal Sole. Just be aware that you must be present to win raffle prizes, so if your bib number is called and you are not there, then a new winner is selected. So stick around for the post race entertainment!

I was proud to run the «Proud to Run 5k/​10k» because I was happy to be amongst my people — folks who take care of their bodies like oil companies take care of members of Congress. Yes there were people so lean, automatic doors don’t open when they approach. And there were folks who boasted those Jesus Christ six pack-​abs and Tom Brokaw pecks that would make their mamas weep with joy. You don’t even have to be part of the LGBT community to participate. Never has something accepted a more diverse array of gay, straight, male, and female entries. Other than Kim Catrall.
A couple of notes about the race. Like a Goth teen, the location was hard to reach (public transportation out to Montrose Harbor is scarce). And while a couple of people dress up, most wear their free «Proud to Run» shirts. So, if you want to see people shamelessly exposing themselves, you’ll have to wait for the next day’s parade, or just check the responses to your Craiglist personal ad. The race runs the familiar path along the lake front with good views and a nice breeze. However, during the 10k route, finding a water station was more challenging than locating the «Men seeking men» preference on
.
It got better. One of the beneficiaries of this race was the Night Ministry, which helps the homeless with basic needs like shelter and food. Luckily, none of those tramps showed up when they were giving out post-​race Gatorade, granola bars, and CLIF bars by the armful. People frenzied around the free goodies like Night Ministry patrons fighting over leftover post-​race Gatorade, granola bars, and CLIF bars. The musical entertainment was fantastic, featuring the Lakeside Pride quintet and a dancing troupe of local high schoolers. I haven’t been more entertained since Richard Simmons’ filled in for Kiefer Sutherland on 24.
Most important, the event helped me reflect on crumbling gender stereotypes. For example, just because a dude has a girl’s name doesn’t make him any less manly. Look at Rachel Maddow. I love that guy! And what if a girl wants to be a warrior, like Joan of Ark? I bet she made her father Noah proud with that whole French revolution thing. The point is we keep fighting institutionalized discrimination and intolerance. Or, as its known by its less controversial name,“religious freedom.”