Lace up your shoes because Dublin Front Runners is hosting its 11th annual 5km Pride Run at 7:30pm on Friday, June 16, 2023, in the Phoenix Park.
The group is inviting anyone interested to walk, jog or run in this fun and community-oriented race that provides all with the opportunity to celebrate “inclusivity, identity, self-expression and queerness” in a safe and friendly LGBTQ+ space.
Participants will include a mix of experienced runners who are aiming to beat their personal best times, as well as new runners who are completing their first-ever 5km. All racers are encouraged to take pride in their identities and enjoy the race in a low-pressure environment. This year’s event is sure to be the best yet since there will also be a competition for the ‘Best Dressed Dog’!
The Pride Run is a fundraiser, and every year it supports specific LGBTQ+ charities. All proceeds raised from the 2023 run will go to HIV Ireland, Trans Equality Together and ShoutOut.
HIV Ireland works to reduce the stigma connected to HIV and AIDS by increasing public education and understanding, Trans Equality Together advocates for policy and legislative changes to improve the lives of trans and non-binary people in Ireland, and ShoutOut delivers workshops that tackle LGBTQ+ bullying in secondary schools.
Each of these charities is making a huge difference in the lives of queer people in the country. Runners can encourage their friends to donate to these charities after registering.
There’s plenty of time to prepare for the race, and anyone who would like to train in a group environment is welcome to join the Couch to 5K sessions. This free guided training programme begins with short intervals of running for only 60 seconds at a time, and it’s an effective way to gradually build up to running a complete 5km.
New runners or those looking to gradually improve their endurance and stamina can benefit from this group training with the Pride Run-Preppers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. No registration is required to join the training group, and it is suitable for total beginners. After the Saturday morning training sessions, the group enjoys coffee together.
Dublin Front Runners Chairperson, Mark Armstrong, says, “If you’ve never run before or maybe it’s just been a while, the Pride Run is an excellent 5K for your first time, it’s fun and inclusive, and absolutely everyone is welcome to take part and fundraise along the way.”
Registration for the Pride Run in Dublin starts from €25, with limited spots remaining, and the first 500 registrants getting a 2023 racing t-shirt.
The event is sponsored by Arthur Cox and Spencer Lennox Legal Recruitment.
© 2023 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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