With many important events for the LGBT+ community currently put on pause or cancelled due to the necessity to flatten the infection curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dublin Front Runners, the organisers of the Dublin Pride Run, have added their much-loved community event to the list.

Originally due to take place in the Phoenix Park on June 19, the Dublin Pride Run will now instead make its return in 2021.

On their Facebook page, the organisers shared, “Bringing together our fabulous queer community and allies for a good cause is our dream, and dreams begin responsibilities. Sometimes in life, you have to take a pause but keep the dreams alive for the better times.

“This is an official announcement that we are cancelling the Dublin Pride Run 2020. We are taking this responsible decision for the health and safety of our community and allies. The wellbeing of the community is our priority. Without any regret or question, this is our best positive response to the given situation.

“Dublin Pride Run will be back in 2021 with more vigour and zest. We love you all and wish you well during these challenging times of human history. Please follow the HSE Ireland guidelines related to COVID-19; wash your hands often and adequately and practice self-isolation to protect yourself and others. As a community, we have to pull it together.

“Infectious disease outbreaks like coronavirus (COVID-19) can be worrying. This can affect your mental health. Keep in touch with your loved ones and your support system. Keep loving and caring for yourself and the community. Just remember – at the end Love Wins.”

As well as getting LGBT+ runners and supporters together every year, the event always raises much-needed funds for the community. In 2019, the run raised €21,000, which was shared between BeLonG To, HIV Ireland and ShoutOut.

While the cancellation is of course a disappointment, it is also a necessity, and big respect to the organisers and runners for playing their part.