One of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community’s favorite events, the Atlanta Pride Run, is returning for its 34th year this summer. As usual, the 5K (aka the Peachtree Road Race) will be held at Piedmont Park during Pride month, on June 4. This year, however, participants can expect a again.
Thanks to a new partnership with youth apparel leader Lululemon, this year’s lineup is very different from previous years. Lululemon will sponsor the run by covering race day expenses, marketing, custom running shirts and merchandise.
“We’re excited to continue breaking barriers with Lululemon,” said Atlanta Pride Run President, DJ Pulce, in a press release. “Our partnership with Lululemon is a great experience not only for us, but the entire Atlanta LGBTQ sports community.”
Lululemon has also pledged to use its brand to promote and recognize athletes in the LGBTQ community who are fighting for equality on their own.
“Working with the Lululemon team is a true partnership,” said Pulce. “They listen to the problems facing our community and seek to solve them.”
This year’s theme is “We See You,” which celebrates the empowerment of underrepresented members of society and the importance of fighting stigma through visibility to end the HIV infection in Atlanta and beyond.
“AIDS is the leading cause of death for black men in Georgia between the ages of 35 and 44,” Pulce said. “Every donation and registration will help those affected by HIV and raise awareness of this devastating number.”
As always, Atlanta Pride Run participants will raise money to fund critical research, care, and support to help end the HIV epidemic. This year’s event will benefit local nonprofits including AID Atlanta, Bridge of Light, and Lost-n-Found Youth. Runners and walkers may wish to join a fundraising team or raise money individually. The top fundraising team will receive a prize, and participants who raise $100 or more will receive special prizes, including water bottles, hats, and backpacks.
The current top fundraiser is Front Runners Atlanta, a run and walk group for the LGBTQ community, which has raised about $780 at the time of writing. Front Runners is hosting fundraising events leading up to the race, including a margarita bust on April 29 at the Zocalo, Drag Queen Yoga on May 6 at Dancing Dogs Yoga, and a car wash at Felix’s on May 20 . Learn more at frontrunnersatlanta.org/events.
Those who can’t graduate by June 4th can get in closer this year. Simply register for the Atlanta Pride Run Virtual 5K, download your custom digital bib, run or walk when and where you want on your own time, and submit your results through raceroster.com every time from May 31 to June 4. check your results on Monday after the event.
Registration for the in-person and virtual races is available for $40 through April 30. The price will increase to $45 on May 1, $50 on May 31, and $55 the day of the race. To register, visit bit.ly/ATLPRIDE-23-RACE.
For more information on the Atlanta Pride Run, visit atlantapriderun.org or contact the Pride Run committee at info@atlantapriderun.org.