8 Charity Races to Run in June (Including 5 Pride Races)
With the latest positive pandemic news, you can celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with virtual and in-person race options, plus other fantastic charity races kicking off this summer.
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Summer is just about here and there is celebration in the air. If you’re itching to get out and get moving, there’s no better way to do it than by logging some meaningful miles. We’ve rounded up a list of virtual and in-person pride races (plus some other great charity runs) to lace up for in June that are fun, challenging, and do a bit of good as well.
Pride Races with a Purpose
While this is not an exhaustive list of all the Pride running events going on across the country, these are some of the biggest and most accessible (and definitely worth checking out).
Love Runs the World 5K/10K/Half
Jump into this virtual race any time in June to support the three listed charity partners: The Legacy Project Chicago (an organization that aims to collect and preserve the contributions of LGBTQ people to world history and culture), Outfront Minnesota (an organization that advocates for equal rights in the state of Minnesota), and the San Francisco LGBT Center (a resource center for local LGBTQ people looking for opportunities and connection).
The Pride Run
Pick a 5K or 10K Pride Run that’s happening near you with this multi-city event. The Pride Run partners with multiple charities and gives runners the opportunity to choose where their funds will go when they sign up. “From assisting homeless gay and transgender youth and young adults, to providing services and funding for those affected by HIV/AIDS, this run is another great way to gather more resources for local organizations that are helping those in need,” as is stated on the website.
2021 Atlanta Pride Run 5K
Atlanta has a large running community and is also known to have a robust LGBTQ community, so the 31st annual Atlanta Pride Run is not going to disappoint. Not in the area or just not sure about being in crowds yet? There’s a virtual option, too. Joining Hearts Atlanta, an organization that raises awareness and funds to support people in Atlanta impacted by HIV/AIDS, is the beneficiary of this charity run.
Nikki Hiltz’s Pride 5K
Who says Pride has to end in June? This Pride race, organized by Adidas pro runner Nikki Hiltz, isn’t technically until July, but registration is open and the hype is turned up. Like last year’s race, registration also includes a training plan and all proceeds will go to The Trevor Project.
Other Charity Runs to Support in June
ERace Racism
Black Girls RUN! and Brooks Running are hosting this virtual event for the entire month of June. Pick your race distance (50, 100, or 200 miles) and you’ll be virtually led through the path of the historic Journey of Reconciliation on an interactive map. A portion of all registrations go to Black Girls RUN! to support their goal of encouraging and motivating Black women to make healthy living a priority.
4 Miles 4 Water
Hosted by the organization Drink Local. Drink Tap., they ask participants to consider: “As we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19, take a moment to consider how you and your family would be impacted if you didn’t have access to safe water.” The 10-day challenge starts June 26, asking runners to log 4 miles every day through July 5. Money from the challenge will go towards supporting their projects that provide clean water access to people in east Africa.
Harlem Run Festival
The Harlem Run Festival will kick off virtually on June 13 and carry on through June 20. During that week runners will complete either a one mile race or 5K. Proceeds will go to Take Care of Harlem, a social movement that promotes community service in Harlem, and Uptown Grand Central, a nonprofit that supports and enriches life in East Harlem.