Why the Pride and Remembrance Run is one of the summer’s must-do races

Tomorrow, one of Toronto's most exciting races will go ahead taking runners on a tour of the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood.

The countdown is on. One of Toronto’s most high-energy races is set to run in less than 24 hours. As the city’s Pride festivities take over the schedules of many in Toronto and the surrounding area, the Pride and Remembrance Run is a top must-attend event for many.

It starts early on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the city’s Church and Wellesley neighbourhood. And no, you don’t have to be a seasoned runner: entrants can either do the 3K walk or the 5K run that takes runners from Church Street westward for a loop around Queens Park and back. 

RELATED: Record numbers at the third annual Edmonton Pride Run

“There’s a long history of the run in the city. It’s not just a race,” says race director Nathan Monk. The Pride festival is a major cultural festival in the country and with Pride marches, parades and events happening around the world, it’s important to note that Toronto’s Pride weekend is the largest of its kind in North America. Toronto’s celebrations in general celebrate and empower those in the LGBTQ community. In specific, the roots of Toronto’s Pride festivities go back to the 1981 bathhouse raids in which police stormed major bathhouse venues in the city and arrested 300 men– one of the largest mass arrests in the country. Protests developed as a result. 

The parade that happens on Church Street is likely the most recognized event of the festival. That is in its 37th year. The race has a 22-year history. That historical value is something that Monk places a huge about of importance on. He strives to uphold its reputation and continue to improve it. (This year, for example, it became Athletics Canada certified meaning that the distance has been measured and confirmed to be exactly what it says it is.)

The race is also one of the only running events to have a trans race category for participants. That’s something that Monk is quite proud of. “It’s important to recognize all beliefs and genders. The top priority is to create that inclusivity,” he says.

In Toronto, where city folk aren’t always in favour of races and the road closures that come with it, the Pride race gives residents a lot of excitement to look forward to. Earning the respect of the nearby community is something that matters to Monk. “We involve the community right from the beginning right from the notice that we deliver by hand,” he says. 

Not only that, but the Pride race is just a fun event whether you’re spectating, walking the course for the first time or racing. “The run has a reputation for having people who will dress up and have some fun. So it’s not all serious,” says Monk. Runners who are testing the legs on the course for the first time are encouraged to embrace the unique atmosphere that this event brings. 

About 1,600 will participate tomorrow with proceeds going to Fife House, The Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity, Casey House and the Pride and Remembrance Foundation. 

For Monk, it’s not just about organizing a 3K and 5K event. It’s about celebrating the LGBTQ and running communities. 

“This is my way of giving back to the sport and the community that I belong to,” he says. 

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