It was a damp morning in Toronto as the city celebrated its annual Pride & Remembrance Run on Saturday, celebrating the city’s vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ community, but the weather did nothing to dampen spirits. Participants could choose from a 5K run, a 3K walk or a kids’ run, and participants made their way along Wellesley St. and around Queen’s Park Crescent while DJs spun tunes and participants showed off their Pride finery. After the event, the party continued in Barbara Hall Park.
The city’s mayor, Olivia Chow, always an enthusiastic supporter, also got in on the racing action Saturday.
5K race podiums
Jack Gregory of Napanee, Ont., captured the win in a speedy 15:27, and shared the podium with Romain Carrette of Toronto in second place, in 15:48 and Duncan Cooper, also of Toronto, in 16:30. In the women’s race, it was Rachel Bowick of Toronto taking the win, in 17:38, with Kathleen Lawrence, also of Toronto, finishing second in 17:59 and Erin Gregory of Napanee third, with 18:50 on the clock.
Non-binary results
Zoey Kapusinski of Etobicoke, Ont., was the fastest runner in the non-binary category, breaking the tape in 20:09; in second place was John Lee of Toronto in 22:09, and Hanqing Yang of Toronto was third, in 22:58.
Building on last year’s powerful theme, “Remember Your Why,” this year’s Pride Run celebrates the incredible contributions of BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, while highlighting the ongoing fight against inequality. With enthusiastic support from participants and sponsors, the run triumphantly raised over $300,000, benefiting five amazing charities: AndThenIWasFree, Durham Alliance Outreach, Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, Rainbow Faith and Freedom and The Pride and Remembrance Foundation. These funds are crucial for continuing the advocacy for equality, inclusion and unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
For full results of the 2024 Pride & Remembrance Run, head here.
