July 13th 2024,

day 3 of 11 of the Pride London Festival,

Springbank Gardens Community Centre saw itself a beautiful clear sunny Saturday with crowds of people wearing all colours of the rainbow.

All gathered together to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and community.

At 8:00 in the morning, participants started to trickle in.

Donning colourful costumes/uniforms and sports wear, participants were greeting one another, some of which haven’t seen each other since last year’s run.

It was clear that this was more than just a run – it was a celebration of community and connection.

Approaching the start time, Original Founder of The Run, Barry Smith, took his podium to address everyone. Introducing the sponsors, thanking all of the businesses that supported the event, and mentioning the $3,750 raised for Rainbow Railroad by donors and participants.

Following this, Drew, introduced yoga teacher Ana Liz to the stage to lead everyone in the pre-race stretches.

For those who want a brief history lesson on Pride London, the organizers of Run With Pride and ultimately the Pride London Festival,

HALO, an established institution in London's queer scene, had hosted its share of events and gatherings over the decades.

When the venue closed its doors in the early 2000s, it left a void in the community. But from the ashes of a communal lost, a new initiative emerged.

In 2003, 7 individuals came together to form the Pride London Festival, a platform for the LGBT2QSIA communities to come together, celebrate, and advocate for their rights.

Today, Pride London Festival continues to serve the community, providing a much-needed space for connection, expression, and activism. Being a testament to the power of community and resilience in the face of change.

8:57am, according to my camera's clock;

With the whistle blown...

Okay okay it wasn’t a whistle, it was the gentleman from Chiptime Results, also provider of the race bibs, yelling “start running..."

The 10km race officially begun.

As runners hit their stride, the sounds of music and cheers echoed through the park.

After the initial rush, the crowd had thinned out with the social runners hanging out at the back with their animal sidekicks.

Following the start of the 10km, the 5km runners got ready and begun their own leg.

And following them, the 3km walkers.

Upon finishing their course, runners were delighted with non-alcoholic beer, bananas and chips. Which this photographer may or may not have indulged in.

It was a moment to relax and recharge with fellow runners and friends.

For the more involved runners, there was a Brooks Running tent that people could try on some shoes and get expert fitment advice.

With all of the runners past the finish line (congratulations to each and every one of them), it was time for Brooks Running and Designated Drinks to present the awards for the top 3 placing runners in the Men's, Women's and Non-binary categories for the 5km and 10km runs.

With Day 3 of the Pride London Festival halfway done, Run With Pride continues to be an enjoyable event that celebrates the beauty of diversity and inclusivity. With its vibrant atmosphere and inspiring stories, it was an experience that will be remembered for years to come.

If you wish to learn more about the Pride London and join the festivities of this year’s Pride London Festival, you can check them out at the following links:

Website: https://www.pridelondon.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrideLondonFestival/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideldnfest