NY1.com reported on the 35th LGBT Pride Run that was held in Central Park early this morning. More than 5000 people took part in the 5-mile trek through the park.. This race was held ahead of Sunday's gigantic march in lower Manhattan. Participants then were able to enjoy a post-race festival with an awards ceremony and raffle prizes.
Runners NY1 spoke with described the significance of participating this year, less than two weeks after 49 people were killed at a gay nightclub in Orlando. "At the beginning of the race, when I heard the national anthem, I was crying, just like feeling that this is such a good moment for us," one runner said. "But at the same time we're not celebrating. We have in our mind what happened in Orlando."
Some proceeds from Saturday's race are slated to go to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, which works to assure students are comfortable in their academic environments, regardless of sexual or gender orientation.
The city's annual Pride March kicks off at noon tomorrow, Sunday. To read the article in its entirety, as well as seeing video, click here.