Sat. June 29, 2019
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off Pride Weekend at the 38th annual Proud to Run on Saturday morning at Montrose Harbor.
Lightfoot, the city's first openly gay mayor, congratulated runners at the finish line, handing out medals and offering encouragement to participants.
Proud to Run 2019 Photos
"It's a glorious day and a glorious time to be here in Chicago," Lightfoot told the crowd. "I am so proud and humbled to be your mayor. I am especially proud to be here on Pride Weekend. We have so much to celebrate as a community.
"We can't give up the fight and think everything is fine because we've made significant strides," she continued. "There is work that continues to be done.
"I know this as a black lesbian, we must continue to fight against hate wherever it rears its ugly head and say 'not in our city' and 'not in these times', we will fight you with everything we have.
"So enjoy this beautiful day. Enjoy this great weekend and celebrate, but continue to fight on," she concluded.
More than 2,200 runners participated in the event this morning.
The annual race has a variety of distances, including a 5K, a 10K and a half marathon. This year, organizers introduced the "Rainbow Half Marathon".
The funds raised from the event go to support the LGBTQ community. More than $600,000 has been donated in the past few years to keep the community healthy, safe and strong.
Lightfoot will serve as the Honorary Grand Marshal for the 50th annual Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30.
Related: Everything you need to know for the 2019 Chicago Pride Parade
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