Stride for Pride: A Race Built on Joy, Inclusion & Community

Hard to believe we’re only 18 days away from the very first Stride for Pride 5K & Relay. If you’ve never put on a race before, let me tell you – it’s a full-time job with endless unpaid overtime. (And if you’re a volunteer-run nonprofit with zero staff? Make that very unpaid.) Still, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

At the heart of this race is a team of incredible women who have built it from the ground up. While we’ve had help across the gender spectrum (shoutout to all our rad teammates) this event has been dreamed up, led, and brought to life by a powerhouse crew of strong, independent women. Girl power is alive and well on the Hare Bandits team.

And guess what?

It’s our first time putting on a race…and we’ve already made history.

We’re proud to share that more non-binary runners have registered under their correct gender category for Stride for Pride than at any other race in Charlotte’s history. For many, this will be the first time they’ve ever seen themselves recognized and affirmed on a race bib. That’s not just a detail. That’s a big deal.

What to Expect

On the morning of August 9th, runners will take their marks at McAlpine Creek Park, either solo or as part of a relay team. Yes, it’s a race, so there’ll be bananas, water, medals, and all the usual post-run goodies, but ask anyone who’s registered, and they’ll tell you: this is not your average run.

It’s a celebration. It’s a protest. It’s a meet-cute with your new favorite running friend. It’s a bold statement that queer joy belongs everywhere. Especially at a start line.

And while the race itself is the centerpiece, it’s just the beginning of the day’s celebration.

McAlpine will come alive with a queer-owned and small business vendor market, offering everything from books (thanks to Troubadour Booksellers), pre-loved clothes (from Thrift Pony), and handmade goods to coffee and baked treats. We’ll have a picnic area (bring your own lunch!) set up with full summer vibes, plus live entertainment from the Charlotte Pride Band, DJ Vanna Vanity, an aerial performance by Bloom Movement Artistry, and featured art by local queer artists.

The Vision

One of our biggest goals in creating Stride for Pride was to bridge the gap between runners and spectators. This is a race by runners for runners and we made sure it includes everything we’ve ever wanted in a race ourselves. Hydration? Covered. Fuel? Got it. A finisher medal and t-shirt that actually look cool? Yup. Age group awards? You bet. And we’ve got surprise awards too for those who give their all, even if they don’t top the leaderboard. Because every effort deserves recognition.

We also wanted to make sure spectators feel just as included. There’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not racing. Cheer on your people, browse the market, vibe to the music, soak in the community energy.

How You Can Give Back to Runners

We’re also running a clothing drive on race morning. We’ll be collecting gently used fall and winter running gear, shoes (less than 20 miles please!), and accessories to support runners who might not have access to the gear they need. Donations will be distributed at our free “shop day” this September. Because we think everyone belongs in a pair of running shoes and when we say “inclusion” we’re including everyone.

And then, after the final runner crosses the finish line, the medals are handed out, and the sweat starts to dry…we hang out. We picnic. We connect. Music plays. Someone starts dancing. Because this isn’t just a race. It’s a celebration of showing up exactly as you are.

So if you’ve been waiting for a race that makes you hold onto that runner’s high, this is it.

Come for the movement, stay for the community. You don’t have to be fast (but if you are, trust: we’ve got competition for you, big dog). You don’t even have to run. Just show up.

Because Stride for Pride is more than a race – it’s proof that joy moves us forward.