The eagerly anticipated Santa Speedo Run Northalsted is back Saturday, December 2, 2023, promising a day filled with laughter and goodwill. The annual event will kick off at noon, with an entertaining afternoon of festivities that culminate in a fun 1-Mile run for a great cause. All proceeds from this annual gathering will once again benefit Center on Halsted, a cornerstone of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. Originally conceived over a decade ago by the visionary duo of Karl Sponholtz and Jeffrey Colgan, this event began as a small gathering among friends. Today, it stands as one of Chicago's premier fun-runs, having raised an impressive $600,000 to bolster programs and services that uplift the Chicagoland LGBTQ+ community. Colgan and Sponholtz, the founders of the Santa Speedo Run Northalsted event, shared their sentiments about the event's growth, saying, "Santa Speedo Run Northalsted has been dear to our hearts since we created it. It has been so rewarding to watch it grow each year, raising vital funds to support the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland."Over 300 participants will gather at Sidetrack, located at 3349 N. Halsted, when doors open at noon before embarking on the charity run at 2 p.m. In total, more than 1,000 enthusiastic individuals will come together to cheer on participants donned in little more than swimsuits and creative holiday-themed outfits. Registration to join this festive occasion, whether as an individual or part of a team, opened on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. For complete information and to sign up, please visit the official website: http://www.santaspeedorun.centeronhalsted.org. Supporters are encouraged to contribute in advance on the website. Donations will also be accepted at Sidetrack on event day. Fundraising efforts continue
through December 31st. Last year's event, powered by the collective support of participants and donors, raised a record-breaking $117,000 for Center on Halsted.
The festivities don't conclude at the finish line! Join them for an unforgettable after-party at Sidetrack, featuring performances by renowned Chicago drag entertainers. The party promises a day of excitement with prizes, games, and an awards ceremony to honor top individual and team fundraisers. The revelry extends well into the evening as Sidetrack remains open until 3 a.m.
Sidetrack has been a welcoming haven for Chicago's LGBTQIA+ community and visitors worldwide for over four decades. Boasting acollection of spaces spanning eight storefronts and multiple levels, it can accommodate over 1,000 people at a time. Explore more about Sidetrack at http://www.sidetrackchicago.com. Center on Halsted stands as the Midwest's most comprehensive community center devoted to fostering community unity and securing the health and well-being of the Chicagoland LGBTQ+ population. Located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood, the center warmly welcomes over 1,000 community members daily. Discover more about their vital work at http://www.centeronhalsted.org.