Gay Games in Paris: Connecting with Athletes From Around the World

(Thanks to Kai Scott for sharing this account of his experience at the Paris Gay Games this year!)

The Gay Games were a truly profound experience that took place against the backdrop of historic landmarks in the sweltering heat of Paris. Around 10,000 participants took over the area in and around the Hôtel de Ville (aka city hall) and many surrounding stadiums, fields, and pools for one week. The feel was celebratory filled with excitement, pride, and reflection (especially the athletic pioneers that paved the way for us and those we have lost too soon). Besides athletic events of all types, there were nightly performances and parties. The local Parisian gay bars overflowed with thousands in the streets late into the night with old and new friends connecting and sharing their recent athletic accomplishments or what being queer is like in their countries.

I ran the 10K and the half marathon with hundreds of members from other Frontrunner clubs. It was the perfect blend of social and competitive. The 10K took place in a forest next to a castle (Chateau de Vincennes) and I coasted to a comfortable 42m finish. The half marathon was a week later within earshot of the L’Arc de Triomph. I was happy to surpass my training goal and ran a 1h 32m half marathon, which was nowhere near the top contenders in my division (1h 24m). I found it interesting that the French serve cubes of sugar and coca cola as part of the post-race spread – I guess that’s one way to refuel ;). Of course, I immediately located other Canadian runners, including friendly folks from Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa. In the evening, there was a gathering of Frontrunner members at a local Parisian bar. It was fun to make friends and compare notes with others clubs in Asia, Australia, South America, and North America.

Beyond running, I cheered on our local soccer team, coached by Nico Montagut, who competed against teams from England, Germany, France, and United States. I also enjoyed watching water polo, tennis, and track and field. It was inspiring to see others excel at their sport of choice. A great reminder that us queers are represented in all sports.

The next Gay Games are in 2022 in Hong Kong, so a good time to start training and planning your trip. It would be awesome to send a team of Vancouver Frontrunners at the next games. It’s an experience not to be missed.

That’s a wrap…

In case you weren’t able to make it, Pride Run & Walk 2018, held yesterday on July 22nd was another major successful year.

Mother nature made up for last year’s rain with clear skies and hot temperatures as 348 proud runners and walkers hit the sea wall pavement brighter than ever.

An army of volunteers helped make the park and course look amazing with an endless sea of smiles and rainbows and with the only glitch of the day being a faulty start line arch which was quickly remediated thanks to the creative minds of Christopher and Stephen.

Awards and Prizes were handed out to the top 3 finishers in 3 gender categories for 2 events (5km and 10km), as well as 14 door prizes were gifted.

Team ‘Which way to Fountainhead’ cleaned up with prizes for being the top fundraising team with $5,130 and the crowd cheered for them to take home prizing for best dressed.

$9,750 were received in direct donations to our two beneficiaries, Out in Schools and LOUD Foundation. This total doesn’t include the profits made from the event, which we’ll know in the next few weeks as final bills/invoices are paid. UPDATE: With profits, we donated a grand total of $16,974!

Race results are available at https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2018/pride and thanks to Kangsoon Park, photos are available here.

The board of VFR would like to thank the organizing committee for their tireless efforts in executing a smooth and fun event. Those include:

  • Rohan Hare – Event
  • Kangsoon Park – Course
  • Mike Hsiao – Volunteer (on behalf of RaceForce)
  • Alan Jay – Water Station and Miscellaneous.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated this year, may it be as a participant, offering a helping hand, raising/donating money… all of it. Your continued support of Pride Run & Walk is immensely appreciated.

The Important Stuff

  • Few Days Remain
  • Race Package Pickup (Location Change!)
  • Race Day
  • The Course
  • Finish Line
  • Race Results
  • Awards and Prizes
  • Pride Sports Day
  • Fundraising

Few Days Remain

Pride Run & Walk is THIS Sunday. Are you as excited as us? Have you decided on a super fun and colourful costume or outfit?

We have lots to cover, so we’ll try to be as brief as possible.

Race Package Pickup

  • LOCATION has changed from last year.
    There are two locations in which you can collect your bibs and goodies
  • Forerunners – Main St
    3889 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5V3P1
    Click for Google MapsFriday July 20th – 2:00pm – 7:00pm
    Saturday July 21st – 10:30am – 4:00pm
  • Event Day – VFR Booth
    Sunday July 22nd – Near the start line at the VFR Booth
  • Yes, team captains can collect on behalf of their team. They just need the first and last name used during registration.
  • Those who visit us in store will receive a free water bottle, donated by Forerunners. You must be present to collect the water bottle.
  • We have a limited number of Pride Run & Walk 2018 branded New Balance technical t-shirts available for purchase. You can try these on for correct sizing before you buy. First come, first served.
  • Visitors will also receive a $20 gift card on $75+ purchases. *Some conditions apply.

Race Day

  • Where: Second Beach Park
  • When: Sunday July 22nd – 8:30am
  • Aim to arrive between 8:00 – 8:20am, giving yourself ample time to arrive.
  • Visit our Getting There page if you’re unsure how
    • Parking directly adjacent to the park is unavailable
  • Bag check and bike valet services are provided by Out in Schools and available by donation
  • Welcoming ceremony and opening remarks commence at 8:30am
  • Gun time for 10km runners is 9:00am
  • Gun time for 5km runners/walkers is 9:05am

The Course

  • We start and end at the same location in Second Beach Park.
  • Remember to use sunscreen and stay hydrated. It’s going to be warm
  • The course is an out-and-back design with two turn around points. One at 2.5 km for the 5km participants, and one at the 5km marker for the 10km runners.
    You come back the exact same way.
  • The disco water station will be placed just before the second turnaround point. There will be glitter, hair spray, fun jewellery and other cool stuff for you to collect. Catch your breath as you get your glam on.
  • We have an army of course marshals on the look out for your safety and can be easily identified with large balloon arrangements.
  • St John’s Ambulance will be in attendance looking out for you. If you find anyone who needs assistance, please find the nearest volunteer who can contact race organisers.

Finish Line

  • When you cross the finish line, collect your finisher’s pin and bracelet and move on to the food tent
  • We will have plenty of water and delicious post run nutrition to help quench your appetite.
  • Take this time to explore the park and visit all of the vendors who will have instalments and interactions for you.
  • If you fancy yourself an adult beverage, the beer garden will open after the run. This is a 19+ area and you will need government issued ID to get in.
  • Finishing announcements, awards and prizes will commence at 10:30 am.

Race Results

Race results provided by Startline Timing will be posted live and online
https://www.startlinetiming.com/en/races/2018/pride

Awards and Prizes

  • Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:
    • 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of the 3 gender categories for both 5km and 10km events
    • Fastest 5km team (using fastest 5 people)
    • Fastest 10km team (using fastest 5 people)
    • Best dressed individual
    • Best dressed team
    • Door prizes

So even if you’re not the fastest, there’s a chance at taking something home.

Pride Sports Day

We’re not kidding when we say Pride Run & Walk is just the beginning. Pride Sports Day kicks off at 11:00am and runs until 5:00pm.

  • Beer garden opens immediately following Pride Run & Walk
  • Food trucks will line the park
  • Interactions from Canucks, Whitecaps and BC Lions
  • Groove with Dance in Transit
  • Toss a frisbee with the Rain City Ultimate Club
  • Perfect your pose with YYOGA
  • Live Performances

and so much more!

With 26 degrees in the forecast, what a perfect way to spend the day outdoors.

Fundraising

It’s not too late to seek donations and pledges. This is a charity event after all.

Online donations can be made until midnight, Sunday July 22nd.
Even after online registrations close!

We understand there’s donor fatigue out there. There’s so many amazing charities who do great work and need those hard earned dollars, but even putting out one last call can help make a big difference.

Click here to make a donation or click here to seek pledges.

That’s It From Us

That’s it from us! If you still have any questions about package pickup or event day, please visit our site as there’s tonnes of information available. If your question is still unanswered, please email us as priderun@vancouverfrontrunners.org.

Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed.