Stride for Pride 5K & Relay

Join us on Saturday, August 9, 2025, for the Stride for Pride 5K & Relay, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, health, wellness and inclusivity! This event serves as an unofficial kickoff to Charlotte Pride, taking place the weekend before, and is open to participants of all fitness levels. Whether you’re running, walking or cheering on your friends and family, we’ll celebrate together with pride. We will have queer owned businesses and vendors, music and more!

Our Goal:
To celebrate inclusivity, empower the LGBTQIA+ community, and promote health and wellness. This event is not only about running but about creating visibility and creating spaces where everyone can feel safe, supported and celebrated. Let's come together and amplify the conversation around inclusivity, pride and community.

Post-Race Celebration
After the race, join us for a Post-Race Celebration! We’ll have music, vendor booths, community activities, and a chance to mingle with fellow runners. We encourage participants to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day with friends and family.

Clothing Drive:
From 8-10am race day we will have a booth set up to collect running clothing & gear donations that will be distributed to runners who need it at our open shop day on September 25th (more info will be shared on our Instagram @harebandits in collaboration with @clt.running_realtor.wes

Donation Guidelines:
Emphasis on FALL/WINTER running clothes to get ready for the upcoming season change.

*no race shirts (branded from races)
*shoes need to be new or less than 20 miles of use (must look new!)
*running sunglasses, vests, fuel belts, watches & other accessories are great! (nothing race branded)
*clothes must be current styles, like new or gently used


Vendors:
- Solandisia: wire wrapped gemstone jewelry, accessories & decor Etsy Shop
- Glitter&Glue.Co: jewelry, crochet goods, hair accessories, paintings, charms Instagram
- Livewell Animal Hospital of Elizabeth: dog & cat leashes, toys, treats & coupons for vet clinic Website
- The Backyard Market: handmade art prints, crotchet bags, wearables, fidgets, flash sheet prints @casket.base222 @gunclegrannycrochet
- DonDonCreationz: jewelry & accessories Instagram
- Covert: thc & cbd goodies Website
- Brightest Arts: art prints, bookmarks @art_bright
- That's Novel Books: books & bookish items Website
- Golden Hour Sweets: macarons, brownies, mini loaf cakes @goldenhour.sweets
- Moon Massage Therapy: massage @moonmassagetherapyclt
- Fight the Flame: info about one of our favorite races Website
- Pertinacious Coffee: coffee of course! Website
- Crown Collective: info on CC races including ATC @crowncollective.run
- ModernMind Counseling: mental health counseling Website
- Troubadour Booksellers: books :) Website
- Hattie's & Room Service: bar games @roomserviceclt @hattiesclt
- The Jade Rabbit: hair accessories (butterfly clips, ribbons) & haircut coupons Website
- Run for Your Life: running clothes, shoes & gear Website
- Trader Joe's: snacks & water Website
- QCPT Physical Therapy: physical therapy Website
- Island City Massage: massage Website
- Q Fitness & Wellness: info about their gym Website
- Time Out Youth: info about their youth center Website
- Hare Bandits: info on open season, hats & merch Website


Performances/Music:
- Bloom Movement Artistry: aerial performance
- Charlotte Pride Band: musical performance
- Vanna Vanity: DJ Drag Queen

Photography:
Free race photos for all runners from @unknownvison & @cltnativeagain!

Awards & Prizes
Finisher Medals for all 5K Relay and 5K participants!

Top 3 Male, Female, and Non-Binary finishers in the 5K will receive awards in the following age divisions:
Overall, 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

Top 3 Male, Female, and Open Gender teams in the 5K Relay will receive awards.
 Relay Divisions: Overall Top 3

Additional surprise awards that having nothing to do with how fast you run!

Registration Policies
Event is rain or shine!
There are NO refunds for this race if you did not purchase the Race Insurance. 
Race Management reserves the right to cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions
Registration fees are not refundable in the event of cancellation due to extreme weather conditions or other unsafe conditions.

Visit our FAQ, Packet Pickup, Course, & About Hare Bandits, pages below for everything else you need to know!

Sponsors:
Partner with us and help make this event impactful. Contact us to become a sponsor and join us in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

Contact Information
For any event-related inquiries or assistance, please contact:
Name: Kaylen Hagadorn, Race Director

Email: info@harebandits.org ATTN: Kaylen