CEO
Eric Carlyle, SDLT • eric@competenetwork.com
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Trayer Martinez, SDLT • trayer@competenetwork.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Connie Wardman, SDLT • connie@competenetwork.com
All mail: PO Box 2756 Scottsdale, AZ 85252
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All Rights Reserved
PRIDE RUN PHOENIX’S BOARD WELCOMES YOU to the 24th Annual Pride Run Phoenix run, walk and wheel, offering you Half Marathon, 10K and 5K courses taking you through the Melrose District in midtown, one of the most vibrant, colorful neighborhoods in Phoenix. You’re also sure to enjoy this year’s fun exhibitors, entertainment and the beer garden sponsored by North Mountain Brewery and Stacy’s @ Melrose.
At Pride Run Phoenix we aim to foster an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equality/Equity and Acceptance – that welcomes people of all backgrounds. We believe this uniquely positive environment is key to creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. Our volunteers, partners, exhibitors, entertainers, participants, friends and family of participants as well as spectators are all part of this special atmosphere. With this combined enthusiasm and support, we can create a fun and exciting annual event.
Last year’s event was truly special and we are grateful for our amazing hosts at Stacy’s @ Melrose for providing the perfect setting, ensuring all guests had an experience to remember – we’re ready for 2023! We can’t wait to bring people together in an enjoyable atmosphere, full of fun activities, delicious food and great entertainment. So join us at Stacy’s at Melrose for a morning filled with joy and celebration!
We’re looking forward to watching the runners, walkers and wheelers alike as they complete their journeys and cross the finish line this year. We’ll be rooting for each of you, handing you an awesome finisher medal and providing you with finisher refreshments from our partner, Fry’s Food Stores.
We’ll have portable toilets, water and energy drinks stocked up along the course routes and medical assistance provided by our partner, Paramedics Unlimited. And for our half marathoners, energy gels will be supplied by our partner, Sole Sports.
All race participants and their friends and family as well as spectators receive free admission into the Pride Run Phoenix Celebration Party and Health & Wellness Expo Party from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on race day. Race participants 21 years and older will also be treated to a complimentary beer by our sponsor, North Mountain Brewing.
Please help us thank all our race crew volunteers and our partners by using and promoting their products and services whenever possible. Pride Run Phoenix would not exist without their invaluable contributions!
We also want to thank all of you – race participants, your friends and family who are here to support you and all the other spectators. We’re humbled to have the privilege of producing Pride Run Phoenix for you year-after-year.
We’ll see you at the finish line!
DAN SHABRA Race Director
Pride Run Phoenix is the Best!
By Connie Wardman, M.A., SDLT (she|her)IF YOU’VE BEEN A PARTICIPANT in a past Pride Run Phoenix, then you recognize just how true it is when I say that they’re the best. And if this is your first time, you’re about to find out.
This is such a fun event! Some people come dressed in regular running gear while others are in various colorful costumes. As you read the letter from Race Director Dan Shabra, you’ll see that it’s based on an IDEA of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality/Equity and Acceptance for everyone – and what an inspirational idea this is!
While a Pride event generally celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, the idea behind this IDEA means that everyone belongs and is welcome. In this new age of social media and random attacks, when people rarely come together anymore, this event really celebrates the entire community – it gives Pride Run Phoenix a special bonding atmosphere that’s rarely seen – or felt – at a sporting event.
The course takes you through the Melrose District in midtown Phoenix, one of the city’s most lively, even quirky neighborhoods. Known as the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, aka the “gayborhood,” it’s filled with unique shops, some interesting mid-century architecture, spectacular wall murals and a variety of restaurants and bars, especially Stacy’s @ Melrose, your host.
So be sure you plan to stick around and enjoy the food, entertainment, exhibitors and the beer garden with its fun atmosphere and unique Melrose vibe following the Pride Run race. Whether you’re coming to work on your personal best run time or your personal best fun time, enjoy all your time in Phoenix this year and know that you’re already welcomed back for next year!
The mission of the Compete Sports Diversity Council is to “Unite the World Through Sports,” making it the perfect complement to this event. We’re so pleased to put this guide together for your enjoyment. Whether your goal is to cross the finish line in your personal best or to push yourself to race for the first time, we’re thrilled you’re pushing yourself to COMPETE … and to celebrate the IDEA of community while doing it!
Celebrating Generations of Pride
AARP believes in celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community across all generations. That’s why we offer tools, programs and services to help you get the most out of your fabulous life. We all want to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. AARP is committed to creating a new vision of aging for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies—one focused on equity and inclusion and complete with diverse experiences, powerful stories, and innovative ways for everyone to pursue their passions—joyfully, openly and proudly! AARP Arizona is honored to sponsor the Compete Sports Diversity PRIDE RUN. We thrive when we all come together.
Get to know us at aarp.org/pride
SPECIAL THANKS
Visit ValleywiseHealth.org or call 1-833-855-9973 to make an appointment.
SPONSOR DIRECTORY
Melrose Pharmacy | melrosepharmacy.com
Messina Renovations | messina-renovations.com
Lotion & Potion
Kitty Pause Cafe | kittypausecafe.com
3 Sheilas | 3sheilasaz.com
Valleywise Health | valleywisehealth.org
BHIS | biltmorehealthinsurancesolutions.com
Mulligan’s Manor | mulligansmanor.com
Conklin & Chemist | conklinandchemist.com
Desert Car Care | desertcarcare.com
AARP | states.aarp.org/arizona
CanCommunity | cancommunityhealth.org
AsapIV’s | asapivs.com
