Housing Works has been named the beneficiary for the 45th annual Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run 4M. The event, which is hosted by Front Runners New York and the non-profit New York Road Runners (NYRR), will take place on June 27, 2026, in Central Park, NY.
The four-mile race serves as a kick-off for Pride Weekend in New York City. Since its start in 1982, the event has raised more than US$300,000 for LGBTQ+ non-profits, establishing itself as the largest pride charity run internationally.
Housing Works was founded in 1990 and provides healthcare, housing, and justice initiatives for vulnerable New Yorkers. To support the partnership, a team of over 20 board members, staff, and clients will participate in the race under the theme ‘Hearts in Motion: United in Every Stride’.
While the general entry for the race is sold out, charity bibs remain available. Runners can apply to raise US$500 in support of Housing Works to receive entry into the event.
Matthew Bernardo, President of Housing Works, said “We deeply appreciate Front Runners New York in helping us with our fundraising efforts. In the early days, our evidence-based advocacy often met political resistance, making traditional donors hesitant to support our life-saving HIV/AIDS work.
“Nearly 40 years into the AIDS epidemic, we continue to face budget cuts and limited capital as government administrations shift. However, the urgency of this fight drives us to innovate. Housing Works is proof that non-profits can create real, measurable impact for those who need it most.”
J Solle, 2026 Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run 4M Director, said “The Pride Run has always been a showing of the strength of our community. Supporting Housing Works this year feels especially meaningful at a time when unity is most needed. Together, every step adds to our shared momentum to support the incredible, lifesaving work that Housing Works provides to our community.”
The event starts at 08:00 EDT on June 27, 2026. New York Road Runners, which produces more than 60 races each year including the TCS New York City Marathon, will oversee race operations in Central Park alongside Front Runners New York.
Ryan Hallett, President of Front Runners New York, said “When this race began 45 years ago, many of our members faced risks just by signing up to run openly. Today, standing with thousands of runners who sold out this event in hours, we see how far we’ve come.
“But progress requires constant action. By partnering with Housing Works, we are honoring our history of activism and ensuring that our strides in Central Park support lifesaving housing and healthcare for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO, added “For more than 40 years, New York Road Runners has teamed up with Front Runners New York to host the LGBTQ+ Pride Run in celebration of this incredible community. Now a marquee event during Pride weekend in New York City, we’re excited to unite the running community once again and help raise awareness and funds for Housing Works’s critical work.”
www.frny.org/pride-run
www.housingworks.org
www.frny.org
www.nyrr.org
