ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Runners, walkers and supporters filled Piedmont Park on Sunday for Pride Run ATL, a community-focused event celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, visibility and togetherness.
“I like to find causes to walk/jog for, not run just yet, but this is dear to my heart, I have friends, family, I have coworkers, just people in general who all should experience love,” said Koreena Atkins, who has been on a fitness journey in the last year.
Organizers say the run is designed to welcome participants of all levels — from competitive runners chasing a personal best to families and first-timers looking to show support and enjoy a morning in the park.
“This is basically a pride parade that happens to be 3.1 miles,” said Nick King, Pride Run ATL’s Director.
A morning of community and celebration Piedmont Park has long served as a gathering place for Atlanta’s biggest community events, and Pride Run ATL adds a fitness-forward kickoff to the day’s Pride energy.
“I have so many friends who identify in this community. Me as an ally, I just want to make sure I’m giving back any way I can,” said Johnathan Carey, with Union Fit Hub who led the warmup Sunday.
The largest pride run in the southeast was emceed by Atlanta News First’s very own Andy Pierrotti.
Shannon Sweat said he’s been running in this race for the last three years.
“Obviously show my pride, it’s a great month, it’s a great to have all these people out here, it’s a lot of fun,” said Sweat.
The event blends wellness with celebration, bringing people together for a shared start line and a shared message: everyone belongs.
King said this year’s theme is “Free To Be” and it’s all about being yourself.
All of the money raised goes towards LGBTQ+ organizations in the community, and King said this year, they’ve raised more money than ever before.
“Seeing people cross the finish line and it’s almost like this overwhelming sense of freedom to just be free to whoever they want to be,” said King.
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Atlanta hosts its final FIFA World Cup match today as England and Argentina face off in a highly anticipated semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
While thousands of fans are expected to pack the stadium in downtown Atlanta once again, local leaders say the tournament’s impact is already being felt far beyond the pitch.
Before the World Cup began, the Metro Atlanta Chamber projected the tournament could generate more than $503 million in economic activity across Georgia. An Emory University study also estimated Decatur’s month-long WatchFest could contribute up to $142 million to the local economy.
Officials across metro Atlanta are still compiling final attendance and economic data, but early signs point to a busy tournament.
Visitors from around the world have spent weeks exploring Atlanta attractions, dining at local restaurants and attending the FIFA Fan Festival.
“It’s better than I anticipated,” said one visitor from Lagos, Nigeria. “Everyone is super nice, very friendly. The energy is … I feel like I could bottle it. I don’t want it to end.”
The tournament has also created lasting memories for local families.
Former professional baseball player Paul Byrd attended the World Cup with his son, Colby, whose passion for soccer inspired the outing.
“First of all, I’m a baseball player,” Byrd said. “Put my son in left field, he’s talking to the rabbits. He said baseball’s boring. He loves soccer. That’s why we’re here. The World Cup in Atlanta, we’re showing out. It feels like a World Series for me.”
While today’s semifinal marks Atlanta’s final match of the tournament, local leaders say the World Cup’s full impact will take time to measure as communities continue calculating attendance, tourism, and business activity generated over the past several weeks.
England and Argentina kick off Wednesday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the winner advancing to the FIFA World Cup.
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