A record-breaking Pride Run backed by rail operator Lumo got Newcastle Pride celebrations under way in style at the weekend, with Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes firing the starting gun before joining hundreds of runners on the course herself.
A total of 450 participants took part in the sold-out 5K Pride Run in Leazes Park, making it the largest event of its kind in Newcastle since before the pandemic. Organised by LGBTQ+ community running club Newcastle Frontrunners (NFR) and sponsored by train company Lumo, the event helped launch a Pride weekend that attracted an estimated 80,000 people across the city.
After officially starting the race, the double Olympic gold medallist took part herself, running alongside participants who turned out in colourful outfits to celebrate Pride, visibility and community.
Speaking about the event, Holmes highlighted the importance of bringing LGBTQ+ people and allies together. "The Pride Run is more than running - it's about community, freedom and moving forward together.
"That's what makes a Pride Run so special. It brings LGBTQ+ people, friends, families and allies together to celebrate who we are, support one another and share the joy of being active and visible.
"Pride is about being proud of exactly who you are, and there's something incredibly powerful about running side by side with a community that celebrates you for it."
Organisers hailed the event as the most successful Pride Run in its history, with tickets selling out for the first time since the pandemic.
Andrew Melville, of Newcastle Frontrunners, said: "This has been the best 5K Pride Run in the history of the event. We sold out of tickets for the first time since the pandemic, which is brilliant."
Melville said Holmes' involvement carried particular significance for participants. "It was fantastic to have double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes start the race.
"She is a major person within the LGBTQ+ community. She's served in the armed forces, she's faced discrimination, and all while maintaining an incredible Olympic career."
The event also featured a Junior Pride Run, with more than 60 young people taking part before the main race. Entertainment throughout the evening included performances from drag queen Miss Gloria Love, singing group Heaton Jukebox, Northern Proud Voices and the Metrognomes, while 2024 Mr Gay GB winner Andrew Gardiner led warm-up activities for runners before the start.
This year's event was deliberately designed to be bigger and more visible than ever, organisers said, amid growing concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Melville added: "It's been a difficult time for the LGBTQ+ community. There has been a lot of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans sentiment, and for that reason we wanted to make this year's 5K event bigger and brighter than ever.
"There may be grey clouds, but we're not going anywhere. It's never been as important for us to shine brightly."
The race formed part of a wider Newcastle Pride weekend that saw performances from Nadine Coyle, Katy B, Bimini and Danny Beard in Times Square.
Lumo's support extended beyond the run itself. The rail operator, which now partners with Pride events in Newcastle, Gateshead, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling, also donated £1,000 to Pride Radio, which streamed live content from Newcastle Pride across the UK and internationally.
In addition, Lumo worked with Ocean Outdoor to showcase LGBTQ+ organisations on digital advertising screens across Newcastle, following the launch of a specially branded train featuring LGBTQ+ groups supported by the company across England and Scotland.
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, said: "We're thrilled to support the 5K Pride Run and to play a part in such a joyful and inclusive event for Newcastle.
"At Lumo, we're passionate about connecting communities, and it's fantastic to see so many people coming together to celebrate Pride, diversity and everything that makes our region such a welcoming place."
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