Lace up your running shoes and get ready for Houston’s first LGBT 10K run on September 24. This will be the first Gay 10K in Houston and will also feature a 5k and Kids K for those who are looking for something a little more mellow. 

The race begins at Fish Plaza and runs along Memorial Drive to Studemont, then finishes back up at Fish Plaza. Individuals running the 10K will have to repeat this course twice. 

“Being a runner, I have always participated in races for different causes,” says Stephanie Warren, Founder of the Gay 10K. “I realized we didn't have a run here in Houston that focuses on celebrating and raising funds to support the greater Houston area LGBT community. We are very proud to be able to give back to the community, specifically, we want to have this run so we can stand up for what we believe and for who we are."

Even though this is the first year for the Gay 10K, Warren and co-founder Donna Early have high hopes to expand to other cities and make this an annual run in Houston. 

“This is not just for the LGBT community, but for those that support the community,” said Early. “We want it to be all inclusive.”

Runners are also encouraged to participate in the Charity Challenge. Participants can raise money for a charity of their choice and support the dozens of nonprofits that benefit the community. In addition to the money raised by themselves, prize donations will be awarded to the highest fundraisers charities as shown below:

1st Place Fundraiser ........................... $700
2nd Place Fundraiser ........................... $500
3rd Place Fundraiser ........................... $250
4th Place Fundraiser ........................... $125
5th Place Fundraiser ........................... $125
6th Place Fundraiser ........................... $75
7th Place Fundraiser ........................... $75
8th Place Fundraiser ........................... $50
9th Place Fundraiser ........................... $50
10th Place Fundraiser ........................... $50

If you’re not a runner or need an incentive to keep those legs moving, the Olympic Men’s Gymnastic Team will be waiting at the finish line. Just kidding, we wish. However, there will be sponsors with booths, a DJ, and drinks from Identity Tequila, Saint Arnold’s and Deep Eddy Vodka. 

In addition to supporting local charities, in June, $10 of the registration fee went to help victims of the Orlando shooting tragedy. 

The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. for 10K runners and 8 a.m. for 5K runners. The cost to enter is $50 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K. For more information and to sign up, visit their website