WASHINGTON — Hundreds of runners kicked off Pride weekend in the District on Friday, with a 5K race.
They ran a little more than three miles through Congressional Cemetery in Southeast for the 12th annual D.C. Pride Run.
"We're just so excited to be here. We have people out here with rainbows and boas and tutus," said Joshua Yankovic, the race director.
"We strive first and foremost to have a fun, inclusive, and diverse event. Everyone comes out on a Friday night to get their running start to Pride weekend," said Yankovic.
Yankovic has proclaimed D.C.'s Pride 5K the most fun race one can participate in.
"My favorite part is the very very beginning, where everyone gets super excited," he said, "what's great about this race is everyone is just here to have a good time".
He says by participating, you're also supporting a good cause.
"All of our proceeds go to local underserved youth in the community mostly we deal with trans and homeless youth," said Yankovic.
The race was held inside the Congressional Cemetery, which isn't a typical place to hold a race, but in this case it held a special meaning.
"We're actually in an area that's affectionately known as gay corner. That's because most of the people buried here are gay or LGBTQ+ and they have chosen to be buried here in solidarity with the man over there under the tree, Leonard Matlovich," explained A.J. Orlikoff, the Congressional Cemetery Director of Programming.
"Leonard Matlovich is right behind us. He was a gay veteran who fought for rights before gay rights were even a thing," added Yankovic.
"His activism lead to the passing of Don't Ask, Don't Tell eventually and it's repeal in 2011. So he started that movement for gay veterans in the military," added Orlikoff.
In the crowd, a number of run clubs, like Pacers Running.
"We've been around for 30 plus years. We support every run club, we just want you to get out and run," said Kathy Dalby, the CEO.
"Pride is a moment in D.C., and it's just so exciting and we just feel running is a way to bring people together," said Dalby.
WUSA9 also caught up with a family from Northeast, who were rocking rainbow flags.
"Pride is really important to our family and part of who we are," they told WUSA9.
Audrey, Will and their two kids, Nina and Rory were excited to be at their first Pride run.
"Because I have queer kids I feel it's really important to show up and support them," said Will.
The family told WUSA9 they wore rainbow not only to show support for their own kids, but for other kids.
"For kids who might not have that [support] with their family, [we want them] to know that there are people who love them just as they are and support them just as they are," they told WUSA9.