In a powerful show of community and resilience, Front Runners New York and Lambda Legal are celebrating the success of the 2025 LGBT Pride Run, produced by nonprofit New York Road Runners, which raised a record-breaking $60,119 — the largest donation in the race’s history. The funds will directly support Lambda Legal’s nationwide work to defend and advance the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV.
The Pride Run, held annually in Central Park during Pride Month, brought together thousands of runners, allies, and supporters to celebrate visibility, inclusion, and equality. Celebrity runners such as Frankie Grande and Peloton Instructor Matty Maggiacomo joined the field this year, and as one of a growing number of races to offer a dedicated nonbinary category, the 2025 Pride Run further underscored our commitment to inclusion and visibility.
“In times when Lambda Legal is literally running toward the Supreme Court to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people, this incredible show of solidarity reminds us that we are not running alone. Every dollar raised fuels our shared fight for dignity, freedom, and equality,” said Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal.
“Our community runs with pride and with purpose,” said J Solle, 2025 Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run Director. “The record-breaking donation to Lambda Legal this year is a reflection of our members’ unwavering commitment to stand up — and run — for equality. We’re proud to know that the energy we bring to the course helps power Lambda Legal’s vital work in the courts.”
This year’s milestone comes at a pivotal moment, as Lambda Legal continues to fight for transgender youth and their families, including carrying a nationwide campaign all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend trans youth access to sports in West Virginia Board of Education v. B.P.J., where we represent a transgender teenage girl seeking only to join her teammates on her high school track and field team.
Since its founding in 1982, the LGBT Pride Run has been a joyful and enduring tradition of Pride Month in New York City — combining fitness, visibility, and advocacy. This year’s historic result underscores the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, even in challenging times.
“Together, we are running toward a future where freedom, equality, and love always win. We are deeply grateful to Front Runners New York for their continued support. This partnership is about bringing visibility to our community and our work,” said Andreas Schwarz, Director of Institutional Giving at Lambda Legal.
“Lambda Legal extends heartfelt thanks to Front Runners New York and every participant who made this achievement possible,” added Jennings of Lambda Legal.
Lambda Legal has been fighting for LGBTQ people and everyone living with HIV for more than 52 years. It is currently involved in six lawsuits challenging the unprecedented attack the Trump administration has launched against the LGBTQ+ community, confronting the administration’s efforts to kick transgender servicemembers out of the armed services, deny transgender and nonbinary people access to accurate identification documents, block access to safe, necessary, and often life-saving medical care for transgender youth and adults, cut funding for critical health research, and other attacks. Lambda Legal is also involved in dozens of other lawsuits nationwide.
Follow @LambdaLegal and @FrontRunnersNY for more updates–including getting updated on next year’s race!