Glitter, Glitter Everywhere for LA LGBT Center’s Glitter Run

It was glitter, glitter everywhere for the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s inaugural Glitter Run on Sunday, August 20, in the heart of Hollywood. An estimated crowd of 2,000 participants gathered on the corner of Hollywood and Highland for the 5K run/walk that stretched along famous Hollywood landmarks.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center partnered with MZA Events, the organization that also produces the AIDS Walk. According to organizers the route was approximately 5-kilometers (or 3 miles) long. Participants encountered seven glitter stations along the route. Each station had a color from the Pride rainbow. Volunteers sprinkled non-toxic and washable glitter on participants as they went through the stations. The result was an explosion of sparkling smiling faces making their way to the finish line. The 5K ended at the LA LGBT Center on 1625 N. Schrader Boulevard, where participants were treated to an outdoor dance party.

“We are super excited that over 2,000 people registered to support the LA LGBT Center and run through all these glitter stations to show the world that diversity matters and that we like to have a lot of fun.” Sponsorship coordinator for MZA Events, Sam Borelli told WEHO TIMES. “It’s the first year and it was a big success. To get over 2,000 Angelinos out on a dance floor early on a Sunday morning is a big deal. Now we are going to dance all sparkly and glittery.”

Berelli says this will the first Glitter Run of many to come in the future. “The plan for MZA and The Center is to take this–not just here in Los Angeles–but potentially take this on the road.”

There is nothing gayer than running around in the streets covered in glitter, but the event did not bill itself as a gay event. It was open to everyone of all sexes, sexual orientations, sexual identities as well as ages, sizes, and all physical abilities.

“I loved it,” said participant Vanessa Arness. “I’m here to support my brother, his boyfriend and I love seeing everybody here.  I’m so proud of the community. I’m so glad we have this opportunity to share it with L.A.–especially during these times. It’s nice to come together and be united. It’s a really good feeling. I’m bringing more people with me next year.”

“I thought it was a blast,” said Barrett Crake who did the run with his boyfriend. “It was a cool way to support the LA LGBT Center and spread the message of equality. For being the first run, I thought it was really great. I thought their might be more bottle necks running through the glitter stations, but they did a good job of getting everyone through.”

Crake pointed out that the run was shorted than he thought. “It wasn’t quite a 5K,” he said. “It was only about two miles. I have my Apple watch. I ran some 5Ks to prepare, so I’d recommend they do it longer. We also didn’t run past the Capital Records building where my boyfriend works, like the run advertised. That would have been a cool photo-op. But I would definitely do it again..”

Crake gave WEHO TIMES permission to use this short, but fun video clip showing his Glitter Run experience.

Glitter Run was a celebration of diversity. Organizers approached it as a creative and fun opportunity to lift the spirit during an uncertain political climate. The run was not a fundraiser; there was a only a one-time registration fee, however funds do help support health and social services for The LA LGBT Center.

To learn more about Glitter Run, visit: glitterrun.org

To learn about services at the LA LGBT Center, visitlalgbtcenter.org