The 21st edition of the Atlanta Pride Run is set to step off June 25 in Piedmont Park to raise money for an organization that improves the lives of HIV-positive children.

T. Jackson Keenan of Front Runners said the organization looks forward to its signature run turning 21.

“I think it’s very impressive that any event can make it so many years,” he said.

The run started as part of the Atlanta Pride celebration and even though Pride has moved to the fall, the race has remained on its traditional weekend. Oorganizers now expect up to 600 runners.

Front Runners is a gay running club that organizes multiple weekly runs in Midtown, plus the annual Atlanta Pride 5k Run. Organizers hope this year’s run will raise between $10,000 and $13,000 for HERO for Children.

HERO provides recreational and mentoring opportunities for HIV-positive children in the metro Atlanta area.

“The money that we do receive from the Pride Run does allow us to provide more programs for the children and stretch out the programs so that we can include more kids in those programs,” said Donna Drakes, HERO program and development Associate.

Einstein’s restaurant will host an all-you-can-eat pasta “carb loading” dinner the night before the race with all proceeds going to HERO for Children.

Top photo: The Atlanta Pride Run turns 21 this year. (Courtesy ProjectQAtlanta.com)