On the morning of July 27, Y Promenâd in Brecon burst into colour, heralding the start of Brecon Pride’s second Pride march and festivities, writes Vanessa Armond.
Despite the weather - warm yet threatening rain - 241 runners and walkers gathered at the starting line.
Volunteers, including two enthusiastic parkrun tourists from outside of Brecon and Brecon Pride volunteers Anna James and Vanessa Armond, decorated the start area to welcome runners and walkers with Pride banners and rainbow flags.
Participants wholeheartedly embraced the theme, wearing an array of bright colours, from parkrun milestone T-shirts to tutus, glitter, and face paint. Before the first runner set off, the parkrun community assembled for a stunning rainbow group photo, framed by the scenic backdrop of the River Usk and the surrounding mountains.
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Beyond physical fitness, parkrun provides a safe environment where everyone feels welcome. Despite being only 10 Saturdays old, this event has already fostered new friendships and delivered mental and physical health benefits for everyone involved.
Brecon’s Pride organisation and Y Promenâd’s parkrun-friendly cafés joined forces to support the event. AJs, Arabellas, Brycheiniog Cafe, Hatters Cafe, Hours Cafe, Hop Out, Rich Way Cafe, The Tower Cafe, and Two Dogs Roasting Cafe generously collected donations from breakfasting parkrunners. All provided a welcome respite from the impending rain, allowing participants to refuel, catch up and dry off before the parade kicked off from Christ College.
The event organisers extend a warm invitation to the LGBTQIA+ community and everyone else to join the Saturday parkruns at 9 am at Y Promenâd (just up from the Boathouse café). Whether running, walking, or volunteering, all are welcome - bring your dogs and children. The parkrun ethos of inclusivity extends beyond the finish line, fostering connections and promoting overall wellbeing. There is absolutely no charge to take part, just register to create your barcode, and come along: www.parkrun.org.uk/register/?section=form
Heartfelt thanks go to the event team and the high-viz heroes - volunteers who made both the parkrun and Pride celebrations possible. Their dedication ensured that Brecon remains a place where everyone can come together, celebrate diversity, and take steps toward a healthier, happier community.