First Color Run in Kufstein opens Perlen Pride 2024

On October 12, 2024, Kufstein experienced a colorful kick-off to this year's Perlen Pride with the first Color Run. The run was organized by Q+You, a practical project of the English-language Master's program in Sports, Culture & Event Management at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. Four students dedicated themselves to the goal of promoting the visibility and support of the LGBTQIA+ community over two semesters. The Colour Run, which was created by the student group from the initial idea to the concept and its implementation, was the highlight of their efforts and also marked the official start of Perlen Pride Kufstein.

A SYMBOL OF DIVERSITY AND Solidarity

In advance of the event, Q+You students had already promoted the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community with an art exhibition in June. These works can still be seen at the University of Applied Sciences today. The Colour Run concluded this comprehensive practical project with a colorful spectacle. Registration for the free running event at Fischergries opened an hour before the start. The participants received a white T-shirt and a bag of color powder to be perfectly equipped for the starting signal.

After the opening speeches by the Q+You project manager, the patron of Perlen Pride, Betty Pearl, and words of welcome from two city representatives, the highlight of the day began: the joint warm-up, organized by the thenex runclub, initiated the color throw with a countdown. At around 12:30 p.m., more than 60 participants threw their color bags into the air – the official start for the 5 km long circuit along the Inn. The focus was on the joy of running together, not on athletic performance. Along the route, several color stations provided colorful highlights where the runners were sprayed with more colors. The finish at Fischergries led the participants back to the Perlen Pride celebrations, which were already in progress.

WIDE SUPPORT AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

At the Q+You stand, the runners, who were now wrapped in colors, were able to recover with free soft drinks and start conversations. This led to a lively exchange, both among themselves and with the steadily growing number of guests at Perlen Pride.

Numerous visitors watched the colorful hustle and bustle, took pictures and celebrated the successful kick-off of the 3rd Perlen Pride. The Pride organizers, including Betty Pearl and representatives of the city of Kufstein, were also thrilled. “This event shows how important solidarity and visibility are for the LGBTQIA+ community,” emphasized a member of the organizing team.

Due to the positive response, there will most likely be a repeat of the Colour Run next year, to once again set a colorful example for diversity and community.

Links

• Sports, Culture and Event Management | FT Master's program