The annual Santa Speedo Run in Boston, now in its third decade, is the best-known event of its kind in the US. However, smaller runs have followed in its wake. Chicago’s Santa Speedo Run Northalsted, organized by partners Jeff Colgan and Karl Sponholtz, is one such get-together.
The annual calendar highlight, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2021, took place last Saturday at beloved gay bar Sidetrack. After a rendition of ‘Jingle Balls’, the run began with about 400 participants runners ran a mile in 40-degree weather while most wore only speedos and Santa hats. $85,000 was raised, bringing the total generated over the last ten years to approximately $600,000. This year’s proceeds go to The Center On Halsted, the city’s long-running and groundbreaking LGBTQ center. Merry Christmas and HO, Ho, ho.
