SANTA SPEEDO RUN NORTHALSTED RETURNS THIS YEAR FOR A FESTIVE, FUN CELEBRATION
The Annual Fundraiser seeks to raise over $200,000 for Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s Most Comprehensive LGBTQ+ Community Center

CHICAGO, IL — The highly anticipated Santa Speedo Run Northalsted returns Saturday, December 6, 2025, promising a joyful day of festive fun. The annual fundraiser kicks off at noon, with an entertaining afternoon of festivities that culminate in a fun 1-Mile run for a great cause. All proceeds from this annual gathering will once again benefit Center on Halsted, a cornerstone of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago.

Conceived in 2011 by visionary duo Karl Sponholtz and Jeffrey Colgan, this event began as a small gathering among friends. Today, it stands as one of Chicago’s premier fun-runs,and has raised an impressive total of $800,000 to bolster programs and services that uplift the Chicagoland LGBTQ+ community.

Colgan and Sponholtz, the founders of the Santa Speedo Run Northalsted event, shared their sentiments about the event’s growth, saying, “Santa Speedo Run Northalsted has been dear to our hearts since we created it. It has been so rewarding to watch it grow each year, raising vital funds to support the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland.”

Participants will gather at Sidetrack, located at 3349 N. Halsted, when doors open at noon before embarking on the charity run (or walk!) at 2 p.m. In total, more than 1,000 enthusiastic individuals will come together to run or cheer on participants donned in little more than swimsuits and creative holiday-themed outfits.

Registration to join this festive occasion, whether as an individual or part of a team, opens Saturday, November 1, 2025. For complete information and to sign up, please visit our official website: bit.ly/SantaSpeedoRun2025

Supporters are encouraged to contribute in advance on our website. Donations will also be accepted at Sidetrack on event day. Fundraising efforts continue through December 31st.

Last year’s event, powered by the collective support of participants and donors, raised a record-breaking $182,000 for Center on Halsted!

The festivities don’t conclude at the finish line! Join us for an unforgettable after-party at Sidetrack, featuring performances by renowned Chicago drag entertainers. The party promises a day of excitement with prizes, games, and an awards ceremony to honor top individual and team fundraisers. The revelry extends well into the evening as Sidetrack remains open until 3 a.m.

The 2025 Santa Speedo Run is supported by Sidetrack , Alderman Bennett Lawson, American Airlines, Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), Men’s Room, Molson Coors, Perrier, Tito’s Vodka, and Vivent Health + TPAN.