Southern Illinois resident brings together queer community via fun run

MARION, Ill. -- With Pride Month approaching, one resident is gearing up to bring local LGBTIQA+ communities together via exercise.

Tim Kee is excited to host the 4th annual County-2-County Pride Run on June 1. The event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. at the Heartland Regional Medical Hospital. From there, participants will run or walk together to Sweets Drive in Carbondale.

"My purpose is to spread acceptance and love between members of the LGBTQIA+ community, its supporters and its allies," Kee told News 3.

The run began in 2021 with only three runners. Each year, more runners have joined the group to celebrate queer love.

Along the 10-mile route, participants will stop three times to rest. These stops include:

The intersection of 148 and 13 in Herrin
Carterville Crossroads
The Haven at Crab Orchard Lake

Kee says if anyone would like to stop travelling at any of these points, they can join the run-provided transportation to the finish line.

"It's not a race, there is no timing," said Kee. "It's all about unity and love. You can walk/run any distance you choose. We've had people just walk with us to the end of the parking lot, to show they support us but cannot go the entire length. We've had people join us along the route."��

Following the event, the Golden Rainbows of Illinois South (GRIS) will host a reception at the Hickory Lodge in Carbondale at 11:00 a.m.

For more information or to stay connected to the run, check out