Since 1990, each edition of the Gay Games began with the International Rainbow Memorial Run. This event pays tribute to the memories of artist Keith Haring, lesbian activist Rikki Streicher, Dr. Tom Waddell, the founder of the Gay Games, and to all family members whom the Gay Games have lost, especially due to AIDS and breast cancer.
In this context, a series of runs takes place in the host cities of previous Gay Games, usually starting with San Francisco, and ending in Paris on the day of the Gay Games 10 Opening Ceremony, 4 August 2018.
Hundreds of people take part in those local events as they walk on a designated course.
Brent Nicholson Earle, is one of the major figures of this event since its inception. He tracks each run, and the Patchworks of the international exhibition names of each edition of the Gay Games.
The International Rainbow Memorial Run will be organized in collaboration with several sports and health associations as the Front Runners of Paris, the Enrolleres, Les derailleurs, Rando’s, Vers Paris sans sida, le CRIPS, AIDES…
The race will begin at the Town Hall. It will follow the Rue de Rivoli, cross the Jardin des Tuileries, then return via the banks of the Seine on Paris Plage.