Community Rainbow Run honors Pulse victims, raises funds for permanent memorial
By Kennedy Mason
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ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — Hundreds of runners, walkers and supporters filled the streets outside Orlando City Hall on Saturday morning for the 10th annual Community Rainbow Run, an event honoring the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and raising money for a permanent memorial at the former Pulse site.
The 4.9-kilometer race commemorates the 49 lives lost in the June 12, 2016, tragedy, which remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. Nearly a decade later, participants said the event continues to serve as a powerful reminder of those who were killed and the resilience of the Orlando community.
“It’s a very sacred thing and having this event to remember those individuals, also celebrating Pride during Pride Month,” said Jordan Metellus, an Orlando resident who attended to support participants.
Metellus said taking part in the event was an opportunity to give back to a city known for its welcoming spirit.
“Being able to give back to my city, a city that’s always so welcoming to individuals, whether it’s outsiders, people born here, people who want to just express themselves freely — being a part of this and being able to help out the city of Orlando, it’s just an amazing opportunity,” he said.
The Community Rainbow Run was founded by a group of University of Central Florida graduate students in 2017 to mark the first anniversary of the Pulse shooting. Since then, it has become an annual tradition focused on remembrance, healing and community support.
Among the participants Saturday was Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who said she ran in memory of those lost in the tragedy.
“I’m running today for my friend Eddie, who was killed that night, Simon, whose family wouldn’t claim him after the tragedy but then they came around, thank God, and Amanda Alvear,” Sheehan said.
Proceeds from this year’s race will support the construction of a permanent memorial planned for the former Pulse nightclub property. Sheehan said the memorial will provide a meaningful place for reflection and remembrance.
“We’re going to make this happen,” Sheehan said. “I think Orlando is going to be really proud of this.”
Sheehan also addressed the city’s recent decision not to appeal a ruling involving the painted rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse site. She said city leaders determined an appeal was unlikely to succeed.
“I understand that people in the community are upset with us for not doing something, but if we go through with the appeal and we get denied, we’ll never do that,” Sheehan said. “So we’re trying to be strategic about it.”
As Orlando approaches 10 years since the Pulse tragedy, organizers and participants said events like the Community Rainbow Run help ensure the victims are never forgotten while supporting efforts to create a lasting tribute to their memory.
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