TO celebrate Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ In the North East (LINE) will be facilitating a ‘Rainbow Takeover’ of Wangaratta’s Parkrun on Saturday, 28 June from 8am at Apex Park.

The community is invited to come along and join in Parkrun’s usual Saturday morning activity dressed in bright rainbow colours in a show of unity.

LGBTQIA+ In the North East (LINE) executive officer Allison Winters said they are hoping to have a few people come along and brighten up the town.

“Celebrating the month is really important but also showing our physical and visible support for community members,” Allison said.

“There may be community members who are not be ready to put on the rainbows and walk down the street so it’s important for us to show them the ally ship within the community is really strong and that's part of that unity of coming together.

"Whether you identify part of the LGBTQIA+ community or whether you are an ally, it's about showing up, showing there is strength together and showing there are really strong allies in our community."

Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are running or cheering the group on, even the family dog can come along dressed to impress.

Allison said gathering for the run is not only beneficial for the physical and mental health aspects of physical activity but also to unite the community and have important conversations.

"Things are really tough at the moment for LGBTQIA+ community globally," they said.

"There's been a shift over the last six months or so where we have seen the rollback of human rights for parts of the community particularly transgender and gender diverse community members.

"This is an opportunity to show some unity and strength together while celebrating Pride Month."

LINE is also running a month-long fundraiser in June, ‘Stride For Pride’ with participants tracking their steps and kilometres.

Allison, who is aiming for 100 kilometres this month and is just over halfway, said they have some moving to do yet.

“If anyone's interested in being involved in our fundraiser for the month then and clicking up some kilometres to fundraiser for the pride hub in Wangaratta, people can register via LINE’s website or Facebook,” they said.

No registration is required for Rainbow Takeover, but if you’re keen to get more involved in Parkrun, don’t forget to register for their timing system if you haven’t already at https://www.parkrun.com.au/wangaratta/.