By Robin Allen

On a scorching June morning, Commissioner Lesley Briones joined more than 200 runners, walkers, and spectators at John Paul Landing Park, where rainbow tutus and running shoes filled the trail for Katy Pride’s first 5K. The Texas heat was no match for a crowd that had faced adversity before and was eager to make history.

Chase the Rainbow: Stride with Pride marked a milestone for Katy Pride — and a full-circle moment for an organization that, just eight months earlier, nearly lost its annual celebration.

"We are so proud to host you today," Briones told the crowd at the opening ceremony. "Katy Pride has a special place in our heart. Last year, Typhoon Texas had the audacity to cancel Katy Pride. Not on our watch."

In October 2025, Typhoon Texas canceled its agreement to host Katy Pride's annual celebration just days before the event. Commissioner Briones' office stepped in to help relocate the celebration to Bear Creek Rodeo Arena, coordinating permits, logistics, and security in time for over 1,000 attendees to gather.That partnership will continue this October, when Precinct 4 hosts Katy Pride once again.

Briones’ support of Katy Pride is part of her commitment to making Harris County a place where LGBTQIA+ residents and families feel safe, included, and welcomed. She established Harris County's first LGBTQIA+ Commission, has marched in the Houston Pride parade with Precinct 4, served as Pride Houston 365's 2024 Ally Grand Marshal, and spoken out against the removal of the Montrose Pride crosswalk.

"Here in Harris County, we respect everybody. Everybody should be included, safe, and welcomed," she said. "When we talk about 'Everything's bigger in Texas,' justice should be bigger, equality should be bigger." To the runners, she added, "You have a home in Precinct 4."

Race Day at John Paul Landing Park

There was no blueprint for an inaugural race. Race Director Heather Tolleson said it came together once Commissioner Briones and a local running store, Good Times Running Co., agreed to partner. Months of sponsor outreach and volunteer recruitment helped bring the event to life.Therace was also a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting Katy Pride's mission across Katy and West Houston.

More than 20 vendors, sponsors, and community organizations staffed the festival area throughout the morning, which Tolleson saw as a sign of how far a once-small grassroots group has come.

Kristina Shackelford, a Katy Pride co-founder and its Director of Pride Celebration, ran the 5K course herself. 

"We've spent years building Katy Pride," Shackelford said, "so being able to step onto the course and experience it alongside participants and supporters was special. Seeing the vision come to life reminded me why this work matters." 

At the finish line, seasoned runners chasing personal records crossed alongside families with children and pets. For Tolleson, that mix was the point.

"It was about creating belonging no matter where you are on life's journey," she said.

Katy Pride has confirmed plans to return to John Paul Landing Park for another 5K in 2027. Tolleson hopes it grows into a signature annual event for Katy and the surrounding area.