Over the weekend, the Santa Speedo Run returned to Chicago, and the queer Kris Kringles of the Second City were packing plenty of packages.
Founded by husbands Karl Sponholtz and Jeff Colgan in 2011, this scantily-clad fun run has attracted hundreds of participants every year to raise funds for the Center on Halstead, the Midwest’s most comprehensive LGBTQ+ community center. Donning skimpy swimsuits and Santa hats (and not much else), this year’s runners raised nearly $140,000 that will go towards anti-violence, queer youth, and elder services.
Starting at host venue Sidetrack, the 2022 winner of the Best of Gaycities “#1 Nightclub” award, these pantsless Père Nöels jogged through the heart of Chicago’s West Lakeview neighborhood. Cheered on by both spectators and members of the Chicago Spirit Brigade, red-nosed runners pranced down Halstead Street, then diverged into a choice between two predetermined circuits before looping back for Sidetrack’s Santa Speedo Run afterparty. After getting nipped so hard by Jack Frost, these runners deserved to warm up with some Jack ‘n Cokes.
Sidetrack’s aprés-run was presided over by local drag darling Debbie Fox and featured gay notables such as muscly musician Steve Grand. The event decked the various halls of the venue, such as the MainBar, GlassBar, NorthBar, and Entryway, which sported a candy cane-colored step-and-repeat for posing Pancers and Vixens.
Beyond the holiday hijinx, the Santa Speedo Run is a prominent gift giver for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Since its inception over a decade ago, this risque fundraiser has generated over $500,000 for the Center on Halstead. Its numerous programs and services include Lavender Living, a support group for queer young adults, the Youth Horizons mentorship program, and the Ralla Klepak Performing Arts Program, to name a few. For Chicago’s queer communities, the Santa Speedo Run is the gift that keeps on giving all year round.
For those who missed the festivities, we’ve snatched some of the nicest and naughtiest moments from this year’s Santa Speedo Run. Ho ho ho, you hos!
Tito’s Vodka team at the Santa Speedo Run afterparty.
