Sidetrack hosts 2023 Speedo Run

On the afternoon of Dec. 2, Sidetrack Video Bar kicked off the 2023 holiday season by hosting the Santa Speedo Run, marking the 12th edition of the yearly fundraiser for Center on Halsted.

About 220 runners took part in this year’s event, which didn’t require those taking part to actually wear a Speedo for the one-mile run—participants were invited to don bathing suits of all sorts, onesies, long-johns “and beyond.”

Debbie Fox was host at the standing room only event, with assists from Zamora Love and Sasha Love; the Chicago Spirit Brigade also performed. Organizers’ original goal was to raise $125,000, but, as of the morning of Dec. 4, they had brought in over $139,000 for the Center.

Sponsors included Miller Breweries, Perrier, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, McDonald’s, Men’s Room Chicago and Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward).