Welcome to Front Runners
Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale is more than a running or walking club, it is a fun social group. As a member of Front Runners and Walkers we welcome all LGBTQ people and allies to the club. It doesn't matter if you are new to the South Florida area, a long time resident, wanting to make new friends, or dust off your sneakers, join us on one of our runs or walks. We'd love for you to join us!
About Us
Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale is a running, walking, and social club. Our club is made up of LGBTQ individuals and friends within the Fort Lauderdale area. We do not discriminate against race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or athletic ability. The group creates a positive atmosphere through planned activities where you can be yourself.
History
Back in 1974, "Lavender U" was formed in San Francisco to provide a setting for gays and lesbians to participate in track and field events, especially running.
Also in 1974, The Front Runner, by Patricia Nell Warren was published. This was a ground breaking novel about homosexual love in the sports world. It is a love story about a coach and his star runner.
In honor of this book, the name "Lavender U" was changed to "San Francisco Front Runners." With that first running club in San Francisco, other larger cities started to form gay running clubs. Over the years, Front Runner clubs have formed across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan, and the Middle East.
In 1989, a local group of gays and lesbians who had the goal to run the New York Marathon formed Front Runners Fort Lauderdale. Walking was later added to the Front Runners activities. Front Runners Fort Lauderdale has members from Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.
Frontrunners Fort Lauderdale is a proud member of Road Runners Club of America and is a 501(c)(3) corporation.
Gay Games
The Gay Games is a worldwide event promoting the acceptance and inclusion of sexual diversity, and Front Runners Fort Lauderdale is there. We encourage our members to join in the worldwide event and represent Frontrunners at the Games.
Community Engagement
Front Runners & Walkers hosted their first event to support and raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Many of us have been touched by someone who has had or has breast cancer. Front Runners and Walkers Fort Lauderdale was proud to host a walk and fundraiser in support of the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund which provides funding for the women in our community to obtain screening mammograms and breast cancer treatments
Senior Health Expo
Island City Canoe Race
Outshine Film Festival
AIDS Walk
Social Events
Bowling
Skyzone
Beach Party
Holiday Party
How Front Runners Clubs Are Changing the World for the LGBTQ Community
“I’m pretty darn sure that, especially in the 1970s, every LGBTQ person had grown up with negative views of themselves. Being a runner, it made us feel good about ourselves.”
Read more about this very interesting Article.