Front Runners New York Mission
Front Runners New York (FRNY) is New York City’s LGBTQ+ running club. The club was founded in 1979 and has grown to over 1100 members annually. FRNY’s mission is to provide encouragement and support to LGBTQ+ adults and their supporters who are interested in running and running-related activities. FRNY has created a social running community focused on health and fitness that is welcoming to all New Yorkers. FRNY offers a robust, inclusive membership experience.
The club is affiliated with New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the International Front Runners organizations and is a member of the Road Runners Club of America.
FRNY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of New York overseen by an annually elected Board of Directors.
DEI Statement: Front Runners New York (FRNY) has a mission to welcome all LGBTQIA+ people and their allies into a social running community. The club provides outreach and support to runners at risk of being marginalized on the basis of ability, age, class, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, race, and sexual orientation. FRNY is committed to eliminating barriers preventing full participation of the identities underrepresented in our membership and advocating on behalf of LGBTQIA+ athletes in the sport at all levels.
FRNY Activities & Events
Coached Runs and Clinics
Cross-country meet (USATF sanctioned)
LGBT Pride Run® (USATF sanctioned)
Indoor Track Meet (USATF Sanctioned)
FRNY History
Front Runners New York was founded in October 1979 by Malcolm Robinson and named for Patricia Nell Warren's novel The Front Runner, published in 1974.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the club was in its infancy, with a roster of only 35 members the first year. Malcolm Robinson's and Steve Gerben's leadership stabilized and built the Club’s membership to more than 400 by 1985. FRNY members Harold Brueland and David Pitches were the first Front Runners members to race for FRNY at the New York City Marathon in 1977. Guy Zelenak and the early club boards kept very good records, and photos of club members and other materials from that time are now part of the FRNY archives.
From the late 1980s to the 1990s, the HIV/AIDS epidemic greatly affected the Club's members. Despite that fact, FRNY created the Gay Pride Run in 1982. The name of the Run evolved over time to Lesbian & Gay Pride Run and then changed once more to the current name, "LGBT Pride Run.” This annual race has been traditionally held on the last Saturday in June since 1982. Moreover, the Club has added a few other annual traditions - the FRNY Track Meet and Cross Country Meet.
