The History of Front Runners

International Front Runners is a global network of LGBTQ+ running and walking clubs. The movement began in San Francisco in 1974, when Jack Baker and Gardner Pond formed an “introduction to jogging” group, later evolving into FrontRunners in 1978, inspired by Patricia Nell Warren’s novel The Front Runner. By the 1980s, additional clubs had formed in New York and Los Angeles, and by the late 1990s International Front Runners was established as a global umbrella organisation with a shared mission and constitution. Clubs typically host regular social runs, alongside wider social events and participation in LGBTQ+ sporting competitions.

2019

Back in the beginning...

Aberdeen Frontrunners was formed in 2019 by Jim Usher, Greig Murray and Jason Bohan. The clubs first run was held on Wednesday 25th September, with The Warehouse Gym as a starting and ending place.

Six months after being formed, runs were put on hold for a year due to Covid restrictions.

The club resumed running meets in the summer of 2021, using the Aberdeen beach esplanade as an outdoor meeting point. The Warehouse Gym, Innoflate, Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre, and Linx Ice Arena have all acted as meeting points for Aberdeen Frontrunners in the past.

The club has a number of Scottish Athletics qualified Jog Leaders who organise and support the weekly Wednesday and Sunday runs. It is also supported by a committee that helps oversee and coordinate the club’s overall activities.

HERE & NOW

Where we are now...

Aberdeen Frontrunners continues to thrive as a welcoming and inclusive LGBTQ+ running group, with members meeting regularly on Wednesday evenings at Aberdeen Sports Village and on Sunday mornings at Duthie Park Cafe. The club supports runners of all abilities, creating a friendly and social environment that encourages participation, wellbeing and connection. 

Alongside running activities, the club hosts a wide range of social events - from bowling and cinema trips to hill walks, games nights and pub quizzes.

Aberdeen Frontrunners has also actively collaborated with local LGBTQI+ organisations and clubs, including 4 Pillars and Aberdeen Taexali, strengthening community ties and promoting visibility and inclusion both within sport and beyond.

Members regularly take part in local and national race events and the club also builds strong links within the wider Frontrunners network, organising meet-ups and attending races at other clubs across the country.