In this edition of Get to Know Your Running Clubs we chatted with John Bowen about the Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago run group.

Want to learn more about them? Read on!

Hi John! Who are you? Give us your best one line bio

Hi! I am the President of Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago, the premier LGBTQA running and walking club in Chicago.

Tell us a bit about Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago history

In July 1982, after the success of the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Run, Frontrunners Chicago was officially established as a club by Peg Grey, Rob Williams, and Jim White. In 1989, as more walkers joined the group, Frontwalkers was officially added to the club name.

Nice! what sort of runners typically run with your groups? 

We welcome runners and walkers of any level. We are about empowering LGBTQA people through running and walking wherever they are on their personal and fitness journeys.

Where/when do the groups usually meet and run?

We meet Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 9:00am. 

Any cost to be a member/join?

Membership costs $20/year.

Is Frontrunners/Frontwalkers affiliated with any local races?

We have a timed "focus" race that we participate in as a team every month of the year. We volunteer at the Shamrock Shuffle, Chase Corporate Challenge, and Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We are the sponsoring organization of Proud to Run, the charitable 5K/10K that occurs annually during Pride Weekend in Chicago.

Where are your favourite spots to run in/around Chicago?

The Lakefront Trail is our favorite path to run. It is beautiful, safe, well-maintained, and offers a wide variety of distances.

Anything else that we should know?

FR/FW Chicago is committed to the city of Chicago and the LGBTQA community within Chicago. We are proud to be part of an international community of Frontrunners clubs and are always eager to welcome visitors from other clubs.

Want to learn more?

Want to connect with Frontrunners/Frontwalkers, or just learn a bit more about them? Check out their information below:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  

Find more runs around Chicago

Looking for runs in and around Chicago? The RunGuides Chciago race calendar can help you find upcoming runs and running races in the area - www.runguides.com/chicago/runs