DC Front Runners is a road-running and walking club for gay men, lesbians, and friends in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.   Membership is open to all people regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or athletic ability.  

Our club was founded in 1981 and we number approximately 250 - 300 men and women.   DC Front Runners belongs to a network of Front Runner clubs that extends around the world.   There are about 100 Front Runner chapters, representing 36 States and 10 countries.   Visit the International Front Runners web site for more information.

Our club offers opportunities for fitness and competition (optional), and is an excellent social outlet for members.

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What to Expect at a Club Run...

All DCFR organized runs/walks start in downtown DC and take place on public streets and park trails in DC, as well as the VA and MD suburbs (some routes - not all - venture into the 'burbs).   On Wednesdays, our members are welcome to participate in track workouts organized by the DC Road Runners, though only a few DCFR members attend.  

The club maintains a regular schedule of runs and walks.   These are well organized in time and place, but informal - you choose your distance and set your pace.   The group is very diverse in both speed and intensity, and we encourage and support all who participate.  

You do not have to be a member to participate in our runs or walks.   If you've never run with us before, a coordinator will greet you and introduce you to the other runners.   Generally, between 10 and 20 people will show up on any day but Saturday, when 20 to 40 is more common.   Turn-out drops when the weather is bad, but runs are never cancelled.  

Visit our Run With Us page to get all the details about when and where we run and walk.   If have any questions about attending, send them via email to info@dcfrontrunners.org.

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Your Goals are Our Limits...

Many of you that consider joining DC Front Runners are concerned with the levels of fitness, skill, and commitment that are needed to become a member.   There are no minimum requirements and DCFR allows each member to determine his or her own level of involvement.   You'll meet people with paces ranging from walking to sub-six minute miles.   We encourage you to set your own goals.  

All of our members run and/or walk for fitness.   Many also compete in road races locally, and some compete nationally and internationally.   If you are interested in training for road racing, especially marathons, the Race Directors will assist you with advice and training schedules.

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Building More Than Mileage...

The Club sponsors many social events, which allow the members to build upon their friendships.   After our Tuesday and Saturday run/walk the group will gather for a bite to eat and some conversation (so bring a few bucks to buy a sandwich, or more).   The club also hosts fun runs on holidays and during Pride weekend, and frequently organizes informal events afterwards.

Regular events include our annual Anniversary and Holiday Parties, and Spring Fling, which is an entire weekend of running and social events.   There are special women's run/walk and pot luck brunches about once a month on a weekend morning.  

With 300 members, you will find many opportunities to join smaller groups for dinner, happy hour, or other activities.

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More Information...

Please visit some of our other pages for more information about DC Front Runners.  

• Membership - learn about the benefits of becoming a member.  Includes an On Line Application.
• Run With Us - everything you need to know to find us for a run or walk.
• Calendar - learn about upcoming events.  Includes club runs, races, social events and more.
• Race Circuit - is an intra-club competition - read the rules and see the results (participation is optional).
• Club News - check out the latest news about club events, member accomplishments and race updates.
• Contact Us - need even more info?  Then please contact us.  This page includes a list of Board Members.