Front Runners & Walkers

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale's Premier LGBTQ Running and Walking Club

Who We Are

Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale, is not only an LGBTQ+ friendly running and walking group, it also has a social component that provides a supportive environment for its membership.  The group offers activities designed for runners and walkers of all abilities. Although the group primarily has a LGBTQ membership we welcome people from all walks of life and see diversity as a strength. The club seeks to build bridges of belonging across south Florida's running & walking communities.

Where To Find Us

Join us for a run or walk.

Wednesday at 7PM

3, 4  or 6 mile Run or Walk

Holiday Park (Between the Gymnasium and the Football Fields), Fort Lauderdale

Saturday at 7:30 AM

3, 4 or 6 mile Run or Walk

Galleria Mall 

Meet behind the Bank of America, west end of the mall, Fort Lauderdale


Sunday at  6:00 PM

3, 4 or 6 mile Run or Walk

Pride Center, Wilton Manors


FRWFL Pride Center Water Fountain Dedication

Thanks to all who donated we will be annoucing the date of the dedication ceremony soon!

Welcome our latest sponsor - Our Fund

We are most appreciative that the Our Fund Foundation has granted us $750 to help support our FRWFL Triathlon Team. You can help support their mission by donating here.

2023-2024 Race Season Superlatives

Evan Richard

Highlights:  Fourteen events, including one marathon and six half marathons

Craig Booth

Highlights: Thirteen events, including four half marathons

Thomas Nguyen

Highlights: Gay Games 2023 medalist, plus two triathlons

Michael Nendick

Highlights: Nine events, including five half marathons and two triathlons

IN THE NEWS

The Best Sports Team in Broward County Goes to...

By Jason Parsley,


OutSFL, December 2024

For the second year in a row, The Front Runners & Walkers have won the Your Choice Award.

The organization started in San Francisco in 1974 as a jogging class. In 1978, they adopted the name Front Runners after Patricia Nell Warren's 1974 novel “The Front Runner,” about a gay track coach and a gay runner. Today there are running clubs all over the world, including Fort Lauderdale. 


"We are proud to have the LGBTQ+ community recognize our organization. This award helps us make ourselves known to others who might enjoy being part of our team," said Eric Runyan, President of the Runners. 


They are celebrating their 35th Anniversary ending the year on a high note thanks to their continued growth with up to 260 members and counting who attend their events. They also have a growing philanthropic presence in the community. As the name suggests, the organization is about running and walking, but it is really about celebrating everyone. 


"We encourage everyone in their pursuit of a healthy and fit life. We are a diverse group not only in terms of fitness but also in that we welcome individuals from every stripe of the rainbow flag and even some allies as well," said Runyan.

Youth Race Grants

In order to promote the sport of running, racing and general health among LGBTQ Young Adults (18-22) who are residents of Broward County Florida, Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale is offering a limited number of Race Grants worth up to $50 to pay whole or in part for races in Broward CountyJump to our Race Grants page to apply.

Strava Challenges Grand Prize Contest

Strava is an app that can run on your phone or smartwatch to track your runs, walks and other athletic activities. If you use another tracker app, most will sync to the Strava Platform. Each month a "Challenge" is issued for Running and one for Walking. We also encourage other club members by giving them "kudos" for their workouts. At the 2024 Annual Banquet will will have a Strava Challenges Grand Prize Drawing. Here is how you participate: 

Don't miss a kilometer! See our Strava Page for all the details

 What's Coming Up

Looking for this month's social? Jump to our Social Page

Want to be in better shape? See what Training Club has in store this month.

Did you miss our monthly newsletter? See it here

Race Grants Fundraiser at Dom Caruso's Cucina

Monday, March 24th, 4:30-9:30PM

Dom Caruso's (Formerly Bona) 2468 Wilton Dr

We are pleased that the new owners of this location will support the FRWFL Race Grants Fund! The club will receive 10% of all receipts from the restaurant tonight—no flyer needed! So, invite your friends and family to dine anytime today, and help spread the word on social media. While you're there, don’t forget to grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win an amazing gift basket!


Couch to 5K Continues

Volunteer Trainers Needed

We've had a great response to this years training. We need our runners to take a turn helping to build the running component of the club by training our newbies. It's super simple. See the training plan on our Couch to 5K Page and sign up here to volunteer as trainer for day. 

Not yet a runner, but would like to join the training? Sign up here. 

Our Sponsors & Contributors

Donate to Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale

Preferred Dining

Brooklyn Water Bagel

Connect With Us

Contributors