Frequently Asked Questions
New to DC Front Runners?
Running or walking with the DC Front Runners for the first time? Here’s what to expect during your first visit.
Frequenly Asked Questions
Why run or walk with DC Front Runners?
DC Front Runners provides a great opportunity to get regular exercise with other members of the LGBTQ community and their friends who share an interest in running or walking and will help push you to meet your goals. Many members credit the club with helping them achieve pace and distance goals they did not think possible when they first started. The benefits don’t stop with putting miles on your shoes. We offer many social activities and opportunities to meet other people in the Washington, DC LGBTQ community, providing a great way to build friendships.
Do I have to join DC Front Runners to try a club fun run or walk?
You are not required to become a member to try our runs or walks, but we encourage you to join the club if you enjoyed your experience with us! The club also invites out-of-town visitors to attend our fun runs and walks. We offer annual memberships for individuals, students, and households. Membership dues enable the DC Front Runners to host runs, social events, and other activities, including our club parties, new member brunches, and our marching contingent in the Pride Parade. To find more about joining, visit our Membership page or contact [email protected].
When and where does the club meet?
We meet on Tuesday night, Thursday night, Saturday morning, and federal holidays. Visit our Run & Walk page for further details about our meeting locations and running routes. The club usually meets regardless of weather conditions, but please take precautions if you decide to attend when there is surface ice, freezing cold, or extreme heat conditions. We encourage newcomers to come on Tuesday night or Saturday morning as these runs and walks are the most attended events of the week.
What can I expect on my first run or walk with the club?
If it’s your first time, please let one of your fellow runners or walkers know. The Club Coordinator or another club officer will welcome you to the club and provide you a first-timer ribbon. We will also match you with someone who runs or walks at your pace. We mingle and stretch prior to announcements. At five minutes past the hour, we will make announcements and officially introduce you to the club. Please wear your ribbon since it helps the other Front Runners identify new individuals running or walking with the group and they can guide you along the running route. Join us afterward for a bite to eat and friendly conversation!
Do I have to be fast or complete the entire route to run with the club?
No, we have runners of all abilities and paces, and we welcome all to join us for our non-competitive fun runs and walks. You choose your own distance and pace on our fun runs. Our Saturday morning Rock Creek Park route has easy to spot landmarks at turn-around points if you want to run 3, 4, or 6 miles. You can also review our running route maps to determine your turn-around point on other routes if you’d like to run a shorter distance. If it’s your first time, we can connect you with someone who is running your target pace and distance. We also have a walking group on Saturday.
Is parking available?
Yes, limited street parking is generally available near our meeting locations, but we encourage using public transportation or carpooling. The 23rd and P Streets, NW location is approximately three blocks west of the Dupont Circle Red Line Metro station or 6 blocks north of the Foggy Bottom/GWU Blue/Orange/Silver Line Metro station. Metro services Union Station on the Red Line (for our Tuesday runs during the winter). There are also a number of Metrobus and DC Circulator bus routes serving both locations. See our meeting location maps or go to www.wmata.com for transit information.
Is there a bag check?
Yes, we have a person to watch bags during our Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday runs.
Do the DC Front Runners host a race?
The DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K kicks off the Capital Pride weekend on Friday, June 7, 2019, at the Congressional Cemetery. The run draws more than 1,600 runners from across the country and supports the DC Front Runners and other local LGBT organizations. Click on this link for more information.
Are there any events geared toward women?
The club sponsors many social events, which enable our members to build upon their friendships. There is also a women’s brunch held semi-annually and several social events including potluck dinners and weekend outings. Contact our Women’s Outreach Coordinator to learn more.
How can I contact the DC Front Runners?
Email [email protected] or use our contact form for more information. Additionally, be sure to check out our Facebook group or follow @dcfrontrunners on Instagram and Twitter.