A new Gold Coast branch of LGBTIQ social exercise group Frontrunners are holding their first meetup this month. And they’re calling out for keen locals of all abilities to join them.
Numerous cities and countries around the world have their own Frontrunners social running and walking groups, named after the landmark 1970s gay novel. Brisbane Frontrunners have been meeting since 2001.
On the Gold Coast, Steve Bailey is founder of the new group. He’s a former member of the Sydney Frontrunners.
He went on to compete at several Gay Games, including Sydney in 2002, taking home multiple gold medals in sprinting and track events.
Bailey told QNews.com.au he’s wanted to start a Gold Coast branch of Frontrunners for a long time.
“The Frontrunners groups are not just about runners, we also warmly welcome walkers. The groups have both a health and social focus,” he said.
“If people need a bit of motivation to get out for exercise and meet some great people, we can help with that.”
Bailey said initially, the new group will meet every two weeks for a 4-5km walk or run. On Saturday, June 12, they’re meeting outside Kurrawa Surf Club at 9am.
“Once we’re up and running, we’ll have some really exciting meets,” Bailey said.
“We’ll have interaction with the Brisbane Frontrunners and other groups. We also want to move our own events around the Gold Coast.”
Gold Coast Frontrunners joins similar groups around the world
Steve Bailey said down the track, the Gold Coast Frontrunners will offer training opportunities for those interested in competition.
One of the group’s other founding members, Douwe Borst, is a professional running coach.
“Down the track we hope to meet every Saturday morning, which is what other Frontrunner groups in around the world do,” he said.
“The New York Frontrunners meet and run through Central Park. There’s also groups in Brazil, Denmark.
“After going through very long lockdowns in some countries, they can finally get out and exercise in groups.”
Bailey, who lives on the Tweed on the southern end of the Coast, said LGBTIQ social groups in his region are badly needed.
“On the Gold Coast, there’s not a lot down here for our community to do,” he said.
“There’s nothing else like this on offer, and after talking about Frontrunners for ages the time is finally right for us to start it.”
Find out more about the Gold Coast Frontrunners at their Facebook page here.
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