Front Runners New  York

Welcome to Run in My Shoes, a new monthly series showcasing the diversity and different stories of the members of our running family. A short profile on this website complements the AMR Friday Podcast, which features the profiled runner as a guest.

We’re looking for writers and/or podcast guests who are interested in sharing their perspectives; please fill out this form—and send it to anybody who you think would be a good match.

First up is Lisa Teague, a 54-year-old mother of one (age 8), a lesbian, and a director-at-large at Front Runners New York, New York City’s LGBTQ+ running club.

Running Origin Story:  Growing up, I was always involved in sports, mostly soccer and basketball.  But I really got involved in running when I started to train for the 2003 NYC Marathon

Running Origin Story, Part II: After taking time off from running to have my daughter, I needed the support and training to get back into running.  Fortunately, Front Runners New York (FRNY) has a fabulous Beginners Clinic which spans approximately two months and leads up to the FRNY LGBT Pride Run® in late June.

The Beginners Clinic was recently recognized by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) as 2020’s Outstanding Beginning Running Program.  Once the clinic concluded, I got more involved with the club and eventually became a Board member. 

All the Sports, All the People: FRNY is a running club for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and those who are allies. Identifying as LGBTQ+ is not a requirement to run with FRNY. We welcome runners of all speeds, ages, and abilities.  The vibe is a good mix of run, multisports (biking and swimming) plus FUN!

Decades—and Records—of Running Pride: This weekend is the Brooklyn Pride LGBTQIA+ 5K. Twenty-five years old and a wonderful kickoff to Pride Month, the 5K scenic run through Prospect Park celebrates Pride, diversity and inclusion.

Front Runners New  York
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On Brooklyn’s heels is the FRNY LGBT Pride Run® on the weekend of June 26. It’s celebrating its 40th anniversary and is the Guinness World Record holder for largest Pride Charity Run.

Making Everybody Feel Welcome: The running community has come a long way with making LGBTQ+ runners feel more welcome, but we can improve on that forward momentum.  

Overall, it’s as simple as following the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would want to be treated”— which is to say, with dignity and respect.  

Individually, there are lots of ways one runner can be supportive.  One resource is Athlete Ally, a wonderful organization which believes that everyone should have equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports — regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression

For running clubs + races, they can establish a nonbinary division which will set a precedent for gender inclusion in the running community.