Fun Runs and Walks

We meet Saturday mornings at 9:00 and Tuesday evenings at 6:30 at the Totem Pole in Lincoln Park, near Addison. Please see our course map for directions and parking. Rain or shine, throughout the year, we're there. If you're joining us for the first time, please introduce yourself - we'll make every effort to hook you up with somebody you can run or walk with. Better yet, drop us a line and somebody will be ready to greet you.

Our walkers take a course of one to two miles. The pace varies, but most tend to walk casually. There's plenty of good conversation and lots to see along the lakefront path.

Runners usually cover either a three or five mile course. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just getting started, we can support your running needs. Many of our members enjoy of the cameraderie of running with others, and find that it keeps them running regularly.

After the run/walk, we go as a group to a nearby, modestly priced restaurant. Some of our favorite restaurants are the Northcoast Cafe, Nookies on Halsted, Bamee Noodle and Mars Chinese Restaurant.

Training Groups

During the spring, summer, and autumn we offer speed training and long run groups. These groups were formed for the benefit and enjoyment of runners of all ability levels and we encourage everyone to take advantage of them.

Our speed training group is lead by Roger Bashore - a former Division I collegiate runner - feel free to refer to Roger as "da Coach". The group initially meets at the Totem pole beginning in March, but eventually moves to the track at Lakeshore Park.

Our long run groups are lead by Corbin Woodling, a finisher of 20 marathons. Corbin follows the stair step approach. "The 'stair step' schedule has been very effective for first time marathoners and veterans alike. It allows your body to build up strength and then repair itself for the next long run without losing your base." Long runs are attended by a small but loyal crew, who are more than happy to offer advice.

Please see the training page for more information on these groups!

Competition

One of the most common misconceptions about our club is that only fast, competitive runners are welcome. While we do have a group of talented runners who do well in races, we also have members who compete at a less lofty level, and many who have no interest in competition at all. If you'd like to run races with the support of others, we participate in a variety of Chicago area races throughout the year. FRFW Chicago is a member of CARA, the Chicago Area Runner's Association, and competes on the CARA Circuit in the green division. For more information about our competition in the Circuit, as well as other races, please see Team Frontrunners.

Socials

Each month, we organize one or two social events. Past events have included game nights, theater and film outings, mini-golf, architectural tours, and wine tastings. Our annual Holiday Party in December and July Picnic are not to be missed! Social events are usually free or low cost.

Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter, Frontpages, is full of information. It's designed to help you get the most out of our club. It has a monthly schedule of restaurants, social events, races and more. Various columns keep members current with what's going on in the club, what other Frontrunner clubs are up to, and how we're doing in races. There are also articles on fitness, travel and notable activities of our members.

Volunteering

From time to time, our members volunteer to help out at races around Chicago. It's a great way for us to serve fellow runners and walkers. We're well known for our award-winning water station at mile six of the LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon. Most of our members (except those who run the marathon) pitch in to create a carnival of refreshment.

Membership

Our club has annual dues of $25 for individuals and $40 for families. Members receive our monthly newsletter Frontpages, and discounts at local businesses. We encourage people to come along and run or walk with us once or twice before joining. If you're ready to join us, you can sign up online or download the membership form. It's in Adobe's PDF format, so you may need to download the free Acrobat Reader to open it. Please read the second page carefully before completing and signing page 1. Then bring it with your payment to the totem pole.

International Front Runners

Our club is part of a world wide organization of Frontrunner/Frontwalkers clubs. There are currently 65 chapters in the United States, with another 30 overseas. For more information about these clubs, see the international website at www.frontrunners.org.

International Front Runners is a director organization of the Federation of Gay Games.