NY Frontrunners LGBT Pride Run 6K 2021
In the United States and beyond, every June marks Pride month, a time to celebrate the LBGTQIA+ community. The month of celebration honors the Stonewall uprising that occurred at the end of June in 1969. The uprising sparked momentum for the gay rights movement throughout the United States and the world. In October 1979, Front Runners New York, a running club created to foster support for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, was founded by Malcolm Robinson and named after the book The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren. On June 26, 1982, Front Runners hosted their very first LGBT Pride Run with 440 runners competing. This June 26th, Front Runners hosted their LGBT Pride Run in Central Park for the 40th year.
Every year, many of our PPTC teammates race in the Front Runners LGBT Pride Run and this year was no different. Several of our members placed in the top ten of their age group on the 26th, including Junko Matsuura who placed third in her age group! Congratulations to all our PPTC members who partook in the 2021 Pride Run!
A variety of these members were kind enough to lay out the details of this celebratory race including the current layout of in-person racing with NYRR and the feelings the Pride Run evokes for them.
While June may be over, we can celebrate Pride all year long. Happy Pride everyone!
Junko and friends
Junko Matsuura
She/Her
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic?
Yes
If so, how'd it go? Were there any significant changes?
There was social distancing from other runners, and only 3 runners started running together, so the road was open and easy to run.
How'd the race go for you?
Not so great, but I did my best. ( Not enough speed training)
What does this race &/or Pride mean to you?
I have a great feeling being a Front Runner team member, and enjoy being with them.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
Reuniting with many great running friends!
Jonny at this year’s Pride Run.
Jonny Kirk
He/Him
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic? If so, how did it go? Were there any significant changes?
This was my first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic. I found the management of the start to be very well managed with social distancing providing a safe environment in the start corral for vaccinated and unvaccinated runners. The staggered start was a benefit to me because it allowed for less of a crush of runners at the start of the race. A dramatic departure from how races were run prior to March of 2020.
How’d the race go for you?
It was a tough race for me. Short distances have never been something I execute well. The humid weather did not help that, but I was satisfied with the result considering I am not currently in a training cycle.
What does this race &/or Pride mean to you?
I love the Pride run for its embrace of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. I love seeing so many start the celebration of the weekend with running.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
Popsicles. A much better way to end a race than with a medal.
Rebecca post-Pride Run race in 2019!
Rebecca Milestone
She/Her/Hers
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic? If so, how'd it go? Were there any significant changes?
I actually ran a NYRR Founders Run in Prospect Park in January so I kind of knew what it might be like, but obviously the Pride Run is much bigger. I was glad to be out there running with other people, but it definitely didn't have the same feel as previous Pride runs. I missed the community feel and there weren't any finish line proposals! I got there in time to walk to the starting line, stand on my circle with two other people in our line of 3 and take off. I thought they might be taking our temp at the starting line, but it seems they trusted our responses to the COVID survey they sent out the night before.
How'd the race go for you?
It felt like running through a swamp, but just being out there again racing made it feel like the best race ever.
What does this race &/or Pride mean to you?
I love this race because it celebrates all the things the world needs more of--L O V E.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
Knowing there were popsicles at the end was the most enjoyable part! It kept me going.
Austin and his wife, Rowan run the Pride Run every year.
Austin Poplin
He/Him
Was this your first in-person race since the start of the pandemic? If so, what’s changed?
The 2021 Pride Run was not my first race back because I ran (slowly) at the first two Al Goldstein 5ks. It was my first "big" NYRR race in Central Park in a while though, and it was bizarre to have to show up so much earlier than my wife. I ran at 8:30 and she ran at 9:45. We make an effort to do the Pride Run every year because it holds a special place in my heart. When I first moved to the city I worked part time at NYRR races setting up barricades, and such. It was a pretty rough job that you have to show up at, like, 4AM for. But when New York State passed marriage equality in 2011, it happened right before the Pride Run. I remember working that race in 2011 and seeing how joyful it was. It's a memory I'll not soon forget. That's why Rowan and I run it every year; because it feels like it has a huge heart and the runners are genuinely stoked about the race. A lot of races feel the same, regardless of the charity or backdrop, but that one is different.
How’d the race go for you?
Since I've got to get in shape for the NYC Marathon this year, I biked over, ran the race, and biked back to Brooklyn. That was a nice sweaty morning workout. The best part about the race was not how I ran (kinda fell apart after the second mile) but the energy of the crowd and sharing a popsicle with my wife after I ran, and before she started.
What does Pride mean to you?
As a straight person, I can't directly relate to the biases and bigotry that the LGBTQ+ community faces, but I like to attend and support important events like the Pride Run as much as I can. It feels like we're slowly but surely making progress as a society and I want to make sure I do my part to listen, learn, and help.
Janet racing away during the Pride Run in 2018.
Janet Gottlieb
She/Her
Was this your first in-person NYRR race since the start of the pandemic? If so, what’s changed?
It wasn’t my first NYRR race since the pandemic. The first at which the late starting time assigned to the slowest runners was apparently just a suggestion, which disappointed me because I'd prefer to have run when it was a few degrees cooler.
Oh, as to NYRR, with which some members have an issue: first of all, I'm a Life Benefactor member, so they're not getting any more of my money. Also, they hold a status, including having permits for so many events, and aren't going away. I'd rather kibitz from within.
How’d the race go for you?
It went OK. I'm walk/running these days and did just walk most of the West Side.
What does the Pride run mean to you?
I've been running the Pride run since the eighties, when few straight supporters participated. It's thrilling to me what the last forty years have brought.
One example: My brother-in-law ran with Front Runners in the 80's, including the very first race. But he was closeted in at least some parts of his life. Now Lane has been married to Steven for 23 years, first spiritually and now legally, has two sons, and is, of course, proud of his gay identity.
There are next to no photos of those first few Pride Runs. Because being identified was dangerous.
What was your favorite part of the race?
Seeing people I haven't seen in ages. The FR cheer tunnel at the end. The rainbow popsicle.
Michael Scourby
Michael Scourby
He/Him
Was this your first in-person race since the start of the pandemic? If so, what’s changed?
3rd in-person race. I ran the two 3.3 races in PP
The format was the same for all 3 races. Besides the heat, I had a good time. One big change was no temperature check before the race and they did a health screening prior to the race via email but no one checked that at the start and no masks were worn at the start or in the corrals. It was very efficient.
How was the run for you?
I was slower than I wanted to be but heat and humidity are my Kryptonite.
What does the Pride run mean to you?
I wanted to show my support for the LGBTQ community. I believe all people should be free to love whoever they want. It is all about freedom for me and like other minorities, the LGBTQ community has been discriminated against for far too long. This race is a way for me to express my support for people who have been disenfranchised by the government and society in general.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
It was fun seeing friends and competing against myself.
Tyrone and his child running the Pride run a few years ago.
Tyrone Sklaren
He/Him
How did the race go? Was it your first race since the start of the pandemic? If so, what’s changed?
It was great to run an NYRR race again, it was a signal of a return to pre-pandemic activities. I liked the smaller timed corrals and staggered starts. I didn't have to worry about either having my heels clipped by faster runners or trampling on a row of walkers right in front of me. Calmer and saner: I hope they continue this.
What does the Pride Run mean to you?
I ran this race with my non-binary child a few years ago, and the picture of us running together (with the big smile on their face) is the highlight of my bookcase (and theirs too).
What did you enjoy most about the race?
It was great to see fellow age-grouper Julio Aguirre who has been beating me, at every distance, by at least a minute a mile for the last thirty years.
Happy Pride!!!
Erin racing the Al Goldstein Speed Series this June.
Photo taken by Rowena Ridgeway.
EriN
They/them/He/Him
Was this your first race since the pandemic? If so, what is different?
My first in-person race since Covid was an AGSS 5K, but it still felt new to see so many people at the Pride Run. With the Pride Run I think the big differences were the staggered start and waves for this race, which felt a little anticlimactic but actually made it easier to navigate around other runners--there was plenty of space on the course. It was my first time running in Central Park in a few years.
How’d the race go for you?
It was a decent race. Kind of funny, I didn't know the exact mileage when I got to Central Park on Saturday morning. I thought it would be 4 or 5 miles when I registered. I had been preparing to go much slower than my AGSS speed to accommodate the extra mile or 2 miles. When I found out it was a 6K I didn't feel prepared to push my pace much, so I just settled on a steady pace and enjoyed the route.
What does the Pride Run mean for you?
I like the Pride Run because it's another way of bringing people together. It's impressive FRNY has been hosting it for 40 years and it attracts a lot of people from the queer community all over the city and people who are visiting specifically for Pride. There is a nice mix of serious runners and people who just want to have fun at a Pride event. I saw the oldest finisher was 84 years old and I'm 34 right now so I want to be that person in 50 years.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
I enjoyed everything about the race. I loved the misting stations and the popsicles, and I really appreciated the Front Runners group cheering near the end. I also appreciate the volunteers doing so much work. The little things make in-person racing so good.
Valarie racing in this year’s Pride Run.
Valarie Hing
She/Her/Hers
Was this your first in-person race with nyrr since the pandemic?
No, I did the Mini earlier in the month.
Were there any significant changes to the race?
The wave starts has its advantages. Fewer people. Less drama. But torn between that and missing the bustle and excitement of everyone in one place at once. And definitely missing the starting line music.
How'd the race go for you?
Racing is a bit of a struggle for me these days, but I love it, so can only say it was great!
What does the Pride run mean to you?
Psyched to see the increasing levels of public support around Pride.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
Running?
Ellen post-race at this year’s Pride Run.
Ellen Alperin
She/HEr
Was this your first NYRR race since March 2020? If so, were there any significant changes?
I ran the Women's mini 10K live on June 12th. The Pride Run and Mini 10K were very organized, as all participants were assigned a time to line up. There were no lines when I approached the start line, so I just ran. It felt liberating to run these live races. The only significant changes to me was at the finish because there were no bagels or oranges. All runners received a prepackaged bag with their water and snack.
How’d the race go for you?
Thankfully, it didn't feel too hot and humid the morning of the Pride run. I ran a 9:39 minute and was 27/113 for my age group. As long as I am under a 10 minute mile, I am happy!
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means I am a proud ally to all of the LGBTQIA community!
What did you enjoy most about the race?
The camaraderie of the race means a lot! It's a wonderful to see the love and support for the LGBTQIA community!
Jimmy Leung
He/Him/His
Jimmy post-race at this year’s Pride Run
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic? If so, how'd it go? Were there any significant changes?
I’ve run 7 in-person races since the pandemic started in the USA Feb 2020. But Yes, the NYRR Front Runners LGBT Pride Run was the 1st NYRR since the pandemic. The race was set up to keep social distancing protocols by having 17 separate waves starting at 7am and each 15 minutes afterwards. The starting chutes was setup with runners standing 3 across 6’ apart and 6’ front or behind other runners. Then every 5 seconds a row would be allowed to cross the timing mat and start racing. 3 water stations gave 8oz bottles of Poland Spring water along the 6K course (3.72 miles).
How'd the race go for you?
The race didn’t go well for me as I rushed to the start of the 7:45 wave and didn’t get a warmup run in. My hips were super tight the 1st 3 miles and didn’t pick up speed until after Cat Hill. But since it’s a new distance, I ran my best and worst 6K.
What does the Pride Run mean to you?
The LGBT Pride Run is a favorite of mine. The race is always festive and fun. Running among the tutus and fun wigs are always entertaining and a joyful sight. I’m a runner that likes to look around and interact with the race surroundings and have fun.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
The frozen Ice Pops at a super humid and hot race without a doubt.
Bridget enjoying her ice pop after this year’s Pride Run.
Bridget NixDorf
She/Her
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic? If so, how'd it go? Were there any significant changes?
This was my first in-person NYRR race since December 2019! It was a really exciting environment and the energy in the park was awesome. Felt totally safe. There were a lot more waves than usual and start times were really spread out. Also, they only sent off 3 people at a time! That was interesting and pretty fun; I felt like a pro runner at the starting line.
How’d the race go for you?
The race was difficult! It was REALLY hot and really humid. It was also a 6k this year, which was hard to wrap my brain around.
What does the Pride Run mean to you?
I love the Pride race; it's a really fun, great way to kick off Pride weekend and support my friends in the LGBTQIA+ community who mean the world to me.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
I think everyone agrees that the best part about the race is the popsicle you get once you cross the finish line.
Louis Wiggs
He/Him
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic?
Yes, first race since the pandemic
How’d it go?
It was a struggle
What does the Pride Run mean to you?
I've run this race a number of times and always support the LGBT Community.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
The ices at the finish
Mike Roberts
He/Him
Was this your first in-person race with NYRR since the pandemic? If so, how'd it go? Were there any significant changes?
Yep, this was my first NYRR race, and first time back in Central Park, since the 2019 marathon. Wow, that’s been a while. They’re still using the fully-staggered start system with waves going off over the course of 3 hours or so, with 3 people starting every 5 seconds within each wave. I hadn’t realized that at first when I booked it - it turns out I was fine but at one point my wife was also going to be running it and it’s likely that her start would have been more than an hour later than mine, so that would have made things weird. I would have preferred a more usual setup now that I’m vaccinated, but I fully understand that we’re still in a pandemic and we can’t quite go fully back to normal yet.
The very staggered start also meant that there wasn’t quite the vibe of previous pride runs, on the other hand I chatted to 2 or 3 people at one point out on the course, and we were all having fun. Plus the Front Runners had quite the cheer station going on, which was awesome.
How did the race go for you?
The race was … well, I finished. :) I managed to keep up my running through 2020 but this year has been tough and I’ve lost a lot of my form. So while it was a “6k” PR because I’ve never raced 6k before, it wasn’t at a pace that I’d prefer. But that’s not what this was about - it was about having fun with a big group of runners again.
What does the Pride Run mean to you?
I’m pretty squarely in the “ally” camp, but my wife is bisexual and I have a lot of gay and trans friends, so it’s great to be running in a big group that’s queer-friendly once a year! There is a little bit of allyship in me doing the run, but frankly it’s a lot more to be about the fact that the pride run is a lot of fun every year - I think this was my 4th or 5th time running it.
What did you enjoy most about the race?
What I most enjoyed was running in a big group of people again for the first time in over 18 months. I’ve missed it, and look forward to regular starts as soon as makes sense. Oh, and having people shout out “Go Prospect Park!” was a sound that it was also good to hear again. :)
PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership. We welcome and encourage everyone to share their stories with us.
Intro by: Rachael DePalma (she/her)
Photos provided by interviewees unless otherwise noted.
Edited by: Linda S. Chan (she/her)
Produced by: Rachael DePalma