Bristol Frontrunners
About our group
Bristol Frontrunners (BFR), started in 2023, is an LGBTQ+ social running group aiming to provide a safe, accessible and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people and friends to run, socialise, and have fun.
Safe - running together, along suitable routes, with an experienced run leader able to deliver suitable warm-ups, main sessions, and cool-downs. Following our risk assessment, which identifies potential risks to participants and run leaders from run activities, and mitigations to reduce risks and ensure we can enjoy our events.
Inclusive - of runners aged 16+, or aged 12+ accompanied by a parent or guardian, who identify as LGBTQ+ or as friends, with activities aimed to be multi-ability. Signposting for new runners who may not yet be ready to join our activities where we can't offer something to get you started.
Accessible - meeting in central locations, usually a park, with transport links and facilities nearby.
The club is part of RunTogether, a social running programme from England Athletics designed to provide fun, friendly, supportive and inclusive running opportunities for all and locally.
The 'Bristol Frontrunners' name is inspired by International Front Runners, an affiliation whose aims include to promote running and other sports activities for gender and sexually diverse people. We have applied to affiliate with International Front Runners.
Since May 2025, BFR is also a member of the Association of Running Clubs, a not-for-profit affiliating body for clubs and associations whose principal activity is road, trail, or cross country running. We'll be confirming details of how to become a member of BFR for a modest annual fee and inviting sign-up soon.
Run with us
Runs will be advertised on RunTogether where they will be led by an England Athletics licensed running coach. All activities will be advertised on our Strava club, and may be led by an licensed run coach or by an experienced runner actively leading the session or simply acting as a guide.
We are currently organising a regular mid-week run, on a Wednesday evening, meeting in the centre of Queen Square, Bristol, 1845 for 1900 start.
There'll normally be a choice of two differently paced groups:
> a moderately paced route of around 5k, mainly on the flat, with some hills, and usually aimed at developing stamina and technique
> a more challenging run of 8 to 10k, likely to be at a faster pace, and along a hilly route or incorporating trails, usually aimed at extending distance.
Whichever group you choose, we will usually begin together with a dynamic warm-up, before a run along a planned route, and each group will end in Queen Square for a gentle cool-down and stretches, with an optional post-run social.
We're also organising occasional longer runs of 10-15km, meeting at Queen Square or at Ashton Court Courtyard Cafe - please check the event details on Strava for meeting point and start time.
We also organise occasional special events, such as our LGBTQ+ History Tour and Pride Taster Session, and evening social events.
Want to get involved?
Please come along to any of our events with no obligation or commitment - all our events are free, supported by volunteers happy to share their enjoyment of the sport.
Get in touch if you'd like to help us take the group forward, whether by joining the committee, organising social activities, or by leading run activities.
Use our contact form to get in touch.
Join our Strava club!
Strava is much more than a tracking app – it’s a place for people to connect, stay motivated, and have some fun. You can connect with other Strava athletes through the platform, meet other athletes on the road or trails, and keep track of your fitness over time. Members can also create club discussions and engage in conversation, and this is where we'll post route maps for upcoming runs. See here to join our club.