Author: Front Runner

It was with delight that we saw one of the first organised races in Sussex was finally able to go ahead. BH Frontrunners co-chair and LIRF, Claire took part in the race. Check out her race report below!

“I was so excited that there was finally a REAL race that I could take part in after months of events being postponed and cancelled during lockdown. It didn’t disappoint.

It was well organised and Covid-safe guidelines strictly adhered to. I arrived early for my race in a school field close to the start line and found a spot 2 meters away from other runners. The race operated a staggered start with some of the faster runners starting first. I crossed the start line 15 minutes after the first racers, so not too long to wait.

The course was gruelling at times, there is no hiding that truth… With steep hills and cliffs to climb along the way. But the effort was rewarded 10 fold by the incredible views of the rolling south downs and seven sisters cliffs. We were also lucky to be rain and mist free that day so runners were able to enjoy the countryside and sea in their full glory.

By about mile 10.5 I thought my legs were going on strike, but I persevered…. Thankfully the last mile and a half was all downhill… So I let myself    meander down to the finish line.

My efforts were rewarded with a pasty and a lovely race medal featuring the Beachy Head lighthouse.

I think that’s the first year that the half marathon has been run alongside 10k and marathon distance events. I hope to see this scheduled in future years.”

We are meeting up again, currently in mini groups of no more than 6 runners in a group. So if you would like to join us for a run please contact us in advance. We are still meeting at 7pm on Wednesday evenings, occasionally our meet point changes depending on the weather to help us follow social distancing guidelines. So please email us or contact us on one of our social media platforms so we can confirm where we are meeting, and will know to look out for you.

Our second Annual General Meeting (AGM) and social will be taking place on Wednesday 26^th February at 20:00 at The Sussex Pub, Hove after our regular weekly club run.

At the AGM we will be reflecting on the last year, electing our new committee, reviewing our mission statement and goals and setting what we would like to see the club doing over the next 12 months.

We would love as many FrontRunners as possible to attend and give their feedback on what we can do as a club to support our members. As we will be electing our new committee, we would love members to also nominate themselves for committee positions. As an LGBTQ running club, we are particularly keen to receive nominations from female, trans, and non-binary members to ensure we remain representative of the LGBTQ running community and our membership.

Below are the available positions and the name of the current person if they are seeking re-election. All committee members have indicated they are happy to stand aside if someone new is interested in a particular role. Input is flexible, the committee currently meets every 2-3 months and no previous experience in committees/ clubs is required.  If you are interested in volunteering, our constitution on our website gives an outline of roles and/or feel free to speak to a member of the committee or a run leader on one of our club runs.

Committee – Current member if seeking re-nomination:

• Co-chair – Paul H
• Co-chair – no current nominations
• Secretary – Richard PW
• Treasurer – Jen O
• Social Secretary – no current nominations
• Race Secretary – John B
• Welfare Secretary – Neil H
• Communications & Networking Lead – Claire A
• Communications & Networking Lead – James B

We’ve now started back our regular runs for 2020. Join us on a Wednesday night for our club run or come to our monthly interval sessions.

Wednesday 15th January is our Beginners and Returners night. A regular run with our run leaders on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have. We will also be popping to the Sussex after the run for a social drink and a chat.

Monday 20th January is a return of our monthly interval training, adapted for all levels, interval training is based around meeting your current running goals – whatever that may be!

We are pleased to announce that Brighton and Hove Frontrunners are now affiliated with the Association of Running Clubs. ARC is the fully democratic and accountable governing body for running clubs and groups. This is great news for us and will be helpful in giving us status and allowing us to continue to grow. If you have questions about what affiliation to ARC means please feel free to contact us for more information.

With weather forecasters predicting carnage from coast to capital, it was with a degree of trepidation that BHFR made its first official jaunt to the Pride 10k organised by London Frontrunners.

This long standing 10k race (in its 16th year) brought together LGTB clubs from the UK and beyond, as well as local clubs and allies. The race is a mixture of competition and well, outfits, all this year in aid of the clubs charity, Micro Rainbow International, which works globally to provide micro-finance for LGBTQ businesses as well as encouraging social support.

Held in Victoria Park, Hackney (surprisingly large when you’re at one end and the race starts the other!) the course is a flat, three and a bit circuit which could easily accommodate the 1000 or so runners. Organisation was first class with plenty of volunteers for the hq and bag drop etc, and access to the club room with free showers.

With gale force winds forecast, it was always going to be more sparkle than speed. Having said that the rain stayed off, and with us south coast runners used to a hearty westerly, some solid times  were achieved and even the odd pb.

Damian M Brewer was first home in 43.43 and a fine age grade of 64.97%. Next home was Richard Pineles-West in around 47 minutes, he forgot his chip and number so his time was not officially recorded, and was nursing a good Friday night for most of the course, but none the less was great performance and helping getting Brighton and Hove Frontrunners noticed.  Neil Harrison finished in 54.28, closely followed by Steven Chantrey in 55.12, with John Brown under the hour 59.10 and Ian Morris-Shek in 62.25.

Race prizes were dominated by local clubs, with London FR perhaps unsurprisingly winning the team prize – although this was evidently the first time in a fair few years. There was strong representation from other clubs too, with LGTB club the Birmingham Swifts having 30 runners, and strong contingents from Manchester and Scotland. Paris, Sydney and Rio were also seen in town.

After the race, most headed to the excellent after party set in a large beer garden in the park. As well as prize-giving, there were some interesting insights in to the work of the charity in developing LGTB businesses in more challenging environments. It was also a great opportunity to socialise and forge links with other clubs.

Whilst BHFR may not have won the costume prize (that went to the sunflowers) or been the largest contingent, our purple tops stood out and definitely got the thumbs up. I know many have  attended this race previously in different guises (and costumes), but as BHFR we were the new kids in town and all were very keen to welcome us to the FR fold. Organisers made a particular point of giving us a mention on mic’s and a plug in media which was very much appreciated.

Overall a great day, much more than just a 10k and certainly worth the effort. Another one for the diary next year!

(Race report written by John Brown)

Wednesday saw a change from our usual gathering as 10 of us headed to Black Rock to take part in the annual Jog-Shop Weakest Link relay.

This innovative relay format sees teams of four battle it out around an undulating 2.5k circuit with each member doing their own leg – then the whole team completing a final circuit and finishing together.

With over a hundred teams competing, it was fantastic to see two BHFR teams as well as a mixed team which Kelly and Sonia joined.

Damian, James, Richard and Paul ran this in a team and came in 11th against some of the top running clubs in the region, and only 3 minutes off a podium place. Kelly and Sonia’s mixed team ran a strong group run to come in 36th whilst Steven, Neil, Ian and Claire also ran strong legs and came a creditable 74th. They and the mixed team also share the BHFR award for listening to the instructions and perfectly delivering that coordinated finish!

All agreed what a fantastic event it was, with an inclusive format and great organisation. Whilst generally a fast circuit, the ramps were surprisingly arduous and many reported faster and more consistent running on the group leg.

Overall a great race and certainly one for the calendar, with a target of more BHFR teams and a top 10 place next time!

Check out some pictures of the event on the photos section of our Facebook group here.

Last week saw the start of our second couch to 5km group and our first new member’s night. Our beginner’s group runs to help people who have never ran before gain the confidence to run 5km over 8 weeks while our new member’s night is designed for established runners who want to give us a try and meet the committee for a drink in the pub afterwards.

There is still time to join our beginner’s group (sign ups will close this week) and catch up with the rest of the group. Check our beginners page.

As well as our regular runs on a Wednesday evening – we have a number of extra events for new and current FrontRunners over the next few weeks.

Wednesday 5th June at 7pm sees the start of our next Beginner’s Group, there are still spaces. Following feedback from our last Beginner’s Group – our session is now at a later time, and at the same time as our regular run, so you will get to meet current FrontRunners as well as new ones.

Wednesday 5th June is also our New Runners night – if you already can run 3km without stopping and been thinking about coming along but haven’t yet – our new member’s night is a chance to meet current FrontRunners in a more relaxed environment. We will also be heading out to the pub after our run, new runners are good to either run and pub, just run or just come meet us in the pub for a chat. We will be in the Better Half from 8pm – just come along and say hi.

On Saturday 22nd June we will be doing a social outing to see the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus of Showstoppers, featuring one of our own FrontRunners.

Finally our parkrun Tourism stop on Saturday 29th June sees us staying locally and visiting Hove Prom park run, which we are still yet to officially do as a parkrun tourism stop off.

You can check all our events on our Events page. Potential members can just turn up to any run or social to meet us and get to know us before making any decisions about joining us.

Our next Beginner’s Running Course is now open to sign up and will start on Wednesday 5th June at 7pm.

Our Beginner’s Course is a great way to try running, meet some new people, and build up your fitness and confidence to run 5km. The course lasts 8 weeks, taking place every Wednesday at a new later time of 7pm and will finish with a graduation run at Hove Promenade parkrun on the Saturday.

The course is free for members. Membership for Brighton & Hove FrontRunners costs £15 for the year. This means once the course is over you can carry on running with us until April 2020, making each run less than 30p each!

The beginners course takes place on Hove Prom, with free parking and free use of the changing facilities at King Alfred Leisure Centre.

Membership helps us to train more run leaders with England Athletics and helps support the clubs activities. We do offer reduce or waived fees for people where a lack finances are a barrier to fitness.

Still unsure if it’s for you? You can run up to three times with us for free before deciding if you want to become a member.

You can sign up for the beginners course and to become a member here.