Front Runners and Walkers of San Diego collection, 1981-2011

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Summary

Title:
Front Runners & Walkers San Diego collection
Dates:
1981-2011
Creators:
Front Runners & Walkers (San Diego, Calif.)
Abstract:
This collection contains materials related to the non-profit organization Front Runners & Walkers San Diego (FR&WSD). This collection is comprised of two accessions containing organization materials, including newsletters, correspondence, internal documents, and memorabilia.
Extent:
1.5 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Language:
English .

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains newsletters, correspondence, meeting minutes, financial documents, and memorabilia related to the Front Runners & Walkers San Diego (FR&WSD). The collection covers the period from 1981-2009 and most material is local to San Diego, California, with the exception of a handful of international Front Runners organizations' newsletters.

Biographical / historical:

Front Runners is an international organization of LGBTQ+ running and/or walking clubs, founded in San Francisco, California in 1974. The organization's name was inspired by The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren, a 1974 novel about a gay romance between a running coach and his star athlete. The organization's popularity bloomed following the first Gay Games held in San Francisco in 1982. Now, there are more than 100 Front Runners groups across the globe, with about half being in the United States.

Carol Pierce and Jeff Wynne co-founded The Front Runners & Walkers San Diego (FR&WSD) in 1981 with the goal of uniting LGBTQ+ community members and providing a safe space outside of the booming bar scene of the time. The group grew rapidly to over 65 members within its first year, expanding its scope to include walking in addition to running. As of 2026, FR&WSD continues to host weekly activities for its over 275 members, as well as hosts the annual San Diego Pride 5k.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized into two accessions:

  1. Accession No. L2010.11, Front Runners & Walkers collection, 1983-2009
  2. Accession No. L2011.02, Front Runners & Walkers records, 1983-2007

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Natalie Hollander
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-03-03 21:21:59 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research.

Terms of access:

Consult each accession for their respective copyright and use statements.

Location of this collection:
4545 Park Blvd, Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92116, US
Contact:
(619) 260-1522
info@lambdaarchives.org
Website