BayLands FrontRunners

Fun, Fitness & Friends!

Provided by BayLands FrontRunners

BayLands FrontRunners (BLFR) is a Santa Clara and San Mateo County LGBTQ running, walking, and social club of men, women, family, friends, and pets. The club was founded in 1991 in Palo Alto and is one of a network of 110 FrontRunner clubs spanning six continents. BLFR is a member of the International FrontRunners umbrella organization as well as USA Track & Field.

baylands group photo 1

Club Organization

BayLands FrontRunners is a not-for-profit club. Monthly business meetings are held following a Saturday morning walk/run and include the Board of Directors, Key Members, Staff, and other members who wish to participate.

Membership

Over 200 dues-paying members receive THE TIDES, a monthly newsletter, and also enjoy access to the membership directory in the members-only portion of the club website. More than 40% of BayLands members are also “Benefactors” who donate to fund club projects and events.

Weekly Run/Walks

Members congregate each Saturday for Circle-Up and a Fun Run/Walk at the Baylands Athletic Center in Palo Alto at 9 AM, followed by coffee at a local coffeehouse. In addition, there are various run/walk activities scheduled throughout the week, as shown on the BLFR website.

baylands the tides cover

baylands group waving

Social Activities

Members love to socialize as much as they love to run and walk. Activities have included movie nights, game nights, hikes, wine tasting, pool parties, anniversary parties, beach parties, river rafting, camping trips, and ski weekends.

baylands pool party

Races

BayLands members participate in local and state races such as Wharf to Wharf in Santa Cruz, Moonlight Run in Palo Alto, national and international marathons, as well as events at the Gay Games.

PRIDE Festivals

BLFR participates in Silicon Valley Pride (formerly San Jose Pride), San Francisco Pride, San Mateo Pride, and East Bay Pride events and festivals.

baylands parade balloons

Summer Brunches

During the summer, members gather at the Baylands Preserve picnic area for a self-catered brunch each month following the Saturday morning run/ walk. This is an opportunity for members to invite friends and introduce them to our club.

Run for the Community

Beginning in 1995, BayLands FrontRunners has hosted Pride Runs in Palo Alto at the Baylands Preserve. The mayor of Palo Alto served as the first Guest Starter with members of both the local community and FrontRunners participating. In 1998, the event received the more inclusive title, “Run For The Community.” Patricia Nell Warren, author of The Front Runner, was Guest Starter at one such event.

baylands event booth

baylands runners

baylands finish line race

BLFR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Baylands Nature Preserve

Enjoying a collaborative relationship with Palo Alto Park Rangers, BayLands members funded and built a trellis and benches at the picnic area where our summer brunches are held. This structure was presented to the Preserve and carries a plaque with the club’s name.

Coastal Clean-Up & Restoration

BayLands members team with Ladera Community Church to participate in the annual International Coastal Clean-Up Day in September near Half Moon Bay at Pomponio Beach, and again join forces in the spring for a restoration project at local preserves.