In July 1982, after the success of the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Run, Peg Grey, Rob Williams, and Jim White officially established Frontrunners Chicago as a club. The club took its name from "The Front Runner", a best-selling novel of the time written by Patricia Nell Warren. In the novel, running is a symbol of gay and lesbian pride.

Since then, our club has grown steadily. We have continued with distinctions and honors over the years.

In 1989, as more walkers joined the group, Frontwalkers was added to the club name. We officially became Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago (FR/FW Chicago).

In 1990, FR/FW Chicago began its long history with the Chicago Marathon by staffing a water station. (This association has grown over the years. For ten years, the Chicago Marathon Press and marathoners awarded our club the "best water station." Our water station has been given worldwide publicity and has become legendary. Each year, our water station has a theme that includes music, costumes, decorations, and even male cheerleaders.

In 1991, FR/FW Chicago began hosting the Proud To Run event. Proud To Run was founded by the Metropolitan Sports Association but was turned over to our group thanks to our vested interest in its success. Proud To Run is the annual gay and lesbian pride race that is held the Saturday of Pride Weekend. Since becoming our event, Proud To Run has expanded and now includes a 10K, 5K and 2-mile fun walk. There are typically more than 600 registered participants. Proud To Run is a CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) Registered Race and USATF (USA Track and Field) sanctioned.

In 1993, the readers of Windy City Sports, a local, independent sports magazine, voted us "best running club in Chicago." The readers also voted the Proud To Run 10K, one of the top 3 in Chicago.

In 1994, we appeared on the cover of Windy City Sports and Gay Chicago Magazine.

In 1995, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago was inducted into the city's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. Chicago is the only city in the world with a city-sponsored Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

In 2000, we organized a large joint fun run/walk with the Lincoln Park Pacers who are our straight counterparts and also meet in the park. This was the first time that the two running groups had ever combined for a planned event. After the run, both groups went to the brunch where they stayed and enjoyed multiple beverages, relaxing with each other for the rest of the morning.

In 2001, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago hosted the 20th Anniversary Proud To Run. In twenty years, Proud To Run raised over $100,000 for local AIDS and Breast Cancer agencies and educational groups. Also, Mayor Daley officially announced June 24, 2001 as "Proud To Run Day" in the City of Chicago.

In 2006, Proud To Run celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 24th with 690 registered participants, over 100 volunteers and countless spectators. Our club also had many members who participated in the Gay Games VII in Chicago from July 15th - 22nd. Also in 2006, our club hosted the IFI meeting on July 13th and 14th. (IFI is the International Frontrunners Invitational, a gathering of representatives from clubs around the world. It occurs every two years in a different city.)

Currently, we have about 175 members. We are one of the largest running and walking clubs in Chicago. Our membership includes all levels of ability, from competitors to conversationalists. Our ages span from 22 to 72. During the summer, there can be over 80 people at a fun run/walk. We are one of the few GLBT groups that can boast a strong female presence.

We work to strengthen our ties with the city of Chicago as a whole. To this end, club members make valuable and visible contributions to events by volunteering for the Shamrock Shuffle, JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, AIDS Walk, Chicago Distance Classic, and the Chicago Marathon.

FR/FW Chicago's involvement at these events strengthens the presence of the gay and lesbian community in our city and presents a positive image to the people of Chicago.

We belong to the USATF association and to CARA. Some members show their competitive side and compete in the CARA racing circuit. FR/FW activities are regularly covered in local running and walking publications such as Amateur Athlete and Chicago Runner magazine

The network of Frontrunner Clubs includes 30 international chapters in countries including Canada, Australia, France, Israel, Japan, Great Britain, and South Africa. In the United States, there are clubs in all major cities and many smaller ones. Members are made welcome at any club they visit, and clubs often provide housing for visitors. The Chicago club regularly sponsors activities with Frontrunner clubs from other cities, which helps build a spirit of camaraderie in the worldwide gay and lesbian community.

Each month FR/FW organizes social, athletic, or volunteer events for its members. In addition to the weekly fun runs and walks, these activities provide a healthy environment for FR/FW members. They also provide a non-threatening and supportive entry into the gay and lesbian community for people who are coming out.

Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago serves the gay and lesbian community by promoting activities related to running and walking. We provided a healthy and supportive outlet for gays and lesbians to meet, exercise, and socialize. Many members have found this to be a beneficial addition to their personal growth and lifestyle.

In 2007, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago celebrates our 25th anniversary.