Proud allies

What is Front Runners?

Front Runners is an international network of LGBTQ+ running clubs that was inspired by Patricia Nell Warren’s “The Long Distance Runner” — which is one of the most celebrated gay love stories ever. The first Front Runners club was formed in San Francisco in 1974, and about 100 clubs now exist worldwide.

To help them continue giving and running in the name of love, we provided grants to the Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, San Francisco, and West Palm Beach Front Runners chapters. These clubs are invested in their communities — all chapters are using their grants to give back in one form or another, whether it’s through philanthropy, sponsoring a Pride Run / Walk, or expanding their outreach.

Because Brooks supports the freedom of expression for LGBTQ+ community / running community, we are partnering with Front Runners for the third year in a row to show our active and continued support.

Read more about Front Runners like Richard and Zander and what running proud means to them.

A run across Mississippi (and beyond) for awareness

With a love for adventure inspired by the loss of his road-trip-loving father to cancer, runner Mikah Meyer uses travel and outdoor activity to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In his “Across” series, Mikah runs across US states to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ causes like The Outside Safe Space — a rainbow-tree symbol that communicates support for people to be their authentic selves in rural and outdoor spaces. He’s run across Minnesota and, most recently, Mississippi, and plans more runs in the US and internationally soon.

We caught up with Mikah to discuss his Across experience.

Brooks Running: Why did you choose Mississippi for your most recent run?

Mikah Meyer: I wanted to take the Outside Safe Space to the places it’s needed most. My Instagram followers voted Mississippi as the most homophobic state in the US. One of them shared that he works for the Trevor Project Lifeline, which is an LGBTQ+ suicide hotline, and the majority of his calls come from Florida and Mississippi. That solidified it for me.

BR: What does this sponsorship mean to you?

MM: “It’s hard to be what you can’t see.” When I heard those words from Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman a number of years ago, I realized that’s exactly what I was going through during my childhood. I grew up closeted and thinking gay men could only do certain stereotypical jobs, because that’s what I saw on TV and in the news.

However, I can now be the role model I always wished I had.

Since the greatest storytellers show, not tell, I’ve used that concept when it comes to my work as a world record setting, openly gay adventurer. It’s the reason I’ve done, and continue to do, so many epic travels while highlighting my sexual orientation.

Brooks’ sponsorship allows me to show — not just tell — that no matter who you are, you can be a runner.

BR: What do you hope your followers gain during this journey?

MM: A daily, positive dose of adventure! Plus, a window into part of America not traditionally on the top of “Best Places To Travel” lists. My three-year journey to all 419 National Park Service sites from 2016–2019 taught me that there are magical places all across America, and I’m excited to share those magical parts of Mississippi while taking people on a run through somewhere that’s probably very different than where they’re usually running.