2014 DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K

Inaugural Race Recap

 

 

On Friday, June 6, a thousand runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and cheerers came together for the second DC Front Runners Pride Run at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. We were blessed with glorious weather, with golden evening sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. The race raised more than $8,000 for our chosen beneficiaries: SMYAL, a local non-profit that mentors LGBTQ youth; and a student-athlete scholarship of Team DC, the umbrella federation for gay sports clubs in the DC area.

 

Following a soaring rendition of the National Anthem performed by Matt Beck, soloist with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, confetti cannons signaled race start at 7 p.m. sharp. Our 874 runners and walkers wended their way out of the Cemetery, along the picturesque Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, on a course designed by our race logistics partner, Pacers Events. They were greeted en route by the DC Aquatics Club, who provided water; and the DC Strokes Rowing Club and DC Gay Flag Football League, who set up a sponge station. The first male to cross the 5K finish line back at the Cemetery was Thomas Woermer, a track athlete at American University, in a remarkably fast 15 minutes and 47 seconds. The first-placed female was Jennifer Leehey of Washington, DC, who finished in 19 minutes and 58 seconds. In our gender neutral category, Alex Myers of Washington DC came first place in 22 minutes and 24 seconds. In the fastest team category, for which we had 37 finishers, Fried Chicken came first, with an average time of 18 minutes and 33 seconds.

 

The Finish Line Party took place outside the chapel near the Cemetery entrance. It was emceed by our maestro DJ, Edward Daniels, with entertainment provided by the Ladies of Illusion and the DC Front Runners Dance Troupe. Participants enjoyed post-race snacks, as well as beer courtesy of JR’s Bar & Grill, and coffee drinks from Peet’s Coffee. After handing out awards to the overall and age group winners, the party wound down just as the sun was setting. It was an amazing evening and a fantastic way to kick off Pride weekend, our race being an official event of Capital Pride. We are already planning for our 2015 Pride Run and we will be in touch once details are finalized. In the meantime, Happy Running!

 

The DC Front Runners Pride Run Committee