Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to pull on their trainers for the launch of Glasgow’s first running group for the LGBT Community. Glasgow Frontrunners (GFR) will celebrate their official inception at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Arc Recreation and Health Centre before a run along their soon-to-be regular canal-side route and dinner and drinks at Trader Joe’s, Metropolitan and Delmonicas in the city centre.

The group, held every Thursday at the Arc, aims to encourage awareness of health and wellbeing among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The laid-back GFR welcome runners, gentle joggers or walkers alike with the group divided up depending on ability and fitness level.

Club president Simon Young says: ‘We welcome all abilities. We are keen to support new runners, as well as providing challenges for those who are serious about improving their running.’

The social side of the club is just as vital as the keep-fit agenda, Young says.

‘So far, we’ve had 40 people attending and most come out for a bite to eat and a bit of daft chat afterwards. Our aim is to provide welcoming and supportive social opportunities for members of the LGBT community and it gives folks a chance to meet like-minded people.’

The first Frontrunners club was founded in San Francisco in 1974, with 120 clubs now in existence worldwide. Young and his colleagues set up FrontRunners’ Glasgow branch in August, the third club of its kind in the UK.

‘I went to visit a friend of mine in Manchester who was a member of Frontrunners there and went out with them when I was down there,’ Young explains. ‘I thought it was great and wondered why Glasgow didn’t have something similar.’

Club membership is £25 for a year or £10 for students and the unwaged. Guests are always welcome and pay only £1 per run.

The club meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at the Arc, Glasgow Caledonian University. For more information, visit www.glasgowfrontrunners.org

Arc Recreation and Health Centre, Glasgow Caledonian University, Sat 13 Nov