​I joined Frontrunners of RI last summer and this group inspired me to run my second ever marathon. I loved hearing about their individual stories, their training, and race experiences. Their energy and enthusiasm encouraged me to start training late October and I decided if everything went well I would look for a race in February. Looking through a list of Boston Qualifying races I decided to run the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach CA.

This race did not disappoint. The location was beautiful, scenic, with warm, dry weather with the perfect amount of cooling breeze. Fortunately for me the beginning of the winter season in RI was mild enough to great some great long runs in before heading to the West Coast. This event had something for everyone from the beach mile to the marathon held on the Pacific Coast Highway and beach paths. Even the expo held for several days in advance was one of the best including great products and fueling options to surf music and an antique VW bus exhibition. 

Race start was at 6:30am with temps in the low 50's. Perfect running weather along with the sunrise views over the water. I decided to take advantage of the cooler temps and the shaded portion of the course by going a little faster than I had anticipated to make up some extra time. I also knew it was going to warm up quickly and the last half of the race would be in the direct sunlight so I carried a large water bottle with me that I had purchased the day before at the expo. In my first and only other marathon I suffered badly from dehydration and had hit "the wall" at mile 21. The race had plenty of well stocked aid stations to supplement. I hit the 16 mile mark and the beach path thinking I am actually going to make it! The last 5 miles were tough but I never hit that awful wall and there was plenty of cheering going on from the crowds of people lining the streets. I highly recommend this course as it was pretty flat and fast and a nice winter racecation getaway.

With the exception of one damaged toe nail I made it through injury free and with a new found love for the distance. My daughter had reminded me that after the first marathon in 2018 I had said NEVER again but it is amazing what camaraderie can do for changing your mind and perspective! A big thank you to all my Frontie friends who were their to share tips and offer support and encouragement! That is where you find the real joy in running!

---Dawn Marshall

I want thank you for supporting my 41st marathon, my 21st consecutive Boston Marathon and of course, the charity I chose to raise money for... Squashbusters. (Warning: This is a long note, but I hope you take a chance to read it).

Any marathon training season has its ups and downs, its victories and challenges, its hills and valleys, but just like everything else in 2020, this one was unprecedented .



A recap...

The training started on fairly easy roads,  a mild winter allowed for pretty easy running in January and February... but then March came around and so did COVID-19 and the inevitable announcement that the marathon would be moved to the middle of September. My training slowed but never stopped and a new schedule of runs were planned. Then as spring turned to summer, a new announcement.  The race, that has gone on every year (except for one year during WWI where it was turned into a relay race) was CANCELLED.  It was a hard but necessary decision. 

The Boston Athletic Association, that organizes the marathon, gave runners two options: 1) get your money back and cross your fingers that the 2021 race would happen with no harm to my streak or 2) take part in a virtual marathon.  That means running 26.2 miles at one time between a window of 9 days in September.  A virtual marathon  in September meant training at the peak of summer.  With COVID-19, it meant training almost entirely alone and without the support and camaraderie of my running clubs. It also meant running a 26.2 mile race alone (something I've never done) void of the excitement, energy, cheering crowds and celebration that you would see in a normal Boston Marathon.   

It would have been very easy to choose option 1, but marathoners have a way of moving forward no matter what bump (or this this case EXTREMETLY giant mountain)  gets in the way.  Add to that decision, ALL OF YOU who supported me... I couldn't let you down. So I trained, mostly alone, my long runs were generally in a quiet park in Hingham after work on Fridays, other runs during the week in Providence and West Roxbury. 

If there's a plus side to running a virtual marathon... it's that you choose your day, your time and your course to run. Running the Boston Marathon course was a no brainer for me.  As for time and date, I chose that first Sunday, and being that I'm not generally a 'morning person' I thought a great sleep, a relaxing morning coffee and breakfast in bed and an 11am start time would be perfect for 'my race'. 

Have I told you that sometimes I don't make the best decisions.... 

By the time I started it was nearly 80 degrees with a bright-beaming sun, the Boston Marathon course roads are wide and don't allow for too many shady spots, midday. It was an absolutely beautiful September day to do anything... other than run a marathon. 

I ended up running my slowest time every... I suffered from horribly painful heartburn by trying to say ahead of the heat and drinking too much Gatorade (and having that big breakfast in bed) which led to me drinking less and suffering from pretty significant dehydration.

But one step in front of the other... I finished.  No regrets at all. 

But here's the real victory. Because of YOU, I was able to raise OVER $7200 for my Boston Marathon Charity, Squashbusters. WOW!!!

The following weekend, Squashbusters put on a fun, socially-distant relay. 2 teams of 13 people made up of runners, staff and Squashbusters students. Each person ran 1/2 mile twice to cover 26.2 miles total.  It was the first time that many of the students and staff had seen each other face to face since March. The energy was wonderful.  

I had a chance to talk for a while to the founder and CEO of the organization, Greg Zaff.  He told me that during these last 6 months, there were no layoffs, staff worked virtually and kept in close contact with students not only discussing the sport but keeping up with tutoring, SAT prep, College applications and so much more that they do.  He said that 'it was because of the money we raised from our runners, that we were able to do all of this"

Any donation to any organization 'makes a difference' but this year making a difference meant so much more. Squashbusters is a small organization and being my 2nd year raising money for them, I've grown very attached to the group. 

So thanks so much! 

Who knows what's next, I will continue my training until it's safe to race again.  
Stay safe, stay strong and once again my deepest appreciation.

Keith Shields 

Congratulations to Elyssa Sykes Bidwell who won the 2019 Frontrunners Race Series. She ran the most races among 15 runners! Elyssa shares with us how she got started with running and how she keeps going!

​1. How long have you been a runner and how did you get started?

Believe it or not, not that long (in my opinion). I started in February of my sophomore year as a group exercise session, and then I started keeping up with it more as a stress reliever. I started with C25K (couch to 5k) and just kept going around the track when I was able to. During the more substantial breaks, I used my neighborhood as a track.

2. What is your favorite race distance and why?

I like the 5k for the short accomplishments, and the 10 miler for the longer accomplishment. Both I think are great milestone distances!

3. Do you have any future running goals?

I'm currently training for my first full marathon, which right now the goal is to cross the finish line. My future goal is to run the same marathon next year, and qualify for Boston or New York.

4. Do you do any other sports to keep fit?

I'm trying to incorporate more weight training at the moment, but I have played outdoor volleyball and flag football in the past. I am looking into joining a softball league in the future because I miss playing ball.

5. What advice would you have for any new runner?
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• Start small - you can't run 8 miles after never running more than the Presidential Mile back in school. Do the legwork of getting comfortable with shorter distances before increasing. 
• Splurge on some shoes! At the very least, go get some inserts that will cradle your feet when you run. Your arches will thank you.
• Celebrate now - You're a runner! Congrats! I'm cheering for you (wherever I am)! You're joining a super supportive community.
• Apps are your friend - I'm a huge advocate for Nike Run (they have really great guided runs for a myriad of distances, lengths, and types of runs) and C25k. Feel free to find one that works the best for you.

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A big congratulations went to Tim Riker who won the very first Forerunners Race Series.  From about 20 participants, he completed the most races in our 2018 series​ (Blackstone Boulevard Free 5K x 2 , Blessing of the Fleet 10 Miler,  CVS Downtown 5K, Options Gay 5K, Narragansett Half Marathon and Cape Cod Half Marathon).

​We asked Tim to tell us about his experience with running!


1. How long have you been a runner and how did you get started?

Although I was a part of the track team for two years during high school, which I ran the 400 meters and did field events such as shot put and discus throwing, I do not think I would have called myself a runner because my track coach did not teach me the skills I needed to be a lifelong runner.  It wasn't until I was 23 years old when I lived in Washington, D.C., that I learned about the AIDS Marathon training and gave that a try.  After realizing I could build my endurance and run longer distances, it opened up the door to the running world.  I find running to be a meditative experience that gives me the mental toughness I need to thrive as a Deaf Gay man in a complex world.  

2. What is your favorite race distance and why?

Although I enjoy shorter distances such as 5K and 10K races, my favorite race is the half marathon.  It's just the right distance to build mental and physical resilience yet not too much as to make it difficult to condition adequately for races.  Training for half marathons seems to be more realistic given my demanding schedule teaching at Brown University during the academic year.  Also, I read an article advising runners that running 15-20 miles a week provides optimal health benefits while running more than 20 miles a week is excessive.  I feel perfectly content with running half marathons and setting personal records whenever I can.     

3. Do you have any future running goals?

Running the Boston Marathon is one of my goals on my bucket list but I need to continue improving my pace.  Also, I think running 100 half marathons is something I am really aspiring to do after completing about 10 of them so far.  In addition to several New England races every year, I would like to do more destination runs around the U.S. and the world.  In January, I ran the Hollywood Beach Half Marathon in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and plan to run the Wild Horse Trail Half Marathon in San Diego, California this summer.  Locally, I plan to run the Mystic Half Marathon in Mystic, Connecticut this May and perhaps a few others later during the summer and fall.

4. Do you do any other sports to keep fit? 

After the Pelham Half Marathon in New York during Thanksgiving weekend, my ankle and knee was injured and required me to take a break from running for a while.  I have been doing mostly cross training since end of January and for the past month have been attending high intensity interval training classes at OrangeTheory Fitness which include running, rowing and exercising core muscles.  Through strength training, I hope to reduce injuries once warmer weather comes around and I start training for my next half marathon.  I also enjoy walking/hiking, bicycling, and kayaking when I'm not running and the weather's nice.

5. What advice would you have for any new runner?

The great thing about running is you are competing mostly with yourself and you're not just building physical stamina but strengthening your mind.  Even if your first race is at a slow pace, don't worry about how fast everyone else is going and focus on that sense of accomplishment you get when you cross the finish line.  Every race you do, your goal is to set a personal record and find a strategy that works for you.  Also, be sure you get good advice from people on running shoes, clothing, hydration and ways to protect your nipple from being chafed during longer runs.  A comfortable run makes it worthwhile!

The Gay Games is an international sporting event held every four years that serves to encourage healthy competition among LGBTQ athletes from all over the world. Paris served as this year's host city and was attended by over 10,000 athletes from 90 countries with over 300,000 spectators.  

​Five our very own runners together with their families/partners participated in the various running and cultural events across Paris from 8/4/18 - 8/12/18. Our proud runners included Keith Shields, Brian Mulligan, John Kershaw , Scott Mirani and Tim Engels.  They were joined by Jeff Fuller, Ed Pendola,  Emma Kershaw, Peter Quesnel and Tom Koch.

This was certainly not the first time that FRRI members have participated in the Gay Games. Previous participants have included John Rocabello, Brian Mulligan (2002 Sydney Gay Games ) and Jim Saunders (2014 Cleveland Gay Games).

The opening ceremonies took place in the beautiful Jean Bouin Stadium, located in the 16th district of Paris. Every represented country and US state entered the stadium with their respective banners.  Representing Rhode Island, Frontrunners RI was joined by the Newport Rowers, an LGBT rowing team. The ceremony included empowering speeches on sports and LGBT equality in addition to  wonderful musical presentations promoting French culture and musical history.   

Our runners did well despite the unseasonably warm temperature. Congratulations to Brian Mulligan for winning two medals!!  Below are some photos of the various races. You may also read  all  about Keith Shield's experience in the half marathon.

10 K (held at Bois de Vincennes )
1. Tim Engels
2. Keith Shields
3. Scott Mirani
4. Brian Mulligan (SILVER medal winner in age group)*

* being challenged. According to official race results, Brian should be receiving gold medal.
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Half Marathon (start and finish close to  Arch de Triomphe)
1. Keith Shields
2. John Kershaw

Marathon (start and finish close to  Arch de Triomphe)
Brian Mulligan (SILVER medal winner in age group)

Between events, the gang had the opportunity to take on many of the endless museums and historical sights. These included the Palace of Versailles, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, Musee d'Orsay, Louvre Museum, Centre Pompidou, Musee Picasso and others! Of course, time was seen enjoying some fabulous meals and sights at the Marias! They also got to socialize with many frontrunners from all over the world during a big social gathering in the gay district of Paris. 

Given the success of this year's big trip, many of us have already spoken about attending the Hong Kong Gay Games in November 2022.  

Mark it in your calendar folks! You won't regret it!!!

VIDEO for 2022


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​On Saturday, August 11th, the final day of the 10th annual Gay Games in Paris, Brain Mulligan, John Kershaw and I lined up at compete in the marathon (Brian) and half marathon (Keith and John).  The event started and ended just steps away of one of Paris’s most idyllic landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe. The course passed mostly through the Bois de Boulogne which treated runners to a mix of large tree canopies covering hard packed dirt paths, asphalt road that hugged beautiful parks and quaint cobblestoned streets closer to the start and finish of the race. The Rhode Island Frontrunner contingent was treated with cheers and fandom from Jeffrey Fuller, Scott Mirani, Tim Engels, Ed Pendola, Emma Kershaw and towards the end of the race, Peter Quesnel and Tom Koch.       

My strategy was to try and keep up with future marathon silver medalist, Brian Mulligan as long as I could.  However, nearly from the start of the race, I know it was going to be tough task.  A week of touring Paris that consisting of 10-12 walking miles and 16-30 flights of stairs a day had taken its toll on my legs. From the first mile, I knew it would not be a day of personal records. That said, I was able to stick with Brian for the better part of the first half of the race and finished in a respectable time. 

​After finishing, cooling down and getting a few refreshments, I joined the FRRI spectators to cheer on John and Brian. The music was pumping, the announcer was psyching up the crowds, screaming encouragement to each finishing runner while temporarily slowing down marathon runners completing another lap by sharing a quick fist-pumping dance with him/her.  The mood just seemed so happy and at that moment, it hit me how happy I was.

 We weren’t the token  ‘gay runners’ of a race, but a race full of brothers and sisters from all over the world, who happen to love someone of their own gender, who love to run and who just like me, seemed so happy.  I found myself laughing, smiling ear to ear and tearing up, all at the same time. 

​The Arc de Triumphe, commissioned by Napoleon I was built to celebrate the many victories of the French Army.  Leaving the race, and seeing the iconic monument, I couldn’t help but think of the many battles and victories in those battles that the GLBT+ community have made to all get us here to the 10thGay Games… where men and women could compete, celebrate, be themselves and be happy doing it.   

FRRI had the pleasure of hosting a 5 mile run with Frontrunners Boston on a pleasant Fall afternoon.  Ryan, Dan, Rich, Cale and James drove up from Boston and joined the gang at Blackstone Boulevard for a quick run followed by an early dinner at Rasoi.  We wish to thank our Boston running friends for spending their Friday afternoon with us and we look forward to joining them in Boston for a Spring run!

Frontrunners RI celebrates its 20th year by teaming up with Rhode Runner Providence to present the Free 5K for Youth Pride Inc. Rhode Runner, meeting the needs of local runners since 2001, holds a monthly 5K to benefit community organizations. On May 25th, the funds raised by the Free 5K will benefit YPI, an organization devoted to providing services and support to LGBTQQ youth (ages 23 and under).

How does a free event raise money? Good question! While registering for the event, at eventbrite.com, you have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets, or simply make a donation. The proceeds go directly to YPI. If you choose to just register for the race, it is absolutely free! You may also register on site, but you may have to stand in a line. Registering ahead of time puts you on the guest list. It is like an express pass!

The free 5K will take place at 6:30 PM in Blackstone Boulevard in Providence. There will be a timing clock provided by Rhode Runner, and it will keep running until the final participant crosses the line. Water and a sports drink will be provided also, and raffle prizes are donated by running apparel companies and local businesses.

Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or just an enthusiastic supporter, it is a great way to spend a late spring evening!

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blackstone-blvd-free-5k-fun-run
-may-tickets-24041462662
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​Dang.
Erik's away and our normal space is in use on Monday 7 December.  But Frontie persistence conquers all. We'll be running Thursday night, 10 December, on Blackstone Boulevard at 6:00pm. Email us at frontrunnersri@gmail.com for more information or just show up at the north end of the Boulevard path, across from Three Sisters.

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We have to do a little shuffling around next week, so our Monday stretch-run-yoga will instead take place on Tuesday night—same place and time: meet in front of 55 Canal Walk at 6:00 sharp. We'll stretch, run, and then do some yoga led by Erik at 6:45 or so in the Gallery.

Tonight we'll meet up at 6:00pm outside the Illustration Studies Building at RISD (the brick building on the left in the photo) 55 Canal Walk, for a quick stretch and then a 30 minute run (or walk, if you prefer). Dinner afterwards for anyone interested. Join us!
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Join Frontrunners—Rhode Island's go-to LGBTQ club for fitness and goodwill—for our weekly runs on Mondays (an Eastside/Fox Point run followed by about 45 minutes of yoga) and Thursdays, when we meet at the end of the Blackstone Boulevard path, where Hope Street meets the Boulevard, right across from Three Sisters Restaurant. All newcomers welcome—we're a friendly group. 

Both events start at 6:00pm sharp.

Mondays: Run/Walk and Yoga with Erik Strzempko
6:00pm: meet in front of 55 Canal Walk, Providence

Thursdays: Run/Walk
6:00pm: meet at the north end of the Blackstone Boulevard Path, at the intersection of Hope and Blackstone Boulevard.