Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a Seattle Frontrunners run?
Before the run, you’ll usually find a group of Frontrunners socializing, and warming up, at the gathering point. Feel free to introduce yourself!
We do our best to start our runs and walks promptly. The Run Leader will share any club announcements, we do a round robin introduction, then split off into groups that are loosely based on speed or distance. Your pace and your distance is always up to you!
After the run, we catch our breath and wait for all runners and walkers to complete. Our runs don’t finish until the last participant returns.
Typically, each event culminates in a post-run social gathering… usually at a nearby coffee shop, bar, or outdoor space. Everyone is welcome to join, and it’s a great chance to meet other Fronties.
I’m new to Seattle Frontrunners! What should I do?
First of all, welcome! We have a few recommendations to help make your first run with us a rewarding and fun experience.
Please come! The best run is the one you show up to. We do our best to make our runs and walks an affirming and welcoming environment where everyone feels included.
Read up! We publish all our event information to our website, so take a moment to figure out where/when you’d like to join us.. Plus, you should look at our Terms of Participation for all the thrilling fine print you’ve been missing in your outdoor activities.
Please show up early! We recommend showing up about 10 minutes before the start of any of our runs. This way, you have a chance to socialize… and we have a chance to set you up for success on the run!
Please introduce yourself to the Run Leader! This is usually one of our Board Members. Introducing yourself gives us a chance to say hi and to connect you with people that are likely to be able to support you during the run, like pacers.
Please tell us about your running experience! Are you a fast-paced runner that loves setting a new goal every time? You’ll find plenty of camaraderie here. New to running? No worries, we’re an all-inclusive club! We also support walkers (more on this below). We want to make sure you’re not experiencing this alone.
Please come talk to us when you’re done! As run leaders, we’d love to hear about how your experience went… and answer any questions you might have about our group, other runs, or some of the fun extracurricular activities!
Do I need to pay anything if I’m just trying out the club, or visiting from another city?
Nope. We welcome all visitors and invite you to come experience your first few runs as part of a month-long trial.
General membership dues are $30 per year.
If you’re a student, or you’re an individual with limited income, we provide a discounted rate of $10 per year.
When do I need to pay you?
We encourage prospective members to try out as many of our runs as they like over the course of a month. After that, we’ll ask you to become a dues paying member.
Our club is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 organization. Dues support the work of our organization and the many social events and offerings the club provides!
What do I get for being a paid member of Seattle Frontrunners?
We have many benefits that are made available to our club members… almost too many to enumerate! But to give you a sampling…
We organize monthly potlucks for members, which is a great way to connect with the community in a sweat-free environment.
Once a month, we hold a sponsored Happy Hour (Frontie Fridays) with appetizers provided by the club.
You’ll receive discounts at several local stores, including Fleet Feet and Super Jock 'N Jill.
In addition, we work with a number of running organizations on a local and national level to get you discounts or free entry into organized races like the Seattle Marathon, Base 2 Space, and dozens of other offerings.
You also get our monthly newsletter with lots of helpful information and great jokes.
Lastly, as a member, you’ll get access to the Seattle Frontrunners group on Heylo, a tool used to share our event information and chat with other members of the club.
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
Go to the official website for Seattle Frontrunners, click on the Member Menu in the lower-right corner, then click “Sign Up”. From there, you’ll be guided through the registration process.
Do you have any runs/events that are better for newcomers?
Our Wednesday and Saturday runs are ideal for people coming to Frontrunners for the first time. These runs feature pacing groups covering a variety of speeds and abilities, giving you a chance to connect with runners in a similar space as you.
In addition, Wednesday and Saturday runs typically feature a Caboose. The role of the Caboose is to stay at the back of the run, provide safety and guidance to runners, and ensure that no one is left behind.
What about walkers? Are we welcome?
Absolutely! Our Wednesday and Saturday events always incorporate a walking option.
I’m shy. Are you going to embarrass me in the group for being a newcomer?
Nope. We don’t ask anyone to wear funny armbands, or put you on display for the world to see.
At the start of every run, we invite newcomers that want to introduce themselves to come forward and say hi. This isn’t a requirement.
What if I’m afraid of getting lost?
If you’re on a Wednesday or Saturday run, and you feel lost… just stop and wait. In a few minutes, the Caboose will catch up with you and help you get back on track (and even accompany you back to the starting point).
We also post route maps for each of our runs on our website. This allows you to see the course in Strava, which provides turn-by-turn routing for our runs.
And if you forget to grab the route map, the Run Leader will offer QR codes prior to the start of each run, allowing you to follow the run on your phone.
What if I have another question not addressed here?
Feel free to send us an email and we’ll be happy to chat with you further!