Dublin Front Runners marked its 20th anniversary in emphatic style, with a fabulous gala ball on Saturday, April 26. Attendees took over the Radisson Blu Hotel on Golden Lane for the star-studded celebration, as they reminisced on the club’s early days and looked ahead to the future.

180 people came together for the event, which was open to past and present members and their guests. Renowned Dublin drag queen Victoria Secret was also in attendance, treating the crowd to a fabulous performance.

A commemorative pin was made for the occasion, and a showcase video was played, highlighting the previous chairpersons over the last two decades. A special award was presented to Mark Rooney, who founded the club through an ad in GCN in 2005. While at the end of its first year, it had just 10 members, it has since grown into Ireland’s largest LGBTQ+ athletics club with almost 500 people registered.

Current Dublin Front Runners Chairperson Mark Armstrong spoke at the gala, saying: “As I look across the room, I see old friends and new. You’re all so welcome.”

He continued: “The Dublin Front Runners family, in my third year as chair, I want to thank you for that privilege. Dublin Front Runners is so much more than a club, it’s at the heart of the LGBT+ community. You have made friendships that will last a lifetime, some have even found your partner in the club.

“We are a club of Céad Míle Fáilte. A welcoming club that encourages you to be you. To celebrate your uniqueness in showing up with pride in the athletics community.

“I want to thank each and every one of you that has ever been a member of the club from 2005 ‘til now, and those who have given back to Dublin Front Runners. Thank you for your service.”

Armstrong concluded the speech, expressing: “Dublin Front Runners was built on that community of like-minded people that took the chance to make a difference. Those that came together in that April of 2005 to see what they could do to form a running club…Mark I want to thank you and all the chairpersons that took that chance to make a difference. The club would not be what it is today without your passion and drive.”

Founder Mark Rooney was then introduced to the stage, sparking a standing ovation from the room.

“The club began through a love of running, but it was not just about getting fit, but about creating a space where we could all feel welcome, where we could connect with others, be celebrated and be part of something bigger,” Rooney said.

“What began with a small ad in GCN to establish an LGBTQ+ running group has grown into a vibrant club that is as much about friendship and support as it is about running shoes and race times. What truly defines the club today is a sense of belonging. Dublin Front Runners AC is a community where people have found lifelong friends, partners, a motivation to run and stay fit, and sometimes just a safe place to be themselves and be happy.”

 

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Alongside the gala ball, Dublin Front Runners will also be marking its 20th anniversary at its annual Pride Run this June. The event doubles up as a fundraiser for three worthy causes, this year being LGBT Ireland, TENI and yours truly, GCN. Tickets are on sale here; don’t miss out on the fantastic celebration of movement and community.