Dublin Frontrunners visit
A fantastic weekend of fun (and some running) with Dublin Frontrunners
As the current and former social secretaries for BHFR, we are always looking for the next event for our members to meet up, get to know each other and have fun. So learning that our friends from Dublin Frontrunners were looking to come to Brighton for the weekend was a great opportunity to get our planning hats on. Straight away we started to think of queer and queer-friendly venues for eating and socialising; after all, how hard can it be when we live in one of the most sociable (and queer) cities in the UK? A few messages back and forth and then the reality hits, there are 50-70 of them coming!! We (the social secretaries) and co-chairs came up with some great options that could accommodate both Dublin and BHFR members, and then organised a video call with Mark (chair) and Gillian (social secretary) from Dublin to make introductions and discuss details. We were also asked to organise a fun Dublin vs BHFR ‘race-within-a race’. Again, a huge challenge with over 50 participants. We quickly contacted the council to get permission to run in one of the parks and decided a Weakest Link format would be the best way to promote some team bonding, as well as some friendly competition. In these relays, four runners from each team run 2.5km in turn, before all four runners complete a final 2.5km lap together – crossing the finishing line as a team.
The weekend approached, the venues were booked, the race was organised, and we were blessed with some great weather. We started the weekend with Friday evening drinks and buffet at our local queer pub where we finally got to meet in person. The two clubs bonded straight away with plenty of laughs, and we knew then we were in for a great weekend. Despite an enjoyable Friday night, an impressive number of Dublin & Brighton & Hove Frontrunners were up early on Saturday morning to ‘shoo the chicken’ and take part in the Weakest Link relays, with thirteen teams lining-up on the start line. A team from BHFR came home first and a mixed team in second, but Dublin Frontrunners claimed two team-spirit awards for showing true camaraderie, sticking together and encouraging each other on the final lap. On Saturday evening we took over the local food hall for dinner and then onto a queer bar for drinks and an unforgettable drag performance. Awards were handed out for all the individual and team winners of the Weakest Link relays, before a hardy crew headed out for some more dancing, which lasted into the early hours. For those not already on their way home, we had a private dining room on Sunday for a welcome roast to help soak up that Guinness!
Overall, everything went smoothly creating a really successful weekend and some fabulous lasting memories with our new friends from Dublin. During the organisation of this weekend, we had a freshly elected committee with members changing roles and new individuals being thrown in the deep end. However, everyone pulled together to create an unforgettable experience for both clubs. Maybe we should return the favour with a trip to Dublin - watch this space!
Big thanks to The Bottoms Rest, Shelter Hall, Centre Stage and The Walrus. And to all of our members who chatted, entertained, drank, managed bank transfers, led warm-ups, ran and/or volunteered, and helped make this weekend so memorable.
- Brett & Gemma
