Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Seattle Frontrunners is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive club.

As a product of SFR’s Strategic Plan, the DEI Committee was formed in the Fall of 2021 to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at SFR, with a focus on becoming an anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization.

We believe present and historical systems of racial oppression permeate all levels of our society, and they intersect with conscious and unconscious discrimination based on age, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, national origin, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, among others.

We believe these structures of power, privileges, traditions, and cultural norms need to be studied and understood by all members of our organization.

We are committed to dismantling these systems within Seattle Frontrunners by creating policies, programs, and opportunities that will ensure everyone can fully enjoy the benefits of participation.

Land Acknowledgement

Seattle Frontrunners acknowledges that as we gather for our runs & walks we do so on the unceded homelands of the Coast Salish People. 

We recognize that prior to contact with settlers that many Tribal nations across the continent had long histories of respect and inclusion for those in their communities who might today identify as Two Spirit, LGBTQI+, or in their own traditional words. 

We also recognize that in North and South America, distance running traditions predate the modern marathon by many millennia and continue to this day in Indigenous communities. 

Some of these rich, vibrant traditions include running for trade, sport, communication, community-building, and ceremony. 

As an active step toward decolonization and in keeping with our Seattle Frontrunners core values of striving to be welcoming, genuine, inclusive, positive, and community oriented, we encourage members to learn more about the Indigenous peoples upon whose homelands we run and live. 

Rooted in these values of community and inclusion, we also encourage our membership to actively build and strengthen relationships with the First Peoples of Seattle as well as deepen our connections with the beautiful living lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest. 

Grant Program

Seattle Frontrunners is committed to providing equitable experiences for all members. Accordingly, each year, the Board typically budgets an amount to be distributed as grants to support members who may need support to engage in the club’s activities. These grants may underwrite registration fees for races, costs directly related to participation in races (e.g., travel), running gear, and expenses related to participation in any SFR sponsored or endorsed event.

DEI Feedback

Please use the link below to submit feedback or report incidents that pertain to our DEI work, such as situations that make you or another person feel excluded or unwelcome. You can also use the link to submit ideas regarding policies, programs, or activities that could help Seattle Frontrunners become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive club.

All submissions will be sent to the DEI Committee of the Board. You can choose to identify yourself or remain anonymous. We appreciate and thank you for your time!

To learn about additional ways to contact Seattle Frontrunners, see our Contact Us page.