One Founder's Inspiring Story

Front Runners Atlanta (FRATL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit established in 1991 that supports the LGBTQ+ community through running, walking, and social events in Atlanta and surrounding areas. 

We were formed by a group of courageous runners in Atlanta who wanted to find a community away from the nightclubs and circuit parties that defined the era. What started as a running group soon became a family.

“Our brothers were dying, and no one seemed to care.”

- KEITH WILEY, FOUNDING FRATL MEMBER

As the FRATL family grew, so did the public health crisis of HIV/AIDs. They watched friends who contracted HIV lose insurance coverage for their diagnosis and be turned away from hospitals. One of our founders, Keith Wiley, remarked, “Our brothers were dying, and no one seemed to care.” 

In 1991, FRATL created the Atlanta Pride Run to give the community what was needed – hope and to show some people actually cared. All of the proceeds from the race went to AID ATLANTA, a nonprofit that was pivotal in many of their lives. It provided end-of-life care, grief counseling, and support groups for loved ones impacted by HIV.

CONTINUING THE MISSION

33 years later, Atlanta Pride Run continues to celebrate strength, perseverance, and love, while raising money for HIV-focused non-profits. We are committed to raising funds for local non-profits focused on providing HIV awareness and treatment for as long as  it takes to eradicate HIV/AIDS from being one of the biggest public health challenges facing our community.

Our annual donations continue to grow. We increased from 2021 amount of $48,000 to $93,000 in 2022. For 2023, our goal is to raise $120,000 for local charities.