Brooks Running and International Front Runners, the global network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) running clubs, have entered into a two-year partnership to promote inclusion in running. Together, the two organizations will support the growth of Front Runners clubs in cities beginning in the U.S. and Canada, inviting more runners to join the community and experience the power of the run.

International Front Runners, which began in San Francisco in the 1970s, is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ athletic organizations in the world. It is comprised of more than 110 running clubs in 20 countries, including the U.S., South Africa, Germany and China.

As part of the partnership, Brooks and International Front Runners will work collaboratively to find and fund opportunities with local clubs to enable more runners to experience the run and take part in the Front Runners community; examples include hosting membership drives and community fun runs and organizing local events. Brooks will provide donations this year and next, beginning with support for its hometown club, Seattle Front Runners. Donations will be announced on a rolling basis through 2020.

In celebration of the partnership with Front Runners, Brooks will debut a limited-edition Run Proud Collection of apparel and accessories featuring designs that honor LGBTQ+ runners and champion the inclusivity of running. The collection, which launches this week, gives runners a way to express themselves and the value of inclusion throughout the year.