Building Community: The Queer Run Movement

In the heart of Philadelphia, a group of runners is changing the game. They’re not just about speed or distance. They’re about being yourself and finding your people. This is Queer Run.

Started in 2022, Queer Run had a big goal: to make running more inclusive and diverse, especially for the LGBTQ community. They picked the name “Queer” on purpose. Even though some people don’t like that word, it means something important to many. It says, “We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not hiding.” This is the story of Queer Run and building community in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

From Small Steps to Giant Strides

When Queer Run first started running together in April 2022, there were only about 10 people. Now? They often have over 60 runners show up on a Monday night. Queer Run isn’t alone. During the pandemic and beyond, many cities saw more LGBTQ run clubs pop up. People were looking for ways to connect and be healthy. Queer Run rode this wave and became part of a bigger movement.

Leadership with a Vision

One of the folks behind Queer Run is Josh Fernandez (they/them), the executive director. Josh wanted to make races in Philly more diverse and inclusive. They wanted Queer Run to have representation in conversations about making racing in Philly more accessible for nonbinary runners. But as time went on, they saw that Queer Run could do even more than advocacy. It could be a real community. “Over the course of a couple months, Queer Run shifted gears into a deeper focus on community,” says Josh. “We emphasized the in-person touch and the sense of belonging for the LGBTQ community.”

Running Schedule and Community Building

Queer Run keeps busy. They meet three times a week to run. If you’re an early bird, you can join their 6 AM Thursday run. That’s a 4-mile jog through Center City Philly, followed by coffee. But it’s not all serious training. Queer Run likes to have fun too. They join in friendly races, like marathon relays. And the best part? People in Queer Run become real friends. They hang out even when they’re not running. Movie nights, dinners, you name it.

A Labor of Love

Josh says this shows how great Queer Run is for the running community, especially LGBTQ runners and their allies. But they also say it shows how awesome Philly’s whole running scene is. “Everyone involved in Queer Run leadership shoulders the responsibility equally and as a labor of love,” Josh explains. Communication remains accessible for people in the club. Queer Run has an online chat group through the app, Geneva. About 150 people are in this group at any time. It’s a way to stay connected even when you can’t be there in person.

Open to All

Josh wants everyone to know they’re welcome at Queer Run. If you’re curious, you can send them a message on Instagram. Ask questions. Learn more. “We run 3.1 miles on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 4 miles on Thursdays,” Josh explains. “We’re here for all races, all paces —all people. The leaders make sure all the pace groups have someone to lead. No gets left behind. We follow a motto in Philly made popular by Josh Perez, founder of Swaggahouse Run Club — ‘we start together, we finish together.’”

More Than Just Running

What makes Queer Run special isn’t just the running. It’s the feeling of belonging. In a world that can sometimes be tough, Queer Run is a safe place. It’s where you can be yourself, make friends, and get fit all at the same time. The growth of Queer Run shows that people need this kind of community. From a small group of 10 to regular turnouts of 70 or more, the club has touched many lives. It’s not just about running anymore. It’s about building community.

Changing the Scene

As Queer Run keeps growing, it’s changing Philly’s running scene. It’s making it more colorful, more inclusive, and more fun. Every run is a small victory. Every new friend is a win. And every time someone feels accepted for who they are, that’s the biggest win of all. In the end, Queer Run is more than a club. It’s a movement. It’s proof that when people come together, beautiful things can happen. Something that makes us healthier, happier, and more connected.

Josh sums it up: “This highlights not only the strength of Queer Run but also the Philly Running community in general.” With leaders like Josh and a community of dedicated runners, Queer Run is paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant running scene in Philadelphia by building community.