MFR+
Women, trans, and non-binary runners
MFR+: a community for our women, trans, and non-binary runners
Manchester Frontrunners is committed to advocating and supporting its full spectrum of members. This includes having a dedicated community space, called MFR+ for our members who are not cis men. This includes women, trans people, non-binary people, and those with all other gender-diverse identities. Statistics show that cis men typically have a greater representation within running clubs and across running activities, and this may feel intimidating for those who may be looking to join or get involved but have a different identity to what might be most visible.
MFR+ is a way for our (numerically) less represented members to feel united together within the club, to coordinate attendance at runs and races where there may be less visible MFR+ representation, to comfortably chat about relevant running matters (e.g., which sports bra brand to go for), and generally give each other support and kudos.
Our MFR+ members are not always visible at our club’s weekly Thursday and Saturday runs simply because life gets in the way, so we look to bring our MFR+ members together in other ways and ensure we have a clear presence online. We have a separate MFR+ WhatsApp group within our Frontrunner Community for those who are paid members, and we host bi-monthly “‘Cake and Pootle” runs in and around the parks of Greater Manchester.
Cake and Pootle Runs
Our Cake and Pootle events are get-togethers hosted specifically by and for our MFR+ members, as well as anyone else with an identity other than cis men looking to trial Manchester Frontrunners, but in a more relaxed environment.
They take place on a Sunday at a different local park within the Manchester area, and we gently “pootle” around a maximum of 5K. There are options for shorter distances, and occasionally some come along and walk. Yet no matter what, we always finish with coffee and cake in the park café! Details of upcoming Cake and Pootle events are listed below. If you are not a member, please contact our co-chair Jacqui at co-chairs@manchesterfrontrunners.org for more information.
Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
28/06/2026 | Alexandra Park, Manchester | Meet by park cafe around 10:50 am |
19/07/2026 | Vernon Park | Meet by park cafe around 10:50 am |
06/09/2026 | Heaton Park, Manchester | Meet by Lakeside cafe around 10.50am |
08/11/2026 | Alexandra Park, Manchester | Meet by park cafe around 10:50 am (Remembrance Sunday) |
Emily
(she/her)
Before joining the club, I had been running on and off for years, but I often struggled with motivation running solo, and it wasn’t something my friends were particularly interested in. I joined six months ago because I wanted to make friends who were also interested in fitness, particularly other folks in the LGBTQ+ community.
Since then, I’ve been running much more consistently, and my motivation has stayed really high. I’m also making some really lovely friends. Having brunch together after the Saturday run has become a highlight of my weekend. Alongside that, I’ve run my first 10K race, and I’m now hoping to achieve my first sub-30 5K — something that once felt impossible.
Alexa Young, CA
Meet some of our MFR+ members
Our MFR+ members take part in a variety of races across the year.
Our MFR+ members take part in a variety of races across the year.