Shoreline Frontrunners Lead the 2019 Long Beach Pride Run

Before the floats line up on parade morning, a few hundred people are already lacing up. On May 13, 2019, The Pride LA spotlighted the Long Beach Pride Run, the 5K and 10K that the Shoreline Frontrunners hold along the beach path each year, and the people who make it happen.

Writer Timothy Michael spoke with Asaaf Weinberg, president of Shoreline Frontrunners and the race director. His affection for the morning came through right away.

This is my favorite time of year. The Pride Run is a great way to get ready for the parade.

Asaaf Weinberg, to The Pride LA

27 Years on the Shoreline

The Pride LA reported that the run had been around for 27 years. It used to take place on Saturdays, but organizers moved it to Sunday about four years earlier so it would share a day with the parade. Weinberg said they saw better turnout after the change. The club counted 185 runners the year before and hoped to pass 200 in 2019.

Weinberg was happy to admit the Long Beach race is smaller than the Pride run in New York. Then he explained what really counts.

But it is a lot of fun. It is a celebration of who we are because visibility is so important.

Asaaf Weinberg, to The Pride LA

The 2019 run took on the Stonewall 50th Anniversary theme, in step with Long Beach Pride. The outlet noted free bag check donated by FedEx, a medal ceremony with prizes for the most spirited individual and the best group running attire, and a regional circuit that awarded a bonus medal for finishing four West Coast Pride runs. The 2019 race started at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 19.

We love this tradition. It brings out early risers, families, longtime runners and first-timers, and it fills the shoreline with rainbow gear before the parade even begins. Thank you to the Shoreline Frontrunners for 27 years of it, and to The Pride LA for telling their story.

Read the full story at The Pride LA.