Andy Kleinke and The San Diego Pride 5k
By Dwight Byrum
Andy Kleinke, the race director for the San Diego Pride 5K, never set out to lead one of the most visible and cherishedLGBTQ+ sporting events in the city. But his dedication to community, persistence in the face of challenges, and belief in creating inclusive spaces have made him an integral part of Front Runners & Walkers San Diego.
Founded in 1981, Front Runners & Walkers San Diego is one of the earliest chapters in what is now a global network of LGBTQ-focused running and walking clubs. Members of all athletic abilities and backgrounds meet several times aweek in Balboa Park and other parts of the city, not just for fitness, but for connection. “It’s a really inclusive space for people looking to meet other LGBTQ members of the community in a place that’s maybe not a bar,” Kleinke said. “We also have a bunch of social events. Our biggest day is Saturday morning, and afterward, we go to breakfast. I think breakfast is really the focal point.”
Kleinke, who also serves on the organization’s board, focuses his energy on directing the Pride 5K. Though he’s often credited with helping grow the event from 500 to 2,500 participants and raising more than $250,000, he’s quick to redirect the praise. “It’s been a huge team effort,” he said. “There’s a committee of dedicated volunteers who show up year after year, even during the pandemic, and keep it going.”
The event’s proceeds support LGBTQ-focused charities, especially those serving at-risk youth. “What else is there?”Kleinke said. “They’re the ones who have to deal with the decisions being made today the longest. Investing in youth is hugely important, and I’m proud that the 5K continues to support organizations focused on LGBTQ youth programming.”
For Kleinke, the most meaningful part of the event isn’t the fundraising total; it’s race day itself. “Seeing people on the start line, knowing they have a place to come the morning of Pride to celebrate, to wear their tutus, to laugh, to move together through the community—that’s the most rewarding part,” he said.
A lifelong runner and ultramarathoner, Kleinke’s mindset is shaped by endurance. He draws a clear connection between running and advocacy: “Every step in a direction is a step toward something. We don’t always control theoutcome, but if your actions align with your values, that matters.”
Kleinke believes deeply in inclusivity, not just as a principle but as a practice. “We haven’t always done it right,” he admitted. “Especially around gender identity. But we want feedback. Inclusivity means being open to learning, toadjusting. We want people to feel safe and heard.”
That spirit of openness is personal for Kleinke. A decade ago, shortly after moving to San Diego, he joined theSaturday morning meet-up and never left. “That first weekend, I felt how
warm and welcoming it was. It became a cornerstone of my life,” he said. “Most of my social circle comes from thatcommunity. And eventually, I met an incredible man there, whom I now share my life with.”
For the next generation, Kleinke has two guiding words: courage and persistence. “There’s a saying in the ultrarunning world, ‘things are never always getting worse.’ You don’t always need to see the finish line to know it’s there. You just take the next step,” he said. “That’s true for running, for advocacy, for life.”
Kleinke encourages LGBTQ youth to keep moving forward and to seek community wherever they can find it. “It doesn’t even have to be LGBTQ-specific,” he said. “Just a group that’s welcoming. There’s space for everyone.”
Through his leadership, humility, and enduring belief in the value of showing up, Andy Kleinke has helped carve out that space—and left behind a trail for others to follow.