Every January, Front Runners New York members and guests celebrate the previous year by hosting a formal Awards Dinner to honor the achievements of fellow members. It is the one formal event of the year (dress is urban chic).

The two most presitigious awards of the evening are Front Runner of the Year Award and Guy Zelenak Award.

The Guy Zelenak Award is named after Guy L. Zelenak, III. Guy, a pillar of the Front Runners in its formative years, had beautiful hair. He had lots of other things going for him as well, most notably an unwavering generosity evidenced in his tireless work for the club. He organized runs, races, parties, and the first formal speedwork --pro bono. Guy was always the first to greet nervous newcomers, an important job back in those days when joining a high-profile gay/lesbian club was a bit bolder than it is today. For these reasons, Front Runners named its annual outstanding-volunteer award for Guy. Guy died of AIDS in 1991. FRNY member Mark Mascolini last saw Guy walking to the hospital to visit another Front Runner with AIDS.

The Front Runner of the Year award is the highest honor the club can give to an FRNY member each year. Part of the criteria is athletic achievement.

In addition to the two awards above, the following honors are also awarded:

• Newcomers of the Year
• Most Improved Athletes
• Tritons of the Year
• Middle Distance Runners of the Year
• Long Distance Runners of the Year
• Age-Group 18-29 (male and female)
• Age-Group 30-39 (male and female)
• Age-Group 40-49 (male and female)
• Age-Group 50-59 (male and female)
• Age-Group 60+ (male and female)