Gay Games

SAT 6/28

The San Francisco Fog R.F.C. is just like any other rugby team, except that it's one of the few recognized gay rugby clubs in the country. At FogFest 2003, the players lay down their welcome mat for anyone who wants to join the fun. (If you haven't already registered for the tournament, you'll have to wait until next year.) Spectators can root for their favorite players at 8:30 a.m. at Fort Scott in the Presidio, or mingle with them at a post-game party at 7 p.m. at Sno-drift, 1830 Third St. Admission to the games is free; call 267-6100 or see www.sffog.org for party prices.
-- Lisa Hom

Runaway Success
Queer Pride 10K

SAT 6/28

The San Francisco FrontRunners Pride Run, like a lot of Pride events, has a rich and inspiring history. In the early 1970s, when the first members of FrontRunners met and started running together, "Many gays ... would not join an organization because they were fearful of revealing their names," Bud Budlong, a member since 1975, explains on the group's Web site.

But San Francisco has come a long way since then, and so have other places: The crew is now a worldwide organization, boasting chapters in London, Toronto, and even Texas. The Pride Run is really two races, a 5K and a 10K, plus a 5K walk, so there's no excuse not to indulge in the one Pride event that won't give you a hangover. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Stow Lake Boat House in Golden Gate Park, John F. Kennedy Drive & Transverse, S.F. Admission is $22-25; visit www.active.com.
-- Hiya Swanhuyser

You'll Love Hurling

SAT-SUN 6/28-29

To many, a mention of Gaelic Football and Hurling would imply either a) a violent version of soccer, or b) the violent physical phenomenon that may occur as a result of such activity. To thousands of worldwide participants in these two Irish field sports, however, the terms are a call to arms, and bandages. In hurling, a sliothar (pronounced "slither") is directed via a hockey stick toward a goal -- of course, the main objective is to mash your opponent's skull into a frothy paste, suitable for dipping. The Western Divisional Playoffs start this weekend, with a key rivalry being Fog City (1) vs. Fog City (2) in a tense low-visibility match. Come and look on in horror -- thanking the Lord it isn't you out there -- beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday at Boxer Stadium, 2000 San Jose (at Santa Ynez), S.F. Admission is $5; call 289-2044.
-- Kevin Chanel