The Front Runner was first published in 1974 and quickly raced to international acclaim as the first novel about gay love to gain popularity with the mainstream audience. Set in 1975, the story follows Harlan Brown, a tough and lonely ex-Marine who has never allowed himself to love another man. After being fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay, he finds himself hiding at an obscure New York college.

Enter Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner who, along with his comrades Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, was thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan sees potential in Billy and agrees to coach the three under strict conditions meant to thwart Billy's growing attraction to his mentor.

Billy is a lean, graceful frontrunner with gold-rim glasses, who sees directly into Harlan's heart. His gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality challenges Harlan, making him afraid to confront the pain of his past or the challenges that await if their intimacy is exposed.

As Coach Brown falls in love with his most gifted athlete, he faces a battle with his true feelings for Billy. Together, they must combat the outrage of the sports world and fight for their only chance at Olympic gold.