About Us
We are a nonprofit running/walking club in the San Francisco East Bay, whose mission is to promote the sports of running, walking and related athletic events for all LGBTQ+ people and their supporters. We seek to build fellowship and strengthen community through our activities.
Founded: 1984. We are part of the International Front Runner community, whose founding chapter began in San Francisco in 1974.
Where we meet: On the east side of the San Francisco Bay every Saturday morning at 9 am, rotating each week between different East Bay scenic locations.
All levels welcome: Our regular Saturday running and walking gatherings are non-competitive and self-paced. All paths and trails are accessible to runners and walkers alike.
Distances: Running distances range from 2–8 miles and walking distances range from 1–4 miles.
Brunch: After our runs & walks we meet for brunch at a restaurant nearby our weekly location. Brunch is optional. Everyone pays for their own meal.
Membership: Annual dues pay for club expenses and activities (e.g., insurance, pride events, website, etc.). Feel free to join us on a Saturday without paying dues, and if you decide you would like to support our club, become a paid member.
RUN OR WALK WITH US THIS WEEKEND!
Social Events
While our weekly Saturday morning runs/walks are the club's staple, members also enjoy regular club social events. These include potlucks, backyard BBQs, movie nights, bagel brunches and holiday parties. We also have annual outings, such as attending the Oakland A's Pride night baseball game.
Community Participation
East Bay Front Runners & Walkers takes pride in being active and visible members of the vibrant East Bay LGBTQ+ community and local running scene. We give back whenever and wherever we can. Each year you will see us staffing an aid station in our city’s marquee marathon in March, and participating in Oakland’s Pride Festival in September. You will also see us participating in community races, including San Francisco FrontRunners’ Pride Run and Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders’ Lake Merritt relay. Our community includes a broad range of local and national organizations that benefit the LGBTQ+ and running communities. Here are some we support and partner with to increase our impact in the LGBTQ+ and running communities.
If you have ideas about how to collaborate with us or know of other organizations to support, please let us know.
Pride Run & Walk
Our signature event of the year is our annual Pride Run & Walk at Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA, in support of National Coming Out Day, October 11. Offering a 5K walk, a 5K run, and a 10K run, this event brings together our LGBTQ+ community and directly supports local LGBTQ+ and youth running organizations. Past beneficiaries include the Pacific Center for Human Growth, the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, Oakland Gay Men's Chorus and the Midway Shelter of Alameda.
EBFRW Steering Committee
Jeff Holman, President (he/him)
I started running in 1992, joined EBFRW in 2003, served as president from 2005 through 2009, and again since 2020. I’ve run dozens of races including five marathons, but wouldn’t have attempted the first one if not for the support of my friends at EBFRW.
Wayne Ventus, Vice President (he/him)
Avid couch potato to a half marathoner in the 2008 Bidwell Classic in Chico, CA, then to a marathoner in the inaugural Santa Barbara International Marathon in December of 2009 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. These accomplishments I would have to attribute to my friends in EBFRW. I’ve been a member since 2006!
Terry Hudson, Treasurer (he/him)
I have been running/walking for about 13 years. My favorite distance is the 5k and have completed many races. I am in my 11th year as Treasurer of EBFRW.
Ngoc Ly, Secretary (she/her)
I have been part of EBFRW since 2005 with some periods of inactivity. I have always felt welcome no matter how often I participate. I have made lasting friendships and being a part of this community has helped me accomplish a half marathon and The Relay (Calistoga to Santa Cruz) twice!
Simone Adair, Officer at Large (she/her)
I started as a couch potato and have since run 2 marathons, 30 half marathons and dozens of other distances. I’m also a USATF and RRCA running coach, as well as a RRCA State Rep. I love my EBFRW family, and I’m so fortunate to also have met my wife at a club run.
Allyssa Adair, Social Director (she/her)
I joined the EBFRW in 2011, shortly after I ran the Oakland marathon. I love meeting up with EBFRW friends and running all around our beautiful Bay Area! I have been the social director on and off since joining and love to plan opportunities to hang out together!
Sean Brient, Webmaster (he/him)
I joined EBFRW in 2013. My husband and I walk with EBFRW nearly every week and it is an important part of our social network.
