About East Bay Front Runners & Walkers
We are a nonprofit LGBTQ+ (and allies) running/walking club in the San Francisco East Bay
Founded: 1984. We are part of an International Frontrunner community that began in San Francisco in 1974.
Our Mission: Promote running and walking for the LGBTQ community. Allies welcome.
Where do we meet: On the East side of the San Francisco Bay every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. We meet at different East Bay scenic locations.
Distances: Running distances range from 3 - 8 miles and walking distances range from 2 - 4 miles.
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.
Brunch: After our runs & walks we meet for brunch at a local restaurant. Brunch is optional. Everyone pays for their own meal.
Membership: Annual dues pay for club 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 and Community Events
While the Saturday morning runs/walks are our club's staple, we also enjoy social and community events. Potlucks, summer BBQs, movie nights, Oakland A's Pride night baseball game as well as participating in community races are some of what we do socially. We also give back to our community by staffing water stations at marathons, having a booth and/or marching in local pride events, and having a team in the AIDS walk.
Annual Pride Run and Walk
Our signature event of the year is our annual Pride Run and Walk at Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. in honor of National Coming Out Day, October 11. Offering a 5K walk, a 5K run, and a 10K run, this event not only brings together our LGBTQ community but also supports local LGBTQ organizations who are chosen as beneficiaries of the event. Past beneficiaries include the Pacific Center for Human Growth, the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, and the Oakland Gay Men's Chorus.
SATURDAY Runs & Walks
1st Saturday: Bay Farm Island, Veterans Court, Alameda
2nd Saturday: Lake Merritt, Camron Stanford House, Oakland
2nd Saturday: Lake Merritt, Camron Stanford House, Oakland
Located in Alameda, this course offers walks up to 4 miles and runs up to 5.7 miles. Meet at the end of Veterans Court.
Brunch is at La Penca Azul: 891-B Island Drive, Alameda, CA. 94502.
2nd Saturday: Lake Merritt, Camron Stanford House, Oakland
2nd Saturday: Lake Merritt, Camron Stanford House, Oakland
2nd Saturday: Lake Merritt, Camron Stanford House, Oakland
Located at Lake Merritt, this course offers a 3.1 mile walk or run or 6.2 mile run. Meet at Camron Stanford House: 1418 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612.
Brunch is at Lakeshore Cafe: 3251 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610.
3rd Saturday: Emeryville Marina
2nd Saturday: Lake Merritt, Camron Stanford House, Oakland
4th Saturday (April - October): Inspiration Point, Orinda
Located alongside the the Emeryville Marina, offering stunning views of San Francisco and the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges. This course offers walks up to 4 miles and runs up to 6.8 miles. Address is 3310 Powell Street. Meet at end of two-lane street next to the pier.
Brunch is at Doyle Street Cafe: 5515 Doyle Street #10, Emeryville, CA, 94608.
4th Saturday (April - October): Inspiration Point, Orinda
4th Saturday (April - October): Inspiration Point, Orinda
4th Saturday (April - October): Inspiration Point, Orinda
Located in scenic Tilden Park, this trail course is paved with mile markers. Walk up to 4 miles or run up to 8 miles. Address is Wildcat Canyon Road, Orinda. Meet at beginning of trail near restrooms at the end of parking lot near Tilden Park sign.
Brunch is at Fatapple's: 7525 Fairmount Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530.
4th Saturday (November - March): San Leandro Marina
4th Saturday (April - October): Inspiration Point, Orinda
4th Saturday (November - March): San Leandro Marina
Located along the water, this course offers walks up to 4 miles and runs up to 6 miles. The San Leandro Marina Park Parking Lot South address is 13791 Monarch Bay Drive, however we meet at the southern end of Monarch Bay Drive past Marina Park just before the estuary. There is also parking along Monarch Bay Drive.
Brunch is at The Mexican Bar and Restaurant: 19950 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, CA 9454
5th Saturday: Lake Chabot, Castro Valley
4th Saturday (April - October): Inspiration Point, Orinda
4th Saturday (November - March): San Leandro Marina
Located at the Lake Chabot Marina, this scenic course offers walks up to 3.4 miles and runs up to 6.8 miles. Address is 17600 Lake Chabot Road. Meet near the restrooms past the parking lot following the trail when enter the park.
Brunch is at JP's Family Restaurant and Sports Lounge: 3600 Castro Valley Boulevard, Castro Valley, CA 94546.
EBFRW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Jeff Holman
Vice President: Wayne Ventus
Vice President: Wayne Ventus
I joined EBFRW in 2003, and served as president from 2005 through 2009. 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.
Vice President: Wayne Ventus
Vice President: Wayne Ventus
Vice President: Wayne Ventus
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!
Treasurer: Terry Hudson
Vice President: Wayne Ventus
Treasurer: Terry Hudson
I have been running/walking for about 10 years. My favorite distance is the 5k and have completed many races. I have been Treasurer of EBFRW for 8 years.
Secretary: Don Fritsche
Officer at Large: Simone Adair
Officer at Large: Simone Adair
I've been a runner/walker since 1977. I have completed 55 marathons and hundreds of shorter distance races. I have been a member of EBFRW since the summer of 2006. I have served as President, Vice President & Secretary.
Officer at Large: Simone Adair
Officer at Large: Simone Adair
Officer at Large: Simone Adair
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 .
2021 MEMBERSHIP INFO
Membership dues help the club pay for annual expenses such as liability insurance, entry fees for pride events, permits, our website, etc. Dues are paid annually and our membership drive season is from December through February since many club expenses occur at the beginning of the year. For new members only, 1/2 year memberships are available after July 1. *If you prefer to mail in your membership form, contact us and we will e-mail you a membership form.
2021 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Annual dues begin being accepted on December 1 every year.
$20.00 -- INDIVIDUAL: SENIORS (65+), STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS (18 - 30)
$30.00 -- INDIVIDUAL
$30.00 -- HOUSEHOLD: SENIORS (65+), STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS (18-30)
$40.00 -- HOUSEHOLD
2021 HALF YEAR MEMBERSHIP
Effective July 1 of every year. NEW MEMBERS ONLY!
$10.00 -- INDIVIDUAL: SENIORS (65+), STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS (18-30)
$15.00 -- INDIVIDUAL
$15.00 -- HOUSEHOLD: SENIORS (65+), STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS (18-30)
$20.00 -- HOUSEHOLD