About East Bay Front Runners and 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 we meet: On the east side of the San Francisco Bay every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. at different East Bay scenic locations.
Distances: Running distances range from 2–8 miles and walking distances range from 1–4 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 & Walk
Our signature event of the year is our annual Pride Run & 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, Oakland Gay Men's Chorus and the Midway Shelter of Alameda.
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 and 2020 & 2021. 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 13 years. My favorite distance is the 5k and have completed many races. I am in my 11th year as Treasurer of EBFRW.
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 .