About Us
EBFRW mourns the loss of Terry Hudson. Read more here.
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.
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. Beneficiaries have included the Pacific Center for Human Growth, Running for a Better Oakland, 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.
Simone Adair, Vice President (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.
Betsy Kirkpatrick, Secretary (she/her)
I moved to the Bay Area in 2022, and joined EBFRW two years later. I'm so grateful to have found such great people with whom to share friendship, fitness, and fun! I’m delighted to be able to play a larger role in the organization and give back to this wonderful and welcoming community.
Harry Yuen, Interim Treasurer (he/him)
I've always been active, participating in the Gay Games as both a runner and cyclist. I completed the Napa Valley Marathon back in the 90s, joined BayLands FrontRunners soon after, and following a move back to the East Bay, joined EBFRW about 20 years ago. I'm happy to help with club finances during this transitional period.
Gillian Rhett, Officer at Large (she/her)
I started running in 2015 and joined EBFRW in 2022 after learning about the club at Oakland Pride. I am thankful to have found such a supportive community for all the members. I am also a certified yoga instructor and lead a warmup stretch before most Saturday run/walks.
Allyssa Adair (she/her)
Social Director
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 (he/him)
Webmaster
I joined EBFRW in 2013. I've always been a walker rather than a runner and I love that EBFRW is totally welcoming to walkers as well as runners. The camaraderie and the friendships I've made are a big part of my life.
