OC Men's Group Makes A Run For It
A group of gay and gay-friendly, O.C. runners has been meeting every Saturday morning since February to train for a marathon, a half marathon or just to increase their overall fitness.
While there already is a group in Long Beach, Frontrunners, there are some O.C. residents who wanted something closer to home and began to organize. What began as a small group of approximately five runners has grown to a registered group of more than 40. “We wanted to grow a group of serious LGBT runners to train with — one that was welcoming and provided a social outlet at the same time,” said Brian Stoddart, founder of the Orange County Gay Running Group.
Most of the runners that meet regularly are experienced and have no problem running 10 to 12 miles. The group welcomes all runner levels and wants to provide an opportunity to encourage and help individuals meet their personal goals, whether to compete in a 5k or run a full marathon. The group takes a one-mile-at-a-time approach to training.
The group changes up the route every week to keep the training interesting. “We may do Back Bay one week then run in Corona Del Mar or Peters Canyon the next,” said Stoddart. However, no matter where or how far the group runs, its members always reward themselves with a big breakfast.
On May 3, the group had four members run in the OC Half Marathon — two members completed half, and another four members ran the OC Full Marathon.
The group has members planning to run in the San Diego Marathon in June, as well as the San Francisco Marathon in July.
“You stay in shape and make friends at the same time,” said group member Mayann. “It’s good motivation to run with others. You can run at your own pace and your own distance. You have people around you that are good runners and will help you challenge yourself.”
The group has submitted an application to be a Frontrunner Club but as of yet has not heard from the National Organization regarding the application’s status.
For more information, visit www.meetup.com/The-Orange-County-Gay-Runners-Meet-up-Group.
RIGHT: Stoddart runs the Disneyland Half Marathon. BELOW: Members of the OC Gay Running Group at a carb load dinner for the San Diego Marathon.