By: Kyrie Sismaet
Brisbane, CA – November 4, 2023– On a sunny Saturday morning right at 8:30 AM, Brisbane’s Sierra Point Yacht Club trails echoed with the rhythmic pounding of feet and laughter as the Peninsula Pinoy Runners came together for a brisk 5k morning run. Proudly supported by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)’s trailblazing president, George Rehmet, the event was not just about maintaining fitness; it was a showcasing of empowerment, representation, and the spirit of community.
The Peninsula Pinoy Runners, led by the relentlessly positive and inspiring Bernadette, is just one group out of several not only in the Bay Area, but nationwide and even internationally, and is one triumphantly smashing both records and boundaries towards fitness inclusivity. In conjunction within the RRCA community, both organizations advocate for diverse representation within the running community by welcoming in individuals of of all backgrounds, body types, ages, and identities, and actively combatting social discrimination and cultural stigmas.
At the forefront of this movement is George, who, as the first Filipino-American and AAPI president, is passionate about challenging stereotypes and dispelling harmful generational myths. “I was always told growing up the classic discouraging trope that ‘your knees will go bad’ if you run,” he elucidates. “My goal has been as president is to promote diversity not just among runners, but at the leadership level as well. The goal is to prove that anybody can run and our motto is ’empowering everyone to run.'”
Similarly Bernadette, the heart of Pinoy Runners, shares how positively impacted her life has become since not only running, but from becoming with the group itself. “I started running as an outlet for personal issues, and while they think I’m helping them out, they’re actually truly helping me out more. They really are a family to me.”
George and Bernadette.
With groups not only in the Bay Area but also in Chicago, New York, and internationally like Singapore and Spain, the Pinoy Runners have an expansive global network for which to connect with, travel to, and support, no matter their location.
The group celebrates their successful 5K over brunch at Cafe Colma.
The morning’s 5k run was an exhilarating testament to the power of solidarity, unity, and perseverance. The run concluded at Cafe Colma where the camaraderie continued over a convivial brunch.
The Peninsula Pinoy Runners stand as pioneers, proving that the seemingly simple act of running can heal, fulfill, and transcend discrimination. With every step, they inspire change worldwide, one stride at a time, leaving an indelible mark on the running community, the Filipino diaspora, and societal marginalization as a whole.
