About Us
General
Suriname Frontrunners is a group of LGBT+ allies runners and walkers who strife for an active and healthy lifestyle amongst like minds.
We were established in April 2020 during first lockdown of covid-19 in Suriname when running was one of the few outdoor activities we were allowed to do.
10 people joined the initial group.
The level of the members differ from 5K walkers to marathon runners.
Physical and Mental Health
Running and walking aid in physical well-being while also benefiting mental and emotional balance. Mental Health problems such as depression can effect anyone, but are more common amongst the LGBT community. Being LGBT is not the cause of the depression, but the situations we have to face such as discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, self isolation, rejection etc. can lead up to it.
Being active can help combat this.
Goal
Our goal is to be active, fun and connect
COME AND JOIN US!
Activities
Training is once a week.
Check our social media pages for the the latest updates.
Once a week we workout with the whole group. There is no requirement for the level nor the distance but we strife to run or walk at least 5 KM. Also, we organize monthly on Sundays a long-distance activity with other endurance sports clubs. For the latest information check our
Facebook and Instagram.
Board
Chairman: Juan Pigot (1975)
As an avid runner I have been an active member of Suriname Frontrunners from the very beginning. Being an economist, I have a mostly sedentary job and, like many others, I try to find a good balance between work and sports. My passion for running came when I was about 35 years old. It started with the challenge of running one marathon and has now become part of my lifestyle.
Running not only improves physical and mental health, but also brings discipline and regularity to my life. By now I have run several full and half marathons in different countries and continents.
I think it’s important for people to be active. Whether it’s a 5 km walk or an ultra-marathon of 45 km or more, the fact that we are moving encourages others and myself to keep going.
During the corona pandemic running became an outlet as it was one of the few sports that could be practiced. Since all competitions and sports tournaments were cancelled, we decided to organize our own activities.
Numbers
- 1: my first race was a 5K walking and jogging run
- 3: my fastest marathon so far was 3h:13m
- 20: number of marathons I’ve run so far
- 35: the Age I Started Running
- 40: my fastest time on the 10K is 40 minutes
Secretary: Jessica de Vries (1978)
As a child of a sporty family, I was introduced to many sports at an early age. For a long time I was an active member of the Paramaribo Hash House Harriers and in November 2020 I joined Suriname Frontrunners.
As a physiotherapist I specialized in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Also at the University of Suriname, where I work as a lecturer, I encourage everyone around me to choose an active lifestyle. I myself was a triathlete and amazon, but due to some health challenges, I now mainly walk at pace.
I like to combine social contacts with sporting challenges. Together on the road to better health for all of us? Join us, choose your pace and distance, and experience the joy of physical exercise!
My mental and physical health benefit greatly from an active lifestyle. Therefore, I try to be active daily: I walk at least 4 times a week and perform power training 3 times a week). My walking distances vary from 5 to 10km, with an occasional peak to 15km.
I like to combine social contacts with sportive challenges. Moving together towards better health for all of us? Join us, choose your pace and distance, and experience the joy of physical exercise!
Treasurer: Bart van Lohuizen (1981)
Since the start I have been a member of Suriname Frontrunners. My love for running started in the Netherlands where I was manager of a cardiological living and exercise center. The focus there was on healthy lifestyle and prevention of illness – thus on a balanced diet and exercise pattern.
Since 2016 I have been working as an (HR) management consultant in Suriname. My partner and I run a boutique hotel in the historic center of Paramaribo. For me it’s important to live life with passion and an open and creative mind. Running for me is relaxation, but it also gives me the opportunity to clearm my head, get new ideas and do some self-reflection.
Competitive by nature I like to participate regularly in a (joint) run of 5,10 or 21K. I try to run at least 3 times a week, preferably in the Cultuurtuin because of the beautiful nature and the lack of motorized traffic.
I hope you will join our team of open-minded and healthy runners!
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