San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

An unusual family visit at San Quentin

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On the first day of 2020, Marion Wickerd –wife of 1000 Mile Club member Tommy Wickerd—shared a special moment with her husband of 15 years: The Wickerds were spending a family visit together at The Q.

However, instead of watching the New Year’s Day Rose Parade on television, the two were going to watch to the 4th Annual San Quentin New Year’s “Buddy Bar” Half Marathon.

“I’ve never awakened on a New Year’s Day in prison,” Marion said. “It’s definitely 100% my choice to be here, and, I must say, I’m one happy gal to be here at good ole San Quentin at the start of a new decade.”

Marion said she was just as excited as she would’ve been watching the iconic Boston Marathon.

Tommy put on his SQ 1000 Mile Club hat, while his wife put on her 26.2 to Life hoodie, and they stood in the family visiting area and looked through three sets of fencing to watch the runners line up to start the run. Marion held on to her husband’s arm tightly, watching and waiting as an alarm delayed the start time. After the alarm, the half marathon began, and Tommy did a running commentary for his wife.

“I recognized Rahsaan ‘New York’ Thomas and Jonathan Chiu from the documentary ’26.2 to Life’ sizzle reel. There were other runners that my husband pointed out to me, explaining their running techniques and strategies. I felt like I knew them all,” she said.

The Wickerds, standing in the small outdoor yard set aside for family visits, cheered the runners on, encouraging them together.

“Tommy was trying to show me where the ‘Field of Dream’ scoreboard was, so I could orientate myself to where they hang their banner during their running events,” she said. “Honestly, I was so thrilled to be sharing something with Tommy that he loves. His heart be- longs to me, but I also know that there was a part of him that wanted to be running with his ‘Band of Brothers’ that day. I was so lucky to be a part of and actually participate in something that makes my husband a part of who he is. I just want to thank everyone that took part in the run that day.”

The Wickerd’s both said that the day was one that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to Tommy and Marion Wickerd for sharing part of their family visit with San Quentin News sports department. Marion Wickerd contributed to this story.

Strong turnout and finish for the 13th Annual 1000 Mile Club Marathon

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On a clear and crisp Friday morning, 30 of The Q’s 1000 Mile Club members started the race at 8am for 13th Annual SQ Marathon.

One of the runners was going to be crowned a champion because the five previous winners were no longer housed at The Q. The favorite for the title, Fidelio Marin, took an early lead and held it for most of the run, but in mile 21, he twisted his ankle. The man right behind, Mark Jarosik, then took the lead and went on to win the marathon. Jarosik is now the sixth man to be crowned champion of the marathon, joining the ranks of Markelle ‘The Gazelle’ Taylor, Lorinzo Hopkins, Eddie Herena, Stephen Yair, and Chris Scull.

Finishers Dan McCoy and Steven Brooks

The annual marathon is supported by coaches Frank Ruona, Kevin Rumon, Diana Fitzpatrick, Jim Maloney and many others and is the culmination of the 2019 running calendar, the team having ran a total of 12 races in 2019. The next racing schedule begins in late January/early February 2020.

1000 Mile Coaches Diana Fitzpatrick, Runoa and Jason Thompson counting laps for San Quentin club runners

Top Finishers:

1st Mark Jarosik

2019 Marathon winner Mark Jarosik at 3:16:38

2nd Fidelio Marin

Coach Frank Ruona hands Finisher Fidelio Marin an energy pak

3rd Steve Reitz

Finishers Moua Vue and Steve Reitz rounding the track

Other runners who completed 26.2 miles:

Finishers Darrell Mora, Darren Settlemeyer, John Levin, Ben Tobin, Michael Keeyes and Vicente Gomez

Vicente Gomez, Moua Vue, Martin Gomez, Darren Settlemeyer, Tommy Wickerd, Michael Johnson, Steven Brooks, Darrel Mora, Dan McCoy, Alberto Mendez, Oscar Aguilar, Heriberto Escalera, Tien Pham, Ben Tobin, Michael Keyes, Ramon Ruelas and Jonathan Chiu

Finishers Heriberto Escalera, Tien Pham and Oscar Aguilar

La meta no es solo ganar un maratón sino ganar una batalla de vida

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Voluntarios y miembros del 1000 Mile Running Club y miembros del Skid Row club de Los Angeles en la Lower Yard de SQ

El 1000 Mile Running Club llevo a cabo la octava carrera anual de tres horas de entrenamiento con miras al maratón del mes de noviembre. Un promedio de 25 corredores se anotaron para participar y batir sus propios records. La carrera comenzó a las 8:40 a.m. el 12 de octubre.

La peculiaridad de algunos de los corredores es que comparten historias similares ya que ellos personalmente o algún miembro de su familia son sobrevivientes del cáncer.

Tommy Wickerd, presidente del 1000 Mile Running Club ha sido parte del club por cuatro años. En ese lapso ha acumulado 5,600 millas y algo que dice lo ha motivado a seguir adelante es el recordar la batalla que su madre enfrentó contra el cáncer.

Tommy Wickerd corriendo en la Lower Yard

“Recibo la fuerza de mi madre y pienso en lo que paso en su batalla contra el cáncer,” dijo Wickerd.

“Ella me mando una foto en donde está completamente sin pelo debido a la quimioterapia que estaba recibiendo. Eso me hizo pensar lo luchadora que es mi madre y me motiva para correr una milla más cuando siento que ya no puedo más” dijo Wickerd.

Wickerd comentó que en el club de corredores todos se sienten como una gran familia. “Ninguno de los corredores que conozco le quiere hacer daño a su cuerpo especialmente usando drogas y eso es muy motivante para mí”, dijo Wickerd.

En el entrenamiento de octubre, nueve voluntarios encargados de contar las millas de cada uno de los corredores recibieron las indicaciones del entrenador Frank Rouna, quien también recordó a los corredores que no se esforzaran mucho. “Recuerden, este es solo un entrenamiento”, les dijo.

Rouna es el fundador del 1000 Mile Running Club en San Quentin y ha estado en el club por cerca de 14 años. “Hay un par de los primeros miembros del club que todavía participan, el club ha crecido considerablemente en los pasados 10 años y tenemos más corredores entrenando”, dijo.

Mike Keeyes de 72 años, uno de los corredores de San Quentin dice que ha sido parte del club por cerca de cinco años. “Me uní al club para unirme a la comunidad con los corredores de corredores y proveer apoyo a esta comunidad”, dijo Keeyes.

Michael Keeyes en la Lower Yard

Keeyes es un sobreviviente de cáncer de próstata y dice que el correr también le ha ayudado a mantenerse saludable.

Keeyes también ha inspirado a otros reos que han decidido formar parte del 1000 Mile Running Club.

Keeyes dice también que en el club de corredores ha conocido gente que ha tenido muchos problemas médicos como cirugías de corazón abierto, obesidad y de adicciones a otras sustancias. “Se han sobrepuesto a estos problemas corriendo y usándolo como una forma de terapia, no se den por vencidos”, dijo Keeyes.

Kevin Rumon, otro de los voluntarios y quien también es un sobreviviente de cáncer de garganta dijo: “El ser parte del club me da mucho más de lo que yo doy viniendo como voluntario. Admiro a la gente que dentro de la adversidad deciden tomar decisiones correctas”.

Kevin Rumon entrenando con los corredores

Rumon ha sido parte del club por cerca de 10 años.

Jim Maloney, también sobreviviente de cáncer, dice que se enteró del club por medio de un amigo y ha formado parte de éste por cerca de cuatro años. “Al principio no sabía que esperar al venir a una prisión, pero inmediatamente sentí la bienvenida cariñosa de los corredores, y eso me hizo seguir viniendo. Ahora cuando me voy de aquí me siento con un corazón pleno y lleno”, dijo Maloney.

Jim Maloney en uno de los entrenamientos

Michael Johnson dice que parte de su motivación es mantenerse saludable ya que su madre también es una sobreviviente del cáncer de seno. Esto también llevo a su hermana a hacerse un masectomía ya que ella tenía un alto riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno.

Michael Johnson entrenando para el maraton

“Todo eso me llevo a hacerme los estudios para ver si yo también era propenso a desarrollar cáncer y salí positivo de BRCA1 que significa que yo también estoy en riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de seno y pancreático, y ahora corro mientras pueda, no sé qué pueda pasar mañana”, dijo Johnson.

Jim Morris, otro de los voluntarios, dice que empezó como donador de zapatos para los corredores del club y finalmente se unió a éste en el 2014.

“Nadie me dijo nada de lo que podía esperar de la gente en prisión, y tuve que dejar toda la ideología que tenía tomada de las películas. Una vez aquí, los corredores me trataron muy cordialmente, no escuché malas palabras ni gritos, eso me sorprendió muchísimo”, dijo Morris.

Las tres horas terminaron con los corredores agotados pero contentos por su logro, a pesar de un par de alarmas de seguridad que les quitaron el ritmo. Los corredores más sobresalientes fueron: Fidelio Marin con 24 1⁄2 millas. Mark Javosik con 23 3⁄4 millas. Steve Reitz con 21 3⁄4 millas. Brett Ownney 20 1⁄4 millas. Michael Johnson 18 1⁄4 millas y John Levin con 18 1/8 millas. Finalmente el veterano corredor de 72 años, Mike Keeyes terminó con 17 millas.

Eddie Hart returns to The Q

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Ralph Ligons and Eddie Hart at San Quentin, 2017
Ralph Ligons and Eddie Hart at San Quentin, 2017

Since 2012, the 1000 Mile Running Club honors Olympic Gold Medalist Eddie Hart with an annual track meet on the lower yard at SQ. This year Eddie Hart is honored to see his old friend, Ralph Ligons, and to pay homage to members of the 1000 Mile Running Club. 

“I’ve been coming in for about four or five years now. It never gets old,” said Hart, proudly displaying gold medal draped around his neck. 

Ligons is the co-founder of the 1000 Mile Running Club. He and Hart went to high school together, where they ran on the same track team. Later, they were roommates at the Olympic village in the 1972 Munich games. 

“Eddie taught me everything I know about 

running,” said Ligons, showing off an old black and white photo from their running days. 

After reminiscing, Hart greeted faces both old and new beneath the baseball scoreboard. Many were excited to meet Eddie Hart and to sign up to participate in several running events. 

Hart shared his story about losing a close friend and bouncing back to set the100-meter dash Olympic record, which launched him to the 1972 Munich games—and win gold. 

He also offered running tips. 

Among those honored was Glen Mason who has run over 20,000 miles since he has been with the club. “For me, running is a lifestyle now,” said Mason. “It’s what I do.” 

Ligons was acknowledged for running over 18,000 miles. Chris Scull was acknowledged for running 

over 8,000 miles. Over a dozen 1000 Mile Club members have run between 1,000 and 6,000 miles. 

“People don’t realize how much hard work happens on this track,” said new club secretary Wickered. “These dudes should get some credit for that”. 

Club member’s endure hours of pain and injuries to achieve their personal goals. “When I run I feel better, I think and I do better,” said Troy Dunmore, who has run over 2,000 miles. 

After paying homage to club member’s for their individual commitment it was time for the day’s events. 

After a minor delay to clear the track, runners lined up in the summer breeze for the premiere event: the 100-meter dash. When the dust settled, H-Unit’s young Andrew Watkins was crowned the 

winner with a time of 11.98 seconds. In the over-50 division, Clifton Williams won with a time of 15.49. 

Fifteen runners competed in the one-mile-run, a sizeable field. The crowd favorites—Fedelio Marin and Chris Scull—were tight through the first quarter mile. But Marin opened his lead and won easily with a time of 5:03.01. 

Next was the four-by-one, quarter-mile-relay, with another competitive field. The team of Andrew Watkins, Ben Tobin, Danny Geyer and Michael Johnson beat out Vicente Gomez, Sergio Carillo, Martin Gomez, and Fedelio Marin by less than four seconds. 

The Half Mile Run came down to a battle between Oscar Aguilar and Mark Jarosik. Aguilar, who was able to pull away from Jarosik on the second lap for a finish time of 2:37.24. 

Jarosik broke the over-50 record set by Wickered in 2017 by running a time of 2:41.28. 

Watkins won the 200-meter-dash with a time of 27.73 seconds. Clifton Williams also repeated as the 50 plus winner with a time of 32.26. 

“It’s nice to be healthy again,” said Williams, who has battled injuries. 

The next event was the 400-meter-dash. Watkins won with a time of 1:08.39. The final race of the meet was the Distance Medley Relay, a two-and-a-half-mile relay. Watkins, Tobin, Geyer, and Johnson prevailed with a time of 16:31.30. 

Moua Vue, Brett Ownbey, Tobin, Geyer, and Johnson were declared official ironmen for competing in all seven events. Watkins, who ran five events and placed first in all of them, 

was declared top runner of the meet. 

Afterwards, Club Member’s thanked the volunteer coaches for making this event possible. Head Coach Frank Rouna, Kevin Rumon, Jim Maloney, Jim Morris, Mark Stevens, and of course Eddie Hart. 

“I’m blown away by the respect and love I get when I come in here,” said Hart, as he closed out the event. “I will take it to my grave”. 

When away from SQ, Hart works tirelessly, helping children through his “All In One” foundation. He is a coach, mentor, and community activist, who tries to teach youth to live healthy lives and fulfill their own dreams. 

Before it all ends, Ligons, reminisced about a time he almost beat Hart running . “Remember that time, Eddie?” he asked. Hart just smiled.

Fidelio Marin comes in 1st in the 10-MileRun

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Fidelio Marin
Fidelio Marin

On a sunny Friday morn- ing in mid May, the 1000 Mile Club completed their 4th annual 10-mile run.

Fedilio Marin once again took an aggressive pace as he ran 5:59 for his opening mile and 12:05 for his first two miles.

This was the fastest 10- mile run by someone not named Markelle Taylor.

Michael Keeyes, at 71 years old, finished in the 13th place.

Keeyes set a pace for his first mile at 8:44 and ran his second mile at 8:23, settling in over the entire race with an 8:34 per mile average.

10-Mile Run

Fedilio Marin 1:04:28

Steve Reitz

Chris Scull

Vicente Gomez

Sergio Carrillo

Tommy Wickerd

Martin Gomez

Alberto Mendez

Bruce Wells

Moua Vue

Brett Onwbey

Jonathan Chiu

Michael Keeyes

John Levin

D. Settlemeyer

Michael Johnson

Dan McCoy

Nicola Bucci

Al Yaseng
M. Jones-Ismael

Altamirano

Clifton Williams

Ernie Soltero George Moss Wallace Jackson

8-Mile Run

Jose Torres

5.50 Miles

Steven Brooks

By Frank Ruona, 1000 Mile Club Coach

“The Facets of Markelle: Past, Present and Future”

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Markel

For the last several years, Markelle Taylor has become synonymous with the San Quentin 1000 Mile Running Club. Now that he has completed the Boston Marathon, and is off to conquer the world of competitive running, it seems like a good opportunity to reflect back on his legacy at San Quentin.

Markelle was San Quentin’s finest runner during his time here, a prodigy who not only shattered all of the exist- ing distance running records, but also set high standards for the next generation of runners who will grace the Lower Yard at The Q.

As fellow 1000 Mile Club member, Rashaan Thomas said, “His training spoke to his focus. He broke records, then broke his own. He has all of the significant (records)”.

Markelle’s work ethic was second to none and fellow runners would marvel at the drive of a man who it seemed running came easy to. “Markelle worked hard and was big into doing speed work”, says fellow club member Troy Dunmore, “he would run 200 and 400 yard sprints weekly”.

Despite being the fastest and most visible member of the club, Markelle maintained his humility and used his skill to inspire others.

Close friend and competitor Chris Scull explains it in this way, “What I got from him was a higher purpose of running – my victims, my community, not just my health. He dedicated every run to a cause. It could be his victim, it could be his daughter who had lupus.”

Markelle’s legacy is a testament to the power of purpose and hard work. As the men of San Quentin watch him from afar, ensconced in the race of life in the free world, he still is an inspiration and pace setter. Thomas sums it up in this way, “Before I could run 1 mile, he would lap me twice. It was like trying to keep up with a gazelle”.

By Adamu Chan Journalism Guild Writer

———————————————————————————————————–

Since leaving The Q, Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor has ran in the Boston Marathon. His training regimen has changed a bit though: Taylor trains on Mt. Tam, as well as having a new diet to stay healthy for races.

“I eat a whole lot healthier now. I get to train better too,” Taylor said. “I train on Mt. Tam, but, Mt. Tam trails ain’t nothing because I had it harder in prison. My next marathon will be a whole lot faster.”

His official time was 3:03 but his watch said 2:57:12.

3:03 breaks his personal best record set at San Quentin this year, 3:10 (by 7 minutes).

He ran for charity this year which put him in the fourth heap. His results qualified him to run in the 1st wave next year.

While running Markelle said he kept thinking about the 1000 Mile Club to keep his focus.

“It was the 1000 Mile Club at San Quentin that prepared me for it. I had to run around thousands of people. I was in the fourth wave with over 32,000 people and only 300 behind me.”

Taylor, who picks a cause to run for in his races, ran for the Urban League, a group that helps people overcome social and economic barriers and violence, like women who need housing. Unofficially, he also represented the 1000 Mile Club and all lifers in prisons in California.

“You guys were with me in spirits.”

“He didn’t seem tired after the race,” said film director Christine Yoo. “He looked like he could still go.”

Coach Kevin Rumon went to the Boston marathon, where he roomed with Taylor.

“Kevin was a great help, great support,” Taylor said. “He’s a good coach . No one can replace Frank though.”

When asked about how he was adjusting overall to his mew freedom, Taylor responded “Life is moving so fast out here, I’m still taking it all in.”

—Aaron Taylor contributed to this story

Celebrating the contributions of athletic programs

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Mike Kramer and Anthony Redwood got an award
Mike Kramer and Anthony Redwood got an award

The triumphs, defeats and the power of fellowship were on full display at San Quentin’s Inaugural Athletics Assn. Banquet.

Kevin Rumon, volunteer track coach for the 1000 Mile Club and cancer survivor was honored. He was recognized for his resilience. While battling cancer and going through chemo, Rumon defied the odds and returned every Friday for the club races.

“I believed I had to surround myself with positive people,” said Rumon. “I get a hundred times more out of this than I give and that’s hard to explain to others.

“People would like to paint the world as good and bad or black and white, but it’s also filled with good people who made bad decisions,” Rumon added.

Don Smith giving his speech
Don Smith giving his speech

The Jan. 11 event recognized volunteers and participants.

After Rumon’s emotional speech he stood in for team sponsor Frank Ruona, who had a prior engagement and could not attend, to pass out the club certificates.

Longtime volunteer Don Smith took home the Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been officially named after him. The head of the Prison Sports Ministry, Smith has been volunteering in the prison for more than 20 years.

The organization brings in outside teams for basket- ball, football and softball games. One of their mottos is “fellowship for Jesus Christ through sports.” Smith received a standing ovation as he received the top honor in front of his wife, his two adult children and more than 200 incarcerated athletes and guests.

Royce Rose handing Jaime “tré” Luis III foothball award
Royce Rose handing Jaime “tré” Luis III foothball award

“I think I’m the only one here volunteering to do a life sentence,” Smith said jokingly. “I can’t accept this award alone, this is for the hundreds of people who have given up their Saturdays to make this program happen.”

“I think Don’s involvement here is a privilege. He is always talking about the guys,” said his wife. “I see how he has grown; he has a tender heart for the men here. It’s good to see how he has become a part of the San Quentin community.

Andre Jackson, flag football sponsor for the “Chosen” team, which visits the prison, added “What Don is doing is remarkable, the sacrifices he makes – I wouldn’t be volunteering here if it wasn’t for him.”

Ruth Grace received her recognition award from Terry Burton
Ruth Grace received her recognition award from Terry Burton

Mike Kremer, the baseball sponsor and volunteer and Aaron “Showtime” Taylor, San Quentin’s resident sports announcer, emceed the event. Kremer sported a black tuxedo, giving the ceremony the feel of an award show. Taylor’s comic humor and sharp wit kept the mood light and entertaining.

“Oh man, introducing ‘Donnie Fabulous’ as the first recipient of an award named after him, it was ‘ginormous;’ Don is my brother from the universal mother,” said Taylor. “Don has been a huge piece to what we do here with sports, and is a very caring person.

“I haven’t forgot Don. The last time you were on the court, you got your shot blocked,” Taylor added, ribbing Smith.

The inmate track members, fresh off the season-ending marathon, walked with big smiles to the stage. Markelle Taylor took home the top prize for setting another record for the event and ultimately qualifying for the up-incoming Boston Marathon (once he paroles). “Sports is viewed as just entertainment but not if you are participating in them, because it can show you your weaknesses and how to persevere,” said Rumon.

Coach Martin at the podium presenting Paul "BlacK"Alleyne with an award
Coach Martin at the podium presenting Paul “BlacK”Alleyne with an award

The tennis team honored Martin, 87, their venerable volunteer, who in return passed out appreciation awards to the group.

Dwight Kennedy, the inmate coach of the “All-Madden” flag football team, thanked Kent Philpott, long time baseball volunteer, for helping to resurrect the football program. He handed Jeremy Lewis III the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the team. Lewis led the squad in touchdowns and interceptions for the season.

Soccer player Tare “Cancun” Beltranchuc, thanked outside volunteer Andrew Crawford for his tireless work to bring the program to the level of the other sports programs. He spoke passionately about how his teammates are benefitting from the new interaction with the outside teams.

Dion Demerrill, catcher for the prison softball team the Hardtimers, provided one of the touching moments of the ceremony, when he received the Most Improved Player award.

Rafael Cuevas, Smith and his wife
Rafael Cuevas, Smith and his wife

“I feel real great about this accomplishment. It’s a real big achievement to me. I thought I wasn’t going to play sports again,” said Demerrill. “In 2016, I was diagnosed with Lupus. I thought it was over for me.

“By them bringing all the sports together to have an achievement appreciation ceremony like this means the world to me. I feel on top of the world,” he added.

The inaugural event has now been added to the history of San Quentin sports. These rehabilitative programs will move in to a new era of building bridges with the outside community and making productive returning citizens. And all the San Quentin’s sporting teams will be doing it in brand new uniforms, thanks to outside donations.

Ted Saltviet Oris Williams receiving an award
Ted Saltviet Oris Williams receiving an award

“This was really inspiring to see that both men in blue and the people on the outside are here together,” said Ninna Gaensler, a representative of San Francisco public radio station KALW-FM. “It makes me want to put on my running shoes.”

BASEBALL AWARDS

MVP – Brendan Terrell Cy Young award – Rob

Polzin
Rookie of the Year – Juan

Navarro
Inmate Coach of the Year

– Richard Williams Willie Mack award (Inspi- rational Player of the Year) – Anthony “Saadiq” Redwood

Most Improve Player – Montrell McDuffie

The honorary member award – 90 year old, Ruth

Grace for team support

BASKETBALL AWARDS

San Quentin Warriors “Keep the Faith Award” –

Jeremy Johnson
“I can Do that Award” –

Joshua “JB” Burton “Let My Game Speak for itself Award (MVP) – Allen

McIntosh
“Lead from the Front

Award” – Anthony Ammons “Give Me My Money

Award” for Hustle and determination – Jamal

SAN QUENTIN KINGS

Most Inspiration Player – Tare “Cancun” Beltranchuc

Intramural League MVP’s – Kevin Fornette and Allen McIntosh

Husband and wife coaches motivate runners to finish three-hour race

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Running on a track with six 90 degree turns is hard on a runner’s body, but the 1000 Mile track Club runners made it look easy as they did the three hour race on October 5th.

“Alright Michael,” Coach Diana Fitzpatrick said as Michael Ybarra ran at his own speed.

“Pace yourself Chris,” Coach Tim Fitzpatrick said to Chris Scull, who he thought was running too fast.

“Good pace Markelle,” Tim then said to Markelle Taylor, who was alongside of Scull.

“Jonathan you’re looking good,” Coach said to Jonathan Chiu. Shortly thereafter he was seen coming around the last corner on his eighth lap.

That’s how the husband and wife coach assistants encouraged the runners as they kept track of their times on log sheets.

Taylor won the race by completing 23-5/8 miles within the three hour time limit.

Mark Jarosik, who joined the 1000 Mile Running Club five months before, took second place with a distance of 22-3/8 miles.

A long alarm that meant all incarcerated people had to sit on the ground, pausing the race until correctional officers signaled the disturbance elsewhere in the prison was over, may have helped Jarosik excel past most of the club vets.

“Mark had the good fortune of being at the start/finish line when we had to endure a 47-1/2 minute alarm,” Coach Frank Ruona said. “During that long alarm I had Mark drink three bottles of electrolyte replacement liquid and when we came off the alarm he took off like a shot.”

The alarm, which halted the race for 47 minutes was due to an incident on East Block’s Condemned Row, a part of the prison separated from the mainline where the race took place.

“It was frustrating to be down so long, but the guys hung in there and didn’t let it bother them,” Ruona said.

“Being in prison, you’re used to it,” member Chris Scull said, “An alarm is a normal thing for us runners inside.”

Scull came in fourth by covering 22-1/16 miles just behind Jonathan Chiu who took third place with 22-1⁄4 miles.

The Fitzpatricks who have been coaching the 1000 Mile Running Club for some time, enjoy coming inside to see the guys progress in life despite being in prison. This progress includes changing perspectives on life, obtaining GEDs, computer literacy courses, and achieving a higher education at San Quentin.

Diana and Tim Fitzpatrick assisting 1000 Mile Club runner

Tim started running to quit smoking. He met a coach, and has been involved with running clubs ever since.

“In terms of the club here at San Quentin, it’s a community, the guys come to run and end up friends, because it’s friendly and genuine competition,” he said. “So the similarities I see between running clubs whether they are inside prison or outside is community support.

“These are friendships that help each other,”

“I met my wife through a track club.”

Originally from New York, he’s an alumnus of Hobart College where he once played hockey, but moved to Marin County in the 90s after the Loma Prietta earth quake. A four time runner in the Western States 100 Mile Run along a trail through the Sierra mountains he won in 2011, he says procrastination is still something he does as a runner.

“I like to think procrastination is the act of putting off things to feel good about yourself,” he said. “I know running is good for the mind, and body, but I don’t always do it.”

“But when you do it,” Tim added as he counted another lap for Scull, “It feels good, and improves your confidence.”

Jim Maloney of San Francisco, an assistant coach for three years, said, “The three hour run was a real impressive test of where these guys are at, fitness wise. They showed us today they’re ready for the marathon.”

“For me I was out of prison for the three hour run,” said Scull.

Fidelio S. Marin, a 48 years old man from Mexico serving 16 years to life for 2nd degree murder said he was running for the first time. “I liked the run and want to make it routine to do it more.”

Marin completed 20-9/16 miles for seventh place.

He transferred to San Quentin from Cal State Prison Soledad, because Marin said he wanted better for himself. Besides running in the 1000 Mile Running Club he also attends AA/ NA programs and AA Big Book classes here at San Quentin where he is currently strengthening his spirituality in groups, and building his endurance on the track one step at a time.

Counting 52 laps at 1000 mile club race

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Twenty-eight 1000 Mile Running Club runners started the Ninth Annual San Quentin Half Marathon under blue skies on a beautiful August 10 day, while community volunteers kept track of every lap. Twenty-one men completed the full 52-1/2 laps around the prison yard.
Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor, who holds most of the club’s records, predictably came in first with a time of 1 hour, 22 minutes, 44 seconds. He runs every race with a cause in mind.
“I dedicate this race to all immigrants and children separated from their families,” Taylor said.
Without the club’s second-best runner, Eddie Herena, in the race, Chris Scull took second challenged only by Steve Reitz, who came in third. Their respective times were 1:33:06 and 1:38:30.
“Usually I’m fourth or fifth; it feels nice to get on the podium,” Reitz joked. “I thank the volunteers, like Tim Fitzpatrick. Counting laps isn’t the most interesting thing to do.”
Club coaches Frank Ruona, Diana Fitzpatrick and Kevin Rumon, along with community volunteers Tim Fitzpatrick and Jim Morris, counted the laps with help from club members who couldn’t run but still wanted to help out. Each person kept track of about four runners.

“Police departments in 13 of the 25 largest U.S. cities did not post their (operating and use-of-force) procedures online.” “The Opaque Blue Line” by C.J. Ciaramella in Reason magazine May 2017

“Counting laps is challenging,” Morris said. “I like doing this because it’s something good; it’s giving something back with the knowledge that with this much difference, I’d be the one in here hoping somebody helped me out.”
The 69-year-old worked as a biologist in the wetlands supervising lab testing before retiring.
“Counting laps is very tough; my hand is starting to cramp,” D. Fitzpatrick said. “I do this because of my commitment to the men.”

New club member Mark Jarosik, 52, expressed his appreciation for the 1000 Mile Running Club.
“It means a lot to be able to run with other guys trying to better themselves, and we really appreciated all the coaches coming out,” Jarosik said.
He came in fifth with a time of 1:40:40 right behind Steve Brooks, who took fourth.
Two of the club elders put on a great race. Larry Ford, 62, came in 10th with a time of 1:53:03.
“I’ve run more half-marathons than anybody in the club,” Ford noted.
Michael Keeyes, the oldest member of the running club at 71, came in 14th, with a time of 2:00:24, short of his 70-plus age group record of 1:47:01. As the only member of the club over 70, no one can challenge his record yet.
“I want to set the bar high, so when Larry turns 70, he has something to shoot for,” Keeyes said. “I want him to earn it.”
Daniel McCoy, 56, another new member, completed his first half-marathon.
McCoy has a pacemaker, but it doesn’t bother him in the least.
“Running helps me mentally and psychologically and it keeps me mellow in this environment,” McCoy said. “Running in my first half-marathon at San Quentin is inspirational. Talk about turning a bad into a good. I’m in prison, which is bad, but I’m accomplishing something good—better health and I appreciated the camaraderie.”
The other half-marathon finishers were: (6) David Barnes, (7) Bruce Wells, (8) Jonathan Chiu, (9) John Levin, (11) Troy Dunmore, (12) Tommy Wickerd, (13) Glen Mason, (16) Al Yaseng, (17) Lee Goins, (18) Kerry Rudd, (19) Darren Settlemyer, (20) Mona Vue and (21) Edward Mone.

PPI’s “Correctional Control: Incarceration and Supervision by State” is the first report to aggregate data on all types of correctional control nationwide.

Finding Solutions for Community Tragedies

Ultra runner see parallels between cancer and prison


 

Alliance Encourages Prisoners To ‘Change the Narrative’


 
–By Rahsaan Thomas

Eddie Hart shares his gold medal experiences

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Eddie Hart (gray jacket) with 1000 Mile Club coaches Mark Stevens, Jim Maloney, Frank Ruona and Kevin Rumon.

Eddie Hart (gray jacket) with 1000 Mile Club coaches Mark Stevens, Jim Maloney, Frank Ruona and Kevin Rumon.


Eddie Hart, a 1972 Olympic gold medalist, likes to go where he feels the love. He returned to San Quentin State Prison July 20 for the 11th annual Eddie Hart-Ralph Ligons Track Meet to share his time, story and running tips.
“When I first came here, I was a bit concerned for my safety,” the 69-year-old Hart said. “Now I look forward to seeing the guys. Where I am getting love from is where I want to be.”
For the fifth time since 2013, Hart stood before members of the 1000 Mile Club, a group of incarcerated runners. Club sponsor Frank Ruona wore an autographed hat from Hart’s first visit. This year, fresh from an Olympic clinic in Atlanta, Hart wore a black Olympic jacket and held his gold medal.
“I had never met an Olympian before,” new 1000 Mile Club member Mark Jarosik said. “He’s inspiring. I’m grateful he took time out of his schedule to give us some running tips and share his life experiences with us on and off the track. It gives us hope for our futures.”
As Hart began to tell his story, an alarm sounded, which signaled a disturbance somewhere in the prison. While all the incarcerated people sat on the ground, he shared about the race he never ran.
“I’ve loved to run since I was a little kid,” Hart said. “I wanted the title that goes with winning the Olympic 100-meter race: ‘the world’s fastest human being.’”
Hart trained religiously for 10 years to reach the Olympics, setting the 100-Meter World Record along the way.
Once in Munich he awaited the event that he had prepared a decade for; however, his coach had the wrong start time. Hart ended up seeing the race on TV while trying to get there.
“It felt like someone took my 10-year-old child,” Hart said. “I learned how to respond, not react to life’s circumstances.”
Still, Hart achieved a gold medal as the anchor for the U.S. 4×4-relay team.
Hart shared the following running advice.
For long distances, plant the ball of the foot before the heel. (The faster you run, the higher up on your toes you should be.)
Relax. Don’t run stiff.
Keep arms at 90 degrees.
Breathe in rhythm of your stride.
Rest. Your muscles get stronger during the recovery phase.
Afterward, the runners got to apply the advice in several different races. Larry Ford, who is 62 years old, broke the 60-years-and-over half-mile record with a time of 3 minutes, 22.51 seconds.
Newcomer Erik Rives won the open 100-yard dash. (15.6 seconds)
Tone “Barefoot Tone” Evans, in his first running event since an injury two years ago, ran the 50-years-and-over 100-yard dash without shoes or socks. He had the lead two steps from the finish line, where he suddenly pulled up, and Clifton Williams dashed by to take first place in a time of 14.63 seconds. Evans came in at15.19.
“I felt my muscle cramp and pulled up off it, but I’m fine because the ankle isn’t reinjured,” Evans said.
The 1000 Mile Club’s fastest long-distance runner, Markelle Taylor, won the One-Mile Race in a time of 5:16.66.
In the 1600 meter relay, a team of newcomers and veterans won. New members Kevin Rojano and Charles Simmons teamed up with veterans Chris Scull and John Levin to win with a time of 5:21.84.
Scull and Jarosik battled for the open half-mile race. Scull pulled ahead at the end to win 2:46.91 to Jarosik’s 2:51.64.
Rojano won the 200-meter dash with a time of 29.79 seconds.
For the 50-years-and-over 200-meter dash, Larry Ford edged out Tommy Wickerd 43.02 to 43.21 seconds.
The 400 meter race went to Taylor with Wickerd and Ford winning their respective 50-and-over and 60-and-over divisions.
In the final event, the Distance Medley Relay, Steve Reitz, Jarosik, Ford and Wickerd won by a second over Scull, Rojano, Jonathan Chiu and community volunteer Mark Stevens.
“It’s awesome for me to be out here,” Stevens said. “It’s cool for me to come in and be able to be a teammate; there’s camaraderie amongst this team.”
Their respective times were 16:18.97 to 16:19.95.
“Wow, that was close,” community volunteer Jim Morris said.
The event ended with the 1000 Mile Club members thanking Hart for his time. Hart said he came to help because that’s what he does.
“No matter where you are in life, having support and relationships is good,” Hart said. “No man’s an island.”

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