On a cool and overcast spring day, 12 members of the San Quentin Thousand Mile Club ran 24 one quarter mile laps around the lower yard in an effort to show their fellow inmates, guards and San Quentin Volunteers how fast they could cover six miles.
Star of the day was Eddie Herena, who went to the front on the first lap and maintained a strong pace throughout the full six miles of the race. Eddie finished in a fine 39:12 and broke the Club record of 40:55 set last year by Ronnie Goodman by one minute and 43 seconds. A spirited contest for second place developed between Stephen Yair Liebb and Larry Ford. Stephen pulled away from Larry over the last mile and a half and took second place with 41:22, one minute and 28 seconds faster than he ran last year. Larry was able to hold on and finish in 42:02, a full two minutes and 48 seconds faster than his 2010 race.
A steady stream of seven finishers crossed the finish line over a span of 3 minutes and 47 seconds as Bill Pillars, Mike Villanueva, Joey Mason, Malcolm Jones, John Vaden, John Neblett and Andrew Gazzeny ran strong to the finish. Coach Alton McSween and Louis Hunter were the final finishers with times of 56:05 and 57:30. The run was supported by Staff Sponsor Laura Bowman, Community Volunteer Jill Friedman, Coach Frank Ruona and inmates Steve Pascascio, Dee Whitaker, Ralph Ligons, Phil Goodman and Everett Spells. Participants agreed it was a great day to get out and enjoy six miles of running and camaraderie with fellow San Quentin Thousand Mile Club members.
