MVP OF SQ WARRIORS RETIRES TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS MOST VALUABLE IN HIS LIFERRCA AWARD HONORSSQ VOLUNTEERRUNNING CLUB STRIDES FORWARD WITH ANNUAL TRACK MEET
San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Running Club hosted its Eddie Hart-Ralph Ligons Memorial Track Meet on June 16. It was the first time the annual event was held since the pandemic. Runners were joined by former San Francisco DA, Chesa Boudin.
Boudin said he learned about the Club when he came to The Q for the showing of the “26.2 to Life,” a documentary by independent film maker, Christine Yoo. Boudin said he was so inspired by the film, he left wanting to volunteer.
The Club’s longtime head coach, Frank Rouna, conducted the meet like clockwork with his dedicated team of assistant coaches and outside volunteers. Several residents also stepped up to help out.
Boudin displayed his linguistic skills by translating instructions for the Spanish-speaking runners after seeing Club President Tommy Wickerd translate for deaf runners.
As a fellow runner and fitness enthusiast, Boudin shared that he ran a personal-best 3:06 at the New York Marathon — good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Club runners Jose Fajardo, Jay Roberts, Tommy Wickerd, and Greg Stevens earned “iron man” bragging rights by completing all events.
“It’s fun to participate, to compete and run with the Club. I always look forward to the events,” said Fajardo.
Under clear skies, 52 runners turned out to race in a variety of events — one-mile, half-mile, quarter-mile, 200-m, 100-m, and the mile-relay.
The top runner of the meet was Fajardo, 42, who won all events except for his second place finishes in the 200-m and 100-m races. He was also on the winning team for the one-mile relay along with Ulises James, Luis Rodriguez, and David Sanchez with a time of 4:51.
As one of the Club’s rising stars, Fajardo recently hit the 1,000 mile mark even though he only arrived at The Q in April 2022. Having not yet completed a marathon, Fajardo might be on pace to break some of Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor’s long-standing records.
Fajardo said he has been doing longer, paced runs for the last six years in prison, but this was his first time running competitive sprints.
The speedster who edged Fajardo in the shorter sprints was Terry Kitchen, 36. Despite running on a bad knee, Kitchen still looked strong on the track, although he disagrees.
“I felt slow today, running injured, but it was good to compete,” said Kitchen.
Two older runners who stood out in the sprints were Jay Roberts, 48, and Chris Moore, 53.
Roberts placed fourth overall in the 200-m, but his age-adjusted grade of 74.51% was first. He placed fifth overall in the 100-m, with an even higher age grade.
A grade of over 70% is considered regional class while a grade of over 80% is considered national class, according to the Club’s coaches.
Chris Moore ran a impressive sprint heat with the 50+ age group. His time in the 100-m was good enough for third place overall. His age grade of 78.82% was the highest of the entire meet.
D. Ernie Soltero, 72, was the sole runner in the 70+ age group, running the half-mile in 4:14. Dale Moore, 67, was the next oldest runner. He impressed the crowd by completing all events except for the 100-m dash — only one event away from earning “iron man” status.
Several runners were presented with certificates to honor their running milestones.
“The San Quentin 1000 Mile Club is a life changing community, not just for me, but for all the runners that came out today and ran our tails off,” said President Wickerd.
