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.
