NBC may have American Ninja Warrior, but San Quentin now has its own test of agility, strength, and endurance. On July 4th, the first ever Ironman competition was held on the Lower Yard.
Sixteen contestants, ages ranging from 23 to 63, battled it out in what proved to be a fierce competition. Reggie Hola, 23, became the first-ever Ironman champ with a winning time of 5:49. “I’ve played football, basketball, and rugby, so I was kind of forced by the homies to represent,” said Hola. “But, now that I have the title, it feels real good.”
The competition was based on time and the contestants’ ability to navigate the seven different challenges that spanned the entire Lower Yard. These events included 50 squats, pushing a water-filled trashcan on a cart up a hill, 20 pull-ups, 50 push-ups, another 50 squats, carrying a boxer’s heavy bag around the baseball diamond, and finishing with a 400-meter dash to the finish line.
Second place went to Dean Soriano, 31, who trailed Hola by a mere two seconds. Darrell Flowers, 42, placed third with a time of 5:54. The top three finishers received granola bar prizes for their performance.
Tournament director Orlando “Duck” Harris was impressed with the number of people who participated in the event and their high level of energy. “They got kind of mad when I told them they could only run it one time. They’re already chomping at the bit for the next one,” said Harris.
Dennis Barnes, 63, was the Ironman’s oldest competitor. He beat out several other guys who weren’t able to finish the course. Barnes turned in a time of 11:28. “You’re never too old to stop striving for perfection,” said Barnes with a grin.
