Twenty-one men ran around the San Quentin Lower Yard, competing for who could cover the greatest distance in one hour.
First place went to Eddie Herena, 29, who ran 8.75 miles in the 1,000-Mile Club event on July 6. His average time was 6:51 per mile.
On what began as an overcast day, Malcolm Williams and Ricky Dotson led the pack for the first half of the of the race. Herena and Lorenzo Hopson overtook them in the second half.
“I feel good,” said Herena after the race. “This run boosted my confidence. I had to take some time off to recover from injuries, but I feel strong now.”
Hopson, 58, finished second. He ran 8.625 miles, averaging 6:57 per mile.
“I usually train by running 60-70 miles per week,” Hopson said. “In the last six months, I’ve logged in about 1,300 miles, including 228 miles in a one-month period.’’
Ricky Dotson, 54, placed third with 8.625 miles. Stephen Yair Liebb, 56, placed fourth with 8.625 miles.
Laura Bowmen-Salzsieder was honored prior to the run. Bowmen-Salzsieder said she organized the club seven years ago as a way to promote good health for inmates.
“The men motivate each other and help pick each other up,” she said.
Coach Frank Ruona was also honored with a certificate of appreciation. “Running is mentally and physically beneficial,” he said. “Being part of a club promotes unity amongst the members and the trainers.”
The club facilitators said new members are welcomed to come out, run, and have fun.
The 1,000-Mile Club is scheduled to have a 52-lap half-marathon event in August. Members said all are welcomed to participate, “so get your running shoes ready.”
—David Bennett contributed to this story.
