A dramatic photo finish at San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Running Club’s 16th annual marathon reached its climax with Hugo Dimas clocking a time of 2:53:44 to become the new 26.2-mile champion.
“I stayed close, never lost my pace, and made my move at the right time,” Dimas said after outperforming Jose Fajardo’s 2:53:45 by a split second, stealing the crown from the former champ.
“I wasn’t expecting him to have that last burst,” Fajardo said. “I’m proud of Hugo, he put a lot of work in all year.”
Fajardo’s enthusiasm and humble passing of the baton on November 20 demonstrates the camaraderie and compassion that each running club member has for the success and growth of its community.
Confirming the sense of community were hundreds in attendance who witnessed supporters handing out water, yelling out lap times, and cheering on the record 77 marathoners who started the race and the new record of 38 finishers.
“The discipline of running is no longer a solo sport,” said resident runner Jeffery Covarrubias. “This club has become a way to connect to something bigger than ourselves. It’s a way to find others and be part of a community.”
Covarrubias’ statement jibes with a CBS NEWS feature report about the popular growth of marathon running. For historical context, after the Greeks defeated the Persians in battle, a runner ran the legendary 26.2-mile distance to deliver the news, said the feature.
The distance now known as the Marathon has become a global phenomenon and marathons are selling out in every state. “This year the New York Marathon generated more than 700 million dollars for local communities,” said the CBS NEWS broadcast.
SQ’s 1000 Mile Club community set its own record, as unprecedented numbers of people cheered on Dimas and Fajardo’s record-breaking sub-three-hour marathon finishes. Rounding-off off the top five finishers were Jose Maya (3:48:15), Jorge Cuevas (3:55:16), and Delfino Verdin (3:57:12).
“The brotherhood, camaraderie, and therapeutic nature of running has become a lifestyle,” resident club member Steve Warren said. “Because of this community I just finished my third marathon.”
Head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said that when you see these runners fully committed, you witness a transformation. “To see that change happening and to see how the power of running has impacted their lives is rewarding.”
Volunteer Bill Neer said that after Coach Frank Ruona’s retirement in 2023, Coaches Tim and Diana Fitzpatrick, along with Coach Jim Mahoney, have been unwavering in their support of the incarcerated runners of San Quentin.
The inside leadership of new club president, resident Greg Stephens, is another reason why the club is gaining traction, added Neer. “Greg’s organizing and motivational skills have really stood out this year,” he said.
Stephens said his role with the club is to sign up everybody who wants to run, encourage runners, and help the community grow. “Let’s go!” he said.
If the success of a community is determined by how well its most vulnerable members are treated, then the emotional finish of Albert Campos, one of the facility’s deaf residents, exemplifies the 1000 Mile Club’s 20-year legacy of community.
Campos saw hundreds of onlookers congratulating his efforts as they raised their arms and twisted their hands back and forth signing “applause” during his 105-lap journey to the finish line.
“I hit the wall on lap 44,” said Campos through his sign language interpreter A. Mendez. “At lap 70 I started praying to God to give me the strength to finish. When I finally got to the end, I had tears rolling down my face.” (6:58:42)