Blaring reggae music egged on 25 runners around the Lower Yard of San Quentin Prison for its ninth annual marathon. The prison’s 1,000 Mile Club sponsored the event.
“All different races come together for the common goal of running the marathon, 26.2 miles,” said Stephen Pascascio, the club’s public relations coordinator.
Pascascio said the runners trained all year long for the event.
Two green lines painted around the lower yard guided the runners around the prison yard.
“Respect is shown by stepping out of the way,” said Pascascio, referring to the courtesy those prisoners walking the lower yard track showed the runners.
Louis Hunter won the marathon with a time of 4:18:37. Glenn Mason followed him with a time of 4:19:45. Third place went to Andre Battle with a time of 4:20:28.
Marathon participants included prisoners Ricky Dotson, Andrew Gazzeny, Alton McSween, Derrick Smith, Larry Ford, Paul Madeira, Morcelli Abdel Kader, Bill Pillars, Alberto Mendez, Clifton Williams, Dee Whitaker, Jerry Gearin, Tristan Jones, Malcolm Williams, Dom Brassey, Tone Evans, Lorenzo Hopson, and Ralph Ligons.
“I want to include all generations,” said Dominique Brassey, a San Quentin teacher with Patton University. She ran the first 13 miles with the prisoners.
Dominique acknowledged the importance of the lap counters for their encouraging words to the runners and the volunteers who supplied water to the runners.
Volunteer lap counters and race supporters included Frank Ruona, Diana Fitzpatrick, Kevin Rumon, Evert Spells, Steve, Pascascio, Angel Gutierrez, Eddie Herena, Dennis Barnes, Jill Friedman, Cory McNeil, Malcolm Jones, and Ruben Ramirez.
KQED reporter Judy Campbell also attended the event.