The Skid Row Running Club made a triumphant return to San Quentin in July for the first time since the pandemic. The group joined forces with the 1000 Mile Club for an hour-long fun run.
Well over 100 runners spun laps on the Lower Yard on Saturday morning to share their passion for the sport they loved.
“I really had a great time,” said 1000 Mile runner Kellon Williams. “They inspired me to train for the half marathon.”
Over 25 runners from the Skid Row club made the trek all the way from Los Angeles to show support for the incarcerated runners of San Quentin.
Founded by Judge Craig Mitchell, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, the Skid Row club featured many runners with day-jobs in law enforcement. Many of them helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people to find their strides in life through the joy of running.
Thanks to their fundraising efforts, the club sponsored multiple formerly incarcerated runners to compete in international marathons around the world. San Quentin resident and 1000 Mile Club
President Tommy Wickerd explained that Judge Mitchell started the Skid Row Running Club because he wanted to give formerly incarcerated people something positive for parole.
“I’ve ran with sheriffs, attorneys, judges—one of the most diverse groups I’ve ever run with,” Wickerd said. “It’s cool to share your life experiences with people who have put people in prison but have also gotten them out.”
Special guests who joined the run included several staffers from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, including Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary Eliza Hersh. She spoke positive words of hope to the runners who gathered after the run, encouraging residents to keep pushing forward on a constructive path.
“It was a delightful experience for everyone,” Wickerd said. “Everyone kept asking when they’ll be back. The running is great, but the cherry on top is the community we create.”
