Events & Competitions
The Club’s annual race schedule allows runners to build up endurance over the course of the year. Starting with the benchmark mile in January, the year culminates with the marathon in November. Club members are encouraged to participate in as many meets as possible or to come out and volunteer and support the other Club members if they can’t run. The races take place on the prison yard and are open to everyone at San Quentin.
January:
Benchmark Mile
The Benchmark Mile at San Quentin's lower yard serves as a litmus test for speed and agility. Runners face tight turns and varied terrain, requiring quick reflexes and precise pacing to achieve their best mile time.
February:
3-Mile run
Embark on a journey through San Quentin's confines in the 3-Mile Run, where runners navigate rugged terrain and tight corners. Endurance is key as participants push through the challenges of a longer distance within the prison grounds.
March:
6-mile run
The 6-Mile Run inside San Quentin presents a formidable challenge, covering multiple loops around the designated course. Runners must tackle rugged terrain and maintain mental focus to conquer the increased distance.
April:
8-mile run
In the 8-Mile Run, participants push their limits over a longer distance within the confines of San Quentin. Endurance and resilience are tested as runners navigate challenging terrain and multiple loops around the prison grounds.
Endurance reaches new heights in the 10-Mile Run, where participants face the ultimate test of stamina. With diverse terrain and increasing distance, runners must dig deep to conquer this challenging course.
May:
10-mile run
June:
Track Meet
Eddie Hart Track Meet: Named in honor of Olympic medalist Eddie Hart, this track meet embodies his legacy of motivation and inspiration within San Quentin's running community. Participants compete in a variety of track events, showcasing their speed and versatility while honoring Hart's contributions to the club. From sprints to longer distances, runners face off in a range of challenges, pushing their limits in a spirit of camaraderie and determination.
July :
Half Marathon
The Half Marathon inside San Quentin challenges participants to endure 13.1 miles of diverse terrain. Runners must pace themselves and maintain mental focus as they tackle the grueling course within the prison grounds.
August:
Two-Hour Run
Push your limits in the Two-Hour Run, where runners see how far they can go within a set time limit. Endurance and pacing are crucial as participants strive to cover as much distance as possible within two hours.
October:
Three-Hour Run
Embark on an endurance journey in the Three-Hour Run, testing your stamina over an extended period within San Quentin. Runners face the mental and physical challenges of sustaining their effort for three hours within the prison grounds.
The Frank Ruona San Quentin Marathon pays tribute to the coach who tirelessly trained the club since its inception in 2007. Covering 26.2 miles—equivalent to 105 laps—within the prison grounds, runners honor Ruona's legacy of support and empowerment. This ultimate test of endurance embodies the spirit of resilience and determination fostered by Ruona's guidance.