Martinez, Contra Costa Runners To Take Part In Boston Marathon

MARTINEZ, CA — At least a dozen runners from Contra Costa County will take part in a Boston Marathon like no other.

Martinez has three representatives in the Oct. 11 race, which is being held more than 900 days after the last Boston Marathon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can see a list below of local men and women who are running. Six of the runners participated in the 2019 Boston Marathon — the last time the race was run. Their 2019 times are noted below.

Men

• John Knight, 39, Martinez
• Carlos Marin, 46, Pittsburg
• Jose Leiva, 42, Pinole
• Dennis Alcaire, 65, El Sobrante (4:44:16 in 2019)

Women

• Lisa Diemoz, 49, Martinez (3:38:21 in 2019)
• Samantha Viano, 27, Martinez
• Jessica Lamiero, 46, Concord
• Laurelle (Lori) Ligouri, 44, Concord (3:42:11 in 2019)
• Nancy Sato, 62, Concord
• Jennifer Zesati, 46, Concord (3:45:14 in 2019)
• Melissa Chen, 38, Richmond (3:54:01 in 2019)
• Sharlet Gilbert, 70, Richmond (4:31:30 in 2019)

Are you on the list? Patch wants to know why you're running this year. Email maggie.fusek@patch.com and tell me your story!

The Boston Marathon is being run in October for the first time after being postponed and ultimately canceled in 2020 and delayed this year. Race officials said the marathon will return back to its traditional Patriots Day date beginning next year.

Runners this year will not be required to wear a mask while racing, but they will need to wear them on buses to and from the race. Masks will also be required and provided in all medical tents along the 26.2-mile route.

Runners — and everyone else — will need to wear masks indoors as part of Boston's indoor mask mandate. That includes the Boston Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center in the three days leading up to the race.

Volunteers who will have direct interaction or close proximity with the runners must wear masks. Some will be provided additional personal protective equipment.