Before I read the last part, after seeing the pic, I just knew you were going to say you had killed the snake. I hate when I hear about people killing harmless creatures, either for fun, or to make themselves feel "manly" or because the fear something they truly know nothing about. Great job on catching him, I have never been able to put my hands on a black runner/racer. I have had them chase me though, if you let them think you are intimidated, they have no problem feeding on that. I just like messing with them to see what they will do. I like how they stand up and look around like a parascope.
Most kill out of fear. We posture "manliness" but deep down inside we know better.