From San Quentin to Marathons: A Journey of Transformation

In San Quentin State Prison, Rahsaan Thomas spent decades serving a lengthy sentence. He wasn't in the best physical shape, and he didn't expect that to change much.

Sentenced to 55 years to life in 2003 for a fatal shooting and injury during a drug deal, Thomas found solace in joining the prison's long distance running 1000 Mile Club. Running became a coping mechanism that helped him navigate his long and seemingly never-ending time behind bars.

"It's hard to wrap your head around that much time - it seems impossible to comprehend. But the key is to take it one day at a time, one step at a time," he shares with CNN Sport.

Along with staying fit, Thomas mentions that running, a hobby he started at 28 to stay healthy with his buddies, brings back memories of home.

Australian ultrarunner Donna Urquhart setting a world record for running in a polar region.

Australian ultrarunner Donna Urquhart setting a world record for running in a polar region.

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She endured freezing temperatures and strong winds to achieve the longest run ever in Antarctica.

"It's a way for me to escape the present and concentrate on taking one step at a time," he says.

The Californian maximum security correctional facility, built by prisoners in 1852, is famous for its violent history. It may not seem like a place for fitness, but it has been featured in documentaries, movies, songs, and even had a performance by Johnny Cash.

This prison is the only one in the state that carries out executions, adding to its reputation for being notorious.

Established in 2005, San Quentin's running club is organized by volunteer coaches from Marin County's Tamalpa Running Club. These coaches generously share their knowledge and time with the inmates who are interested in running.

Inmates begin their training with conditioning and running shorter distances. They have the opportunity to progress to running a full marathon, which involves completing 105 laps on the rough and uneven prison track by the end of the year.

From a simple club for a few inmates aiming to run 1,000 miles each, the group has grown to over 50 members. The participants now include individuals in their early 20s to late 70s, with some members having run thousands of miles within the prison.

Thomas found a sense of purpose when he witnessed coaches from outside coming in every week to train inmates in the maximum security prison. This feeling stayed with him even after his release.

Thomas believes that being part of the club plays a crucial role in rebuilding connections within society.

"At the time of my crime, I was 29 years old," Thomas says. "Being part of the club makes you feel like you belong to society, even if you may have been excluded from it. This sense of inclusion is essential for rehabilitation. While you can engage in various activities like reading books or using a tablet on your own, it can never compare to being a part of society."

Members of the club work towards a marathon over the course of a year.

Members of the club work towards a marathon over the course of a year.

26.2 to Life

“When you’re included in society, and you’re part of this world, you’re not going to hurt it because it’s yours,” he adds.

Thomas’ journey, along with stories from other inmates, is featured in the film “26.2 to Life,” directed by Christine Yoo and debuting on ESPN on April 8.

Coach Diana Fitzpatrick, a volunteer at the prison, supports Thomas’ views on the positive impact of running. She believes that running helps inmates set goals, improve their diet, and focus on their overall well-being.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: Conner Mantz (L) and Clayton Young celebrate after placing first and second during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon on February 03, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Conner Mantz and Clayton Young are seen celebrating after coming in first and second place at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon in Orlando, Florida on February 3, 2024. The event was a moment of triumph for the athletes as they secured top positions in the competition. The joy and camaraderie between the two runners are evident in this photo captured by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images.

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Friendship and faith played a crucial role in guiding two US marathon runners towards Paris 2024. According to CNN Sport, running serves as an escape for many men, allowing them to break free from the confines of prison life and focus solely on the task at hand. Many members of the club have limited running experience but are drawn to the sense of liberation that running provides.

"It really grounds you in the present moment, especially when you're pushing yourself in a marathon," according to Fitzpatrick.

Coach Jim Maloney believes that the years of training help men realize their own strength and capability to overcome challenges.

"Our incarceration system not only punishes people, but it also has a tendency to dehumanize them," Maloney points out.

Maloney believes in helping individuals regain their sense of humanity and recognizing their worth beyond the mistakes they have made. "We aim to remind them that they are not solely defined by the worst moment of their lives, the crime they may have committed, but that they are valuable and deserving human beings," Maloney emphasizes.

Markelle Taylor and coach Kevin Rumon.

Markelle Taylor and coach Kevin Rumon.

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with nearly two million people behind bars in federal, state, local, and tribal systems, as reported by the Prison Policy Initiative.

Despite making up only 13.6% of the population, Black Americans account for 38.7% of the prison population, as reported by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Statistics from The Sentencing Project show that Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at almost five times the rate of White Americans. Additionally, over two-thirds (69%) of the prison population are people of color, many of whom face socioeconomic disadvantages.

"We won't be able to solve crime until we have a clear understanding of what it is," Thomas explains to CNN Sport. He believes that crime is often linked to poverty and a lack of opportunities. Thomas notes that even with strict law enforcement measures in place, individuals still engage in criminal activities because their needs and emotions outweigh their rational thinking.

Markelle Taylor was going through a tough time in his life. After being in San Quentin State Prison for 16 years for second degree murder, his close friend in jail passed away from suicide.

“It hurt me inside because he was more like a mentor to me,” Taylor tells CNN Sport.

To help cope with his grief, Taylor, who had run track and field in high school, joined the 1000 Mile Club.

Taylor, also known as "Markelle the Gazelle" due to his athletic abilities, shared how the coaches at the program he attended never judged him or asked about his past crimes. This support played a crucial role in his journey of recovery and transformation in life.

At the age of 27, Taylor was convicted for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, which led to the premature birth of their child. Tragically, the baby passed away a month later due to the injuries sustained during the incident.

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After spending 17 years behind bars, Taylor, now in his 50s, is a runner and coach who was granted parole. It took him a year to readjust to life outside prison before he started training regularly again.

After finishing the San Quentin Marathon in three hours and three minutes, Taylor qualified to participate in the Boston Marathon. In 2022, he completed the race in 2 hours and 52 minutes.

Taylor shared with CNN, "After that initial year, establishing a consistent running routine became easier for me. This helped me improve my performance and achieve faster times as I grew older."

In my personal life, I face various challenges and obstacles. I see these challenges as opportunities to grow and improve, just like trying to achieve a personal record or do better in all races.

Running can help physical health, mental health and rehabilitation, volunteers at the prison say.

Running can help physical health, mental health and rehabilitation, volunteers at the prison say.

26.2 to Life

In 2022, Thomas had his 21-year sentence commuted after Governor Gavin Newsom recognized his dedication to rehabilitation. The following year, he successfully finished the New York City Marathon.

Now, Thomas is actively involved in working with juveniles and manages a program with around 60 participants. Reflecting on his past, he shares that the memory of taking a life serves as his motivation for the work he does with his newfound freedom.

Thomas, who is also a journalist, podcaster, and producer, believes that although he can't undo the past, he dedicates his days to improving the world and educating people on the importance of addressing root causes to prevent crime.

He proudly shares that those who have gone through the program have achieved a remarkable zero recidivism rate.

Thomas points out that with two million people in prison, he feels a sense of urgency to prevent young individuals from ending up in the same situation. He acknowledges that he cannot do it all alone and hopes that his philosophy will continue to spread and make a difference beyond his own efforts.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the transformative power of running within the confines of San Quentin State Prison. Despite the harsh environment, inmates like Rahsaan Thomas and Markelle Taylor find solace and purpose in the 1000 Mile Club. Running becomes a coping mechanism, helping them navigate the challenges of incarceration and maintain a sense of hope. The running club, supported by dedicated volunteer coaches, fosters a sense of community and inclusion, reminding inmates that they are valued members of society.

The article also sheds light on the systemic issues that contribute to mass incarceration in the United States, particularly the disproportionate impact on Black Americans. Rahsaan Thomas emphasizes the need to address poverty and lack of opportunities as root causes of crime. By sharing their stories and advocating for rehabilitation, these former inmates are working to break the cycle of incarceration and create a more just and equitable society. The article not only showcases the resilience of the human spirit but also serves as a call to action to address the underlying factors that lead to crime and mass incarceration.