OMAHA, Neb. – This morning, 33 incarcerated men participated in a half marathon at the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC), with the first-place finisher completing the race in 1:26:24. The half marathon is the culmination of six months of dedicated training by the OCC Running Crew — a group inspired by the 1000 Mile Club at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in California, which was featured in the ESPN documentary 26.2 to Life.
“It takes a very high level of commitment and endurance to train for and complete such an extended distance,” said Deputy Warden Sarah Hoff, who helped found the running group. “The OCC Running Crew aims to develop skills like goal setting and discipline, as well as to increase confidence, hope and purpose.”
Blake Ziegler, a member of the Omaha running community, helped launch the OCC Running Crew this year to bring structured training and community support to incarcerated runners. Each week, volunteers visit the facility to coach participants and guide their progress…