26.2 to Life

Released Sep 22, 2023

1h 30m

Documentary

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List

85%

13 Reviews

Tomatometer

99%

50+ Ratings

Audience Score

The San Quentin Prison Marathon has an unconventional route: 105 dizzying laps around a crowded prison yard. 26.2 TO LIFE is a new documentary that tells the story of incarcerated men who are members of the 1000 Mile Club, the prison's long distance running club. They train all year for this 26.2 mile race. For the men who take their places at the starting line on a cool, sunny November morning, completing the marathon means more than entrée into an elite group of athletes. It's a chance to be defined by more than their crimes. Cheering them on are a small staff of volunteer coaches, veteran marathoners who train with the runners throughout the year. The bonds they forge on the track create a community that transcends prison politics and extends beyond the prison walls as members are released. 26.2 TO LIFE is a story of transformation and second chances. The film offers a rare glimpse into a world out of bounds, as the men navigating life sentences seek redemption and freedom... or something like it.

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Very impressed by this very simple film.

Oct 4, 2023

Full Review

Calum Marsh

New York Times

The in-prison material also has a lo-fi look that’s a refreshing change from the glossy style of many recent docs, and the various off-site interviews with family members of the inmates expand the scope of their stories in an enriching way.

Sep 21, 2023

Full Review

G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

The film doesn’t deny that justice must be served, and those who commit crimes must pay. Its question is: How it is paid fairly to the satisfaction of victims and their families and to the benefit of society?

Rated: 4/4

Sep 21, 2023

Full Review

Valerie Kalfrin

AWFJ.org

... makes the compassionate case that even in prison, people deserve positive outlets to help them grow and evolve beyond anger and despair.

Oct 13, 2023

Full Review

Manuel Betancourt

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

The structure I loved, but visually it winds up all looking the same... Aesthetically and stylistically, it's a little wanting.

Oct 4, 2023

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

This extraordinary, affecting documentary by Christine Yoo cracks down on many myths of what prison might be like, and becomes a subtle rallying cry to fix a broken system.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 23, 2023

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spencer h

Super inspiring. You can't help but root for the inmates. Normally it's so easy to regard prisoners as wholly different or to forget about them altogether. This film reminds us that but for different circumstances, there but by the grace of God go I.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/23

Full Review

Rosalind

Very well done. Engaging. Powerful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/27/23

Full Review

Matt S

Incredibly affecting film that puts a human face on otherwise forgotten people and shows the power of compassion.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

Full Review

Gabriel G

This is a movie that sticks with you after you see it. Its characters remain with you, and their struggles both haunt you and give you hope. It is an excellently crafted movie that makes one of the most critical issues in our nation personal in a way that goes straight to your heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/23

Full Review

Hilary C

This was hands down the best documentary I have seen all year! I went in to the film with preconceived notions regarding prisoners and prison reform, but learning the backstories of the members of the 1000 mile club and seeing their growth and remorse made me seriously reconsider my position. I genuinely believe this is a film everyone, especially politicians in a position to bring about real change, should watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/04/23

Full Review

jeanine b

Heartwarming and heartbreaking story of running the marathon inside San Quentin, including profiles of several runners and follow up as to what happened after the movie was made. These guys have grit, including the men and women who go in to help them train.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/04/23

Full Review

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Christine Yoo

Director

Markelle "The Gazelle" Taylor

Self

Rahsaan "New York" Thomas

Self

Tommy Wickerd

Self

Franklin Ruona

Self

Christine Yoo

Producer

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26.2 to Life: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

The San Quentin Prison Marathon has an unconventional route: 105 dizzying laps around a crowded prison yard. 26.2 TO LIFE is a new documentary that tells the story of incarcerated men who are members of the 1000 Mile Club, the prison's long distance running club. They train all year for this 26.2 mile race. For the men who take their places at the starting line on a cool, sunny November morning, completing the marathon means more than entrée into an elite group of athletes. It's a chance to be defined by more than their crimes. Cheering them on are a small staff of volunteer coaches, veteran marathoners who train with the runners throughout the year. The bonds they forge on the track create a community that transcends prison politics and extends beyond the prison walls as members are released. 26.2 TO LIFE is a story of transformation and second chances. The film offers a rare glimpse into a world out of bounds, as the men navigating life sentences seek redemption and freedom... or something like it.

Director: Christine Yoo
Producer: Jennifer M. Kroot
Distributor: HOKA
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 22, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 29, 2023
Runtime: 1h 30m