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Omaha Correctional Center hosts half marathon
November 8, 2025 (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.
“The opportunity we've had to establish a community at OCC and form relationships with these men has been powerful and inspiring,” said Ziegler. “I never knew that spending time at a prison would be one of the things I looked forward to most during the week.”
In preparation for today’s event, the crew held its inaugural 5k race in September, where 34 participants competed and the fastest time recorded was 18:46. Thanks to generous donations from Omaha businesses and local runners, participants have access to high-quality running shoes to support their training.
The OCC Running Crew is a powerful reflection of the facility’s mission: reintegrating people with safety and purpose. More than a fitness initiative, the program encourages participants to set goals, embrace steady progress, and build supportive connections with community members.
