Watch Skid Row Marathon

Skid Row Marathon is a 2017 documentary film that follows the journey of a group of recovering drug addicts and ex-convicts who find redemption through running. The film revolves around a running club in Los Angeles' Skid Row, an area notorious for its homeless population and those struggling with addiction. The film is directed by Mark Hayes, who spent four years following the Skid Row Running Club, an organization founded by Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell. Mitchell was a former prosecutor who, after seeing the high rate of recidivism among the defendants in his courtroom, decided to start a running club to help these individuals reclaim their lives.

Through the running club, Mitchell and his team work to rehabilitate their by building a sense of community, establishing goals and providing the tools to achieve them, both mentally and physically. The aim of the club is not only to help stay sober but also to challenge them to transform their lives.

The film follows four of the running club, including David Askew, a former drug addict and ex-felon. David has turned his life around and has become an advocate for the running club, inspiring others to believe that they too can make positive changes in their lives.

Joan Bys, another member of the running club, is a former attorney who lost everything due to her addiction. She now runs marathons and has found joy and purpose in life through the Skid Row Running Club.

Rafael Cabrera is a member of the club who was in and out of prison for most of his life. Running has given him a new found sense of purpose, and he now works as a mentor and coach for other of the club.

The film touches on themes of addiction, recovery, and redemption, but at its core, it is a story of the human spirit and the power of community. The running club provides a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, creating a family for those who may have been ostracized and marginalized in society.

Throughout the film, the of the running club train for the LA Marathon, a challenging feat for anyone, let alone those who have faced such adversity in their lives. The film culminates with the marathon, a momentous occasion for the Skid Row Running Club.

Skid Row Marathon is a powerful and uplifting film that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of running. It is an ode to the tireless efforts of those who work to help others reclaim their lives, and it serves as an inspiration to all those who may be struggling in their own lives.

The film is expertly crafted, combining heart-wrenching testimonials from the of the running club with stunning visuals of the city of Los Angeles. The film's score is also a notable highlight, complementing the film's themes with a soaring and emotive soundtrack.

Overall, Skid Row Marathon is a must-watch film that tells a powerful and important story. It is a reminder that no matter where one comes from, it is always possible to turn one's life around and achieve something remarkable.

Skid Row Marathon is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 68.