CRC Norco holds first incarcerated 5k run

September 5, 2024

California Rehabilitation Center Born to Run Club completed their first 5k event.

Eleven incarcerated people successfully crossed the finish line of the first 5k run held at the California Rehabilitation Center at Norco.

The Aug. 31 event had a race clock, several outside volunteers, and two longtime running coaches.

Everyone’s mile splits and finish time were recorded, with all finishers earning a certificate of completion.

Norco 5k run developed by professor, commissioner

These efforts were the culmination of a three-month program developed by education professor Brian Charest of the University of Redlands along with Philip Peng, a California Superior Court Commissioner, and the Community Resource Manager’s office.

Professor Charest is a serious runner, having completed several ultramarathons as well as the Boston Marathon. Peng is also a long-time runner, having completed numerous marathons in the US and abroad.

The program, titled Learning to Run and Running to Learn, has interested participants sign up and be approved to participate by the NORCO staff. The runners were eligible for rehabilitation achievement credits or “RAC” credits that allow incarcerated runners to earn time off their sentences

Every other Saturday, Charest, Peng and other volunteers traveled to Norco to teach the fundamentals of running. They focused on form, breath work and pacing. All sessions included one hour with dynamic stretches and warmups to engage essential muscles used in running, followed by running around the track and a cool-down period of more stretches.

After the track workouts, participants spent an hour in the classroom covering topics such as nutrition and injury prevention. A key feature to this program were the books brought in and shared with the incarcerated runners. They were required reading to read them and participate in subsequent classroom discussion.

During discussions, they were encouraged to reflect on the themes in the books as well as what everyone took away from the readings and workouts. The books were generously donated by outside supporters.

The discussions centered on how runners could translate grit, discipline, and determination
from running into everyday life.

Feedback from the runners

“I was struggling with my classes trying to get my GED while I was incarcerated. After crossing the finish line of my 5K, I realize that if I set a goal and work slowly towards it, I can achieve anything I want. Now I look forward to working toward and getting my GED,” said Alex G., a member of this inaugural class.

AJ, another incarcerated runner, said the class provided far-reaching benefits.

“For me, this class has been life-changing on many levels. Since starting this class in June, I have lost almost 40 pounds and (have) so much more energy. I never thought I would be able to even run one mile again in my lifetime, much less three, so it’s been an eye-opening journey,” he said. “Psychologically, it has been so encouraging to see the changes in myself. I struggle with depression, and being here and doing this has made me feel better about myself.”

The runner with the fastest 5k time of 20:58 said he feels like there are new possibilities ahead.

“Running has become a passion of mine during the last three years of my incarceration. This class has completely affirmed this within me and given inspiration to take it up a notch,” he said. “(It’s inspiring to have support) from the coaches and volunteers who devote their time and energy to come into prison and suffer alongside us during our runs.”

This new running program, self-named the Born to Run Club after a member vote, renews in October. This time the goal will be to run a 10k.

Submitted by Philip Peng, program co-creator

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