18 Years in Jail Inspired Markelle Taylor to Climb 2,600ft Mount Tam in 2022

Scaling up mountains and running up hills sounds like one big adventure. But when reaching up to the top becomes the symbol of gaining freedom, sprinting around has a whole new meaning to it.

The vast expanses of the San Quentin State Prison saw one member wanting to taste that freedom. Markelle Taylor was ready for an adventure.

Speaking to The New York Times, Taylor described how he prepared for the Dipsea Race while in prison. With a brand new documentary released in November 2022, the athlete spoke about his arduous journey from prison to freedom.

Climbing Mountain Tamalpais: A taste of freedom

Markelle Taylor had been around in the San Quentin prison for over 18 years. Surrounding the prison premises were the vast, scenic peaks of Mount Tamalpais or Mount Tam.

Taylor began sprinting around in the prison yard, hoping to run through the expansive forest surrounding the prison premises one day. His goal? Reaching the peak of Mount Tam whenever he got out. To him, the peak meant freedom more than an athletic achievement.

After years of practicing and building up his endurance, Taylor finally landed the opportunity. He participated in the Dipsea Race – a route that started from an elite premise around the San Quentin prison and went up to the southern part of Mount Tam.

This was his chance to turn the page to a new chapter. And the former prisoner soon found a purpose. Within the yards of San Quentin, Taylor had built up enough endurance to run 4 marathons. But now it was all for real.

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Does running help him? Taylor gratefully agreed, “It helps keep me focused and on the right track, almost like a therapeutic guide”.

The athlete added that the sport also helped him connect his mind and body, and lay low when necessary. Coming from a place where freedom was a luxury reserved for those outside, running helped Taylor appreciate the basic amenities.

Soon, running became a therapy equivalent for Taylor, who found solace in the sport. His first race gave him all the euphoria he desired and more.

Since then, the athlete has caught on to marathons and has completed four of them so far. While he aims to compete for more, attaining freedom through this sport has been rewarding.

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