26.2 to Life

26 to Life tackles a powerful subject-life and decades in prison-but fails to deliver a compelling or innovative documentary. Despite the emotional weight of its premise, the film suffers from sluggish pacing and a lack of narrative focus. Key moments are either underdeveloped or stretched too thin, and the storytelling rarely digs deeper than surface level. Visually and structurally, it brings nothing new to the genre. What could have been a powerful examination of redemption ends up feeling forgettable, unfocused, and ultimately unable to sustain its own emotional momentum. ESPN+ library continues to fail to deliver and this is another film you can skip!

This documentary isn't in a hurry, and neither are some of the inmates circling the track at San Quentin. It moves slowly, but it does a good job telling the stories of these men and their families from many different perspectives. I would say the victims and their families get the softest voice, but I understand given the subject matter. The idea behind this show is rehabilitation through setting and achieving a goal. There were a few moments I almost turned this one off, but when I got to the end I was glad I stayed. Perhaps what is best about the 1,000 mile club is that it is for everyone, whether you are ready to run the Boston Marathon or whether you need a whole team of coaches just to get you over the finish line.