He qualified for the Boston Marathon while running in prison. Now, he's a free man with bigger go…

To the outside world, Markelle Taylor was an inmate. But behind the walls at San Quentin State Prison, he had a different reputation - the fastest athlete with unmatched grit. Now, he's racing on the world's biggest stages as a free man and making strides toward a better life. As part of the "CBS Mornings" series "Pushing the Limits," our lead national correspondent David Begnaud joined Taylor as he trains for his next race and overcomes obstacles along the way.
Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings” co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.
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[@lauralou4852]

We don’t talk enough about the the help people need before we vilify them… particularly on the internet. I’m so sorry for what happened but he clearly turned a heartbreaking mess into a message that can benefit so many lives. God bless this man. ❤️

[@stacysimms2709]

Amen ❤️

[@gummy5862]

It highly depends what they’re in for. If somebody robbed me or somebody I cared about at gunpoint, I honestly wouldn’t care how they turn their life around. Edit: So he assaulted a pregnant woman and killed his own unborn child… Not quite a forgivable offense if we’re being honest.

[@lauralou4852]

@@gummy5862 I get what you’re saying on the surface but what if the person you loved was the one holding someone at gun point? What if the details of the court filings and public charges weren’t quite factual - because I’ve learned that many are not? I could go on but the larger point is : what generational trauma did he inherit, by no fault of his own, that lead him to make poor choices? How can we deal with that? What opportunities did he have to learn proper emotional regulation and what reinforcements were in place to help him succeed? How can we make sure that happens for young men in his position? Most abusers were abused. Hurt people hurt people. I strongly believe we miss the point when we write someone off as “bad,” lock them up, and pat ourselves on the back cuz… he’s off the street. To me, this man’s scenario is as good as it can get for such a heat-breaking set of circumstances. He made poor decisions with poor tools and lost HIS own child as a result. He likely lost the woman he loved at the time, too. He was probably shattered and likely still replays that day in his head. But He used that time to actually rehabilitate his mental health and then found productive outlets and positive rewards. Then to speak so publicly and vulnerably, so the younger generation in his shores can avoid the same path or restore faith in themselves - you can’t ask for much more than that. There are people who are full of 💩 and haven’t learned anything from their punishment but He’s using the language of someone who has a healthy fear of ever becoming what he once was and showing a commitment to maintain the changes. Not that he would even care about my random self labeling him as unforgivable since he’s managed to do what most can’t and forgive himself … but either way I can’t find reason to consider him a lost cause.

[@pacosize3831]

@@gummy5862 agree !

[@vlogsbyalejandro]

@@gummy5862 Any crime has the capacity of being "forgiven." It takes strength, it takes a little bit of undoing from all the things that you've learned over the years. It takes a change in perspective. It can be incredibly painful and difficult, but the most difficult decisions require the strongest wills.

[@ernestinesamuel6172]

Bless him and the people that gave him a second chance. Sometimes that’s all a person needs. ❤️

[@rhondairis570]

First of all, I can't believe this guy is 49yrs old! Proof that exercise has much influence. Listening to this story, I just wished this guy could have gotten help or someone to lend him some type of support to get help before things got out of control. But they say things happen for a reason and I guess this was his life lesson although it was difficult this may have been something that just had to be done in his life. Best wishes to this man!

[@dreamqueen317]

He’s black too. They don’t age. Lol

[@christinepeniaranda8484]

Oh yeah, the best shape of your life can very well-being in your 50's. Never give up.

[@ceebee8042]

My brother has a website ‘Before the Abuse’ to try to help prevent those who were abused or saw abuse repeat it.

[@B1keN3rd]

Turning posion in to medicine. Running is just different, your mind and body everything. I am a marathoner and this is inspiring to me.

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

Do you practice Nichiren Buddhism? Changing poison into medicine is a popular saying in the SGI-USA, cheers 🙏🏻😄

[@melissahardeman294]

Didn’t inspire you to spell properly tho…

[@B1keN3rd]

@@bessmahaneypilates8638 why yes I do, 18yrs almost. Sounds like you do too!

[@B1keN3rd]

@@melissahardeman294 oh get over it, you knew what I was talking about.

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

@@B1keN3rd Yes I do! I've been practicing for 36 years! Love meeting fellow Buddhists!

[@clairwilliams1782]

Good for him, i wish him all blessings to stay on course.

[@candyhenry7759]

@Draper Scott really!!!

[@conradhoffmanhoffman4517]

Running helped me to manage my depression. Running is it. I'm testament to this. You go my man. !! I just got a new inspiration from this. THANKS.

[@KellyK387]

What he said about being beat for not cleaning “to their specifications “ is exactly what my family said when they did the same to me. I totally get it.

[@Mntungwa77]

You’d get woken up with a whooping to go clean up the kitchen!

[@leonardodalongisland]

Sorry brother.

[@MissHawes0187]

Sounds like slavery is still around

[@jgrant4736]

My mother would wake me up from sleep at 4 am and wash all of the clean dishes all over again if one fork or spoon had dried on food on it. It happened to me twice and to this day, I am a beast when I wash dishes. Fast forward, If my husband placed a dirty dish in the drying rack, I don't freak out I just put into the sink to be washed later. No way was I going to awake him or our teenage son to redo the dishes because of one dirty dish. I'd let our child know what was up so he would be careful next time. That's all.

[@bigboolhoffa9487]

I remember those days.

[@grayskindablue]

Young brothas meed to see stories like this. Here’s a man who turned it around, works hard, has an impressive talent, has the vulnerability to reach out for accountability. Keep it up man, he deserves that headline

[@RosteeveBellier]

They still won’t change. Just lock em up. And no I’m not trolling.

[@dlyroadrunner]

Very truuu ✊🏾

[@ladylee1684]

I teach inmates about substance abuse and using cognitive behavioral techniques. I have one student who started running the ball field at the being of our 6 month program and he huffed and puffed after one lap now he runs for 45min to an hour with no problem. Now one of his goals is to enter marathons. I am definitely going to share this story with him. He gets to discharge in less than 2 weeks. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@amybk0122]

Way to turn it around Markelle, you are amazing!! Wishing you all the best ❤️

[@bikerunner60]

Strong soul,, finally got it together, from a man's mistakes,,,,keep pushing man 👍👍

[@My-tk1oj]

I LOVE THIS!!! This is such a great story!! (Caveat: He rightfully so was punished for his crimes, but he certainly appears to be rehabilitated and can be a productive member of society)

[@vlogsbyalejandro]

It's really heartbreaking what has happened to him. He may have done something evil, but he's not completely evil. This man is a hero of mine. A symbol of going down a terrible path, but rebuilding yourself so you can be a better version of yourself. I'm sorry for his child. I'm sorry for his partner. I'm sorry for him, but I'm proud of him. I'm proud that he got to find a way to live life as a better person.

[@JessicaSorto]

What a wonderful story!! He's taking advantage of that 2nd chance in life 👏

[@oliviamiller772]

Wow, this is such a touching story. I hope he continues to better himself and is healing from past abuse and trauma. 💝

[@kennyskinner2352]

Amen

[@thefitterwoman]

Not only was the interview inspiring but the conversation and message shared at the end of the segment were priceless. Give others a second chance as well as give OURSELVES a second chance

[@benjaminbarretto8744]

I’ve raced with Markelle before, and he’s a joy to run with!

[@dianabusinge665]

Woow David ,you did it again! 👏what a beautiful story ,indeed we fall and get up again..Thank you!

[@sharonlycorish3668]

An extremely inspiring story. Hopefully he stays on the straight and narrow. Much encouragement and the Almighty's grace. Much respect.

[@hotboytoy138]

THIS RIGHT HERE JUST BROUGHT ME SO MUCH JOY!!!!!!!

[@mzznewyork5406]

ME TO ; until I heard Mr. Gayle NAME "trying to destroy JD with Camille on her interview I don't like GAY Gayle

[@nitedreamer23]

2:52.00? That's utterly insane--and for being 49? Simply amazing!!

[@MySongs2445]

At Boston too! Don't forget that part 😉

[@nitedreamer23]

@@MySongs2445 yeah, Heartbreak Hill is no joke!

[@theresatzitzira1361]

What a role model....I am struggling since years with personal issues and, even though they are not of the kind that would land me in prison, I still get example from this guy so to keep fighting....

[@vlogsbyalejandro]

You got this, Theresa! Fight til the end. Til you can't anymore. 🙌🏽

[@MsRoniNikol]

Kudos to him. What a wonderful testimony! 🙏🏽😊

[@andrewilliams8173]

CBS i respect u guys so much especially much love to u David from kingston jamaica 🇯🇲 ❤

[@SYRUP86]

I am locked up and my cousin sent it this as a morale boost.

[@dm6187]

I hope your time passes quickly up until your release. How much longer do you have?

[@jalennixon3783]

God bless

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

Utube from prison 🤔

[@lelestw9571]

What I see is a man that made a mistake and worked for a change. I have a friend that punch a man and the man hit his head on a rock and died, my friend wasn't a bad guy, but this incident sent him to prison he did his time and returned back to society the humble guy that he was now he's working full time doing good for the last eight years

[@dm6187]

@Gary Greenstein ok God....

[@chayil7489]

@@dm6187 😹😹IKR, Gary the Perfect

[@yvette3636]

@Gary Greenstein I think his sentence was extreme especially when you have women who abort their babies everyday. I’m not some prolife fanatic. But I do see a double standard. Gary God forgives all who ask no matter the sin.

[@marlyb176]

@@yvette3636 I think that’s a bit different . I am not fond of abortion myself. But someone deciding to terminate their own pregnancy and someone being beaten resulting in the loss of a pregnancy against their will is very different. Both the mother and child could’ve died too

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

What a heartfelt moving story, super inspiring.👏🏽💫💜 Wishing him the absolute best, great done David Begnaud.

[@snteag]

"A Saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up".

[@wwoo4809]

Thank you for publishing this story.

[@K9Cutz7474]

👊🏾 What a great freaking story absolutely amazing best of luck to him and I hope it all works out for him !!

[@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076]

That's awesome we let criminals do what they want from jail 🤦

[@warren7046]

@@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076 it should be about rehabilitation and becoming a good law abiding citizen, which is exactly what he is doing

[@cloudreaver]

Dang, this made me cry. So inspiring… makes me want to go out and achieve things 😁👍

[@heatherhensley9183]

Inspiring Keep running You have great places to run! ❤️🙏🏻

[@deangelo8498]

Jesus would be please with this man. This is the story of redemption and being given a second chance.

[@carayj]

What a beautiful story, I'm wish him the best... side bar his skin is stunning!

[@jtt1928]

18 years?!?!?!??…this criminal justice system sentencing black men so hard! It’s just crazy. We live in an America with two justice systems.

[@Laurap01]

He killed his unborn son? Maybe other sentences are too lenient, but he deserved this sentence.

[@latyshal.2286]

I appreciate his transparency and honesty. Salute to this man for redeeming himself and for accomplishing this amazing feat. 👏🏾✊🏾 Keep running. 💛💫

[@uphigh2727]

David is a awesome interviewer with amazing 👏 guests on his show. He ask the right questions getting awesome answers. May God continue to bless 🙌 the guy's journey for change out of prison.

[@_eMandleni]

"I ran to honour my son." Wonderful. You are forgiven

[@cynthiahernandez3598]

Mr. Markell has owned up to his crime and is remorseful and seems to have repented, the rest is between him and God. He is my new hero. We ALL are sinners, some can't even bring themselves to say that they are. Mr Markel really does bring hope, love and shines a light for us so bright on our path to God. Thank you for sharing your story. I will pray for you, your girlfriend and your son may he rest in peace. I know one day you will be with him. and also....I'm a marathon runner, so also for that reason you are Awesome! God Bless you!

[@jgrant4736]

I hope the girlfriend is an Ex!

[@RahYisrael99]

Wow

[@carrieanncancino5118]

I hope he continues to be out of prison and does better for himself. He admits to laying hands of his pregnant girlfriend/wife. I hope that young people around the world see and hear this man's journey from prison living to living outside of being locked behind iron bars and bricks. I'll keep praying for this man to continue to have his freedom. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@drehardin]

Laying hands? 🤣 😐 He Beat Her !

[@denyesethomas252]

Remember he said he learned to be physical and aggressive from being beaten for every little thing. Learned behavior because he was abused.

[@joshlight7644]

David has the best stories. Thank you. Keep them coming. You're making a difference in the world.

[@meeka2702]

49 years old and running so well. Bless you sir

[@ForeignJewel]

I think what we should focus on is the abuse that he had in his life leading up to this. I hope he is healed from his past trauma from his childhood and I’m so glad he’s doing well.

[@alexarihani2902]

What he did was wrong He did his time I wish him the best in his second chance

[@xilencered7788]

@@alexarihani2902 he did the time and he has to live with the thoughts of his mistake. Cant run away from it.

[@cravenmoorehead5657]

I wonder what his baby mom did to upset him like that I think we should focus on how these Heux drive men crazy to do this

[@blkyogi999]

@@cravenmoorehead5657 wow…. No matter what was said he assaulted his girlfriend that resulted in death of a baby… the law was accurate and fair in sentencing him. He gets a second chance the baby won’t ever have….#next

[@cravenmoorehead5657]

@@blkyogi999 clearly but women often push a man’s buttons for a reaction. Been there done that. Female tactics

[@emeraldchina7365]

Beautiful! Looking forward to the documentary!!

[@MrBaskins2010]

that's incredible growth for any person to achieve

[@shannonblack5828]

David - You are a remarkable interviewer. I love how you connect to each subject individually, coupled with your unwaivering compassion for the human struggle. Alright Markel The Gazel!! You inspire me good sir..

[@annettepilgrim9626]

MANY BLESSINGS MY BROTHER. PRAYING YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT PATH AND FOCUS ON HELPING OTHERS AND YOURSELF.

[@umuganwamarie6123]

I am crying.Very beautiful story.

[@barryo2971]

Well done amazing story salute from Scotland 🎉

[@Catlady77777]

I love your story, Mr. Taylor. I'm very proud of you! Keep running! 🌻

[@Davest420]

What a beautiful change. Glad he got his second chance

[@stingertuff]

I must admit that his crime is one I would consider “unforgivable” but seeing how he was able to make a positive impact after the fact is why I could see it may be worth giving people 2nd chances. I’d say he’s on the right track now.

[@vlogsbyalejandro]

This means a lot to me. Thank you for sharing your perspective. 🙏🏼 It's appreciated.

[@along58]

This story is so heartwarming! What a way to turn your life around and become an inspiration to others! I love it ❤

[@Mmmkay10]

AWESOME STORY!!! I'm so proud of him for turning his life around.

[@tleonard9693]

Awesome!!!! Thanks CBS!!!

[@Nallisn]

Im in tears…but for the mother that lost her baby to violence

[@marriejames01]

Yeah this story is upsetting.

[@jasondawson92]

Very sad 😞 however he learned from his bad deeds

[@willow6406]

Yes but also remember this man has to live with the guilt of killing his child in a rage fueled by mental health issues that he may not even known he was struggling with

[@willowbe4747]

And for the millions that die through legal means? Thank God for redemption may this guy continue to move forward

[@Nallisn]

@@willowbe4747 That is NOT the same to what happened to this poor mother. Not even debatable because it’ll just be idiotic arguments. Apples and oranges

[@Lissa11638]

This makes me so HAPPY to see! So much respect & love ❤️ for this man! Praying for you man🙏🏽💗

[@Alot2late]

We need more positive stories like this!

[@danielmorenogalvez784]

Wish you the best bud. Thank you to all the positive people out there

[@mshinasherman7914]

He's great.

[@capalathoma6274]

Thank GOD someone gave this man a job!!! He served his time! Society USUALLY punishes these people FOREVER!

[@tibbytx1]

But it took the doctor calling the store owner for him to get the job. The store had originally turned him down. He's definitely the exception because you are right, most are punished forever.

[@wellnative1]

Right on Markell! Keep up the great work. You inspire me!

[@patriciafinn5717]

Just brilliant...well done sir

[@Hartleymolly]

THIS 👏🏻 Thank you sir for telling your story.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing this story..

[@august7564]

He wasn’t “given” a second opportunity. He did his time for his mistakes and worked hard for the opportunity to use his talents

[@trevor2830]

Amen! Say it louder for the ppl in the back

[@izodman]

Wow! I feel a sense of pride for Mr Taylor. This is the side of humanity that needs more admiration shunned on. Incarceration is not doomed for all and you can get a second chance at life. Bravo 👏🏿

[@mitsushepperd3554]

I'm so proud as if I know him personally.

[@ethanchambers02]

an excellent example of rehabilitation. what prison should be used for

[@nerdguru86]

This is amazing!!!! What a story!!!!

[@raylarkin5004]

I am happy for you.👍🏼

[@Anthony-gi7jv]

Imagine how many more healthy years he will live because of all his exercise

[@shervellebergholz]

Smiled during this whole interview..... 🥰

[@eltonbrown2344]

Genuinely happy for this brother. Good bless him. Good job 👏🏾

[@roberttaylor6694]

Great story wishing much success!

[@LucieBeatrix]

this is truly amazing. I hope to meet him at chicago this fall!!!!!!!!!

[@DickRickless]

Good God, I can't help but tear up.

[@natalielee1485]

What a Blessed story 👍👍👍👍

[@kingdomlivingbyshayj2442]

This is a tear jerker

[@robertafierro5592]

Now HERE'S a guy that did the right thing while imprisoned! All my respect goes out to him!

[@GinBlessed]

Gosh! Beautiful story ❤️

[@shanthageorge7413]

Beautiful life!

[@cindyc.2926]

I love how this lead corespondent, David Begnaud , does his job! He seems like a genuine man and he connects with everyone he interviews on a level I have yet to see another reporter accomplish.

[@tammiecrenshaw653]

God Bless You !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jgrant4736]

I had the same abusive upbringing but I never laid hands on anyone. I'm glad that he's trying to be a better person.

[@MISNM0]

Respect and love to your for your home life coming up. It's terrible to know how many people have endured such an ordeal. Please don't put your outcomes on to other people. It's judgemental and unhelpful.

[@ladyp1823]

Yes indeed…our past and upbringing doesn’t define some of us…….✌🏽

[@MISNM0]

@@ladyp1823 Good for you (if applicable at this time). Any single experience does not have to translate to any single human.

[@franritchie4233]

Way to go!! Looking forward to cheering for you!

[@TrevWILL79]

What our children see us do is what they will repeat. He was a product of his environment. The sad part is how many young men like him didn’t break the cycle 😞

[@kanikanewsome6305]

Bless him

[@nicoleLCRP]

Amazing story!!!! I love it ❤️❤️❤️

[@daniellereid7576]

We need a movie of his life it shows people can be rehabilitated into society again kuddos to him

[@celsoibarra7700]

Much power to you my man 🙏🏽🏁📶

[@nachohernandez9491]

Every time I see Gayle it turns My gut

[@DemSangines]

Very Inspiring!

[@ConjureAMillionLLC]

I love this story!! Thank you✨

[@leonardodalongisland]

Good for him! And, I have to believe that this was the first time a runner qualified in an-unofficial marathon.

[@shaylagogobean417]

🤣😂 I was thinking that but I'm not a runner

[@joeheskett7225]

I believe in you Markelle!

[@liamk7440]

Makes me feel lucky - proud of this guy for taking control of his life.

[@juliemay5117]

Chicago was my first marathon. Go Markelle!!!!!

[@TheRealTraivonNieves]

Beautiful.

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Superb Mr. Begnaud. Really helped Mr. Taylor express himself. Well done young man, thank you. Mr. Taylor, Ms. Fitzpatrick... you are among the remarkable human beings. Thank you and Best wishes...

[@EduardoReyes-bx6ly]

We should have a system that makes these stories common! As opposed an surprising anomaly

[@nealjo6]

Well done, sir!