Former prisoner running 106km supporting Friends of Guys Marsh prison in Dorset

Former prisoner David Haze is lacing up his running shoes as he will be taking on a 106km run today.

The endurance athlete, once serving time at HMP Guys Marsh, is preparing to run the entire Stour Valley Way in under 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for the charity Friends of Guys Marsh.

For Haze, this ultramarathon is both a physical test and a symbol of transformation.

“I went on a journey of self-discovery when I was inside and remembered my love for the great outdoors and adventures,” he says before he takes on the challenge.

“I made a mistake; prison isn’t the end. I am a decent person, and I can go out and achieve my goals.”

The Friends of Guys Marsh charity supports the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners and ex-offenders. They offer programs that focus on creativity, education, and mental health.

During his service, Haze credits the charity with helping him find purpose and structure.

“They treated me like a human, and it really lifted my spirit and helped me carry on.”

The treasurer of the charity, late Ann Davis Pension, helped David on his journey in prison. He has also dedicated this run to her.

The route, which follows the River Stour from Wiltshire through Dorset to the coast, stretches over 106 kilometres of mixed terrain, including open countryside, steep climbs, and winding trails.

Haze plans to complete the run in a single push, running through the night with minimal rest.

“The last 15 and 10k will be absolutely horrendous and terrible.” “I plan on finishing within 24 hours.”

This is not David’s first extreme challenge.

After prison, he set out and made headlines as a world record paddleboarder. He completed long-distance solo expeditions across the UK and Europe to promote rehabilitation through sport.

His message is that change is possible with the right support and determination, which has inspired many within and beyond the criminal justice community.

“I want people to realise just because we’ve been to prison, it doesn’t make us bad.” “I’d say a majority of the people that I met in prison just realised they had made a mistake.”

Support for his latest challenge has been building across social media and within the Dorset community.

Anyone is welcome to join him on sections of his route, for which donations have already been made through the charity’s fundraising page. So far, £1,260 has been made, to reach £1,500.

Haze hopes the run will raise both funds and awareness, and change how people see those leaving prison.

“If we can support a person who has come out of prison, we can help them grow to become a better member of society.”

The ultramarathon started today at sunrise. Supporters can follow updates and donate via www.justgiving.com