Redemption: From Iron Bars to Ironman

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However, McAvoy was downgraded to an open prison where he could take qualifications to prepare for an early release. In the UK, he wants to continue pushing for reforms in the prison system that further focus on sport's rehabilitating role. He has his own foundation and is involved in several other charities including Boats not Bars, external-link Gloves not Gunz external-link and the Twinning Project.

As an inmate he went on to break eight British and three world indoor rowing records, including the longest ever continuous row, for 45 hours - 263,560m. I made the decision from that night that I would never commit a crime ever again, that was me done. I wanted to get out of this place, and I wanted to do something else with my life. I didn’t know what it was or what I was going to do but I knew I didn’t want to do this anymore."The faith shown by Darren saw John break eight British records – including four which still stand – as well as a handful of world records. His biggest achievement inside was a 24-hour challenge in February 2011 that saw him row 163 miles. McAvoy went on to develop first as a rower then a runner, cyclist and swimmer, combining his skills to compete at Ironman events nationwide. His life story was written into the 2016 book Redemption, he made numerous media appearances and in 2017 was signed up by Nike. ‘Through the power of sport,’ as John likes to say, he was making trips to Europe for training camps and competitions. And it was during his time in the mountains that he finally felt like he belonged. The project may also be pioneering the effort to open up trail running to new demographics outside of the typically white and middle class beyond the UK. ‘The hope would be to expand this project across Europe, connecting with similar partners in places like Barcelona or Paris,’ says Chris Edmunds, Senior Director of Business Development EMEA for the project sponsors Nike JD group.

During the final debrief, led by Kain, it becomes apparent that some in the group have bonded over these challenges. The recipe of building friendships, connecting with green spaces and the benefits from running itself is seemingly a winning formula. ‘It’s such a varied group,’ says Kain, ‘from physical capability, to cultural identity, and psychologically, the group represents a real cross-section of modern Britain.’

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The only place he could escape within the prison walls was the gym. But his allotted time just wasn’t enough. McAvoy noticed another inmate had been using the rowing machine for longer than his allocated time limit as he was raising money for charity, so he decided to do same, gathering enough sponsorship from inmates and visiting family to be granted longer access to the gym. He had no idea how it was about to change his life. While in young offenders’, David was given a daily 90 minutes of free time. The only place he wanted to be was the gym. And like McAvoy on the rower, David says that it was after his first run on the gym treadmill that he experienced a sensation that would ultimately change his life. ‘I can’t explain,’ he says. ‘I’ve got no words – it was honestly the best feeling I’d ever had.’ As Brown approached the van they were targeting, McAvoy, observing from his own vehicle, spotted a police car. What happened next changed his life forever. As I was pretending to drift in and out of consciousness, the same police officer who'd arrested me the first time was calling my name.

He revealed that this was the moment he changed his life's path. ''I needed to get out.'' - John McAvoy to Olympic Channel Podcast.

Making a difference

While McAvoy is determined to see how far he can go in Ironman triathlons, he says his main focus is helping others. A hairdresser from south London, Saturday’s hike was her first ever. ‘I’ve never really been out of London,’ she says. Running is also new for Serai. She applied to be part of the programme in the hope it would be good for her after a difficult period for her family, and struggles with her mental health. ‘Right now, what would I probably be doing? Probably overthinking, in my room,’ she says. ‘Now I’m out here meeting new people, and I’m running. I think it’s already making a difference.’