Judge Craig Mitchell is a tough judge, but he believes in second chances. A dedicated jogger, he began a running club for the homeless at the Midnight Mission in the heart of L.A.’s notorious Skid Row, hoping that through the discipline of running these men and women who had lost everything could reclaim a sense of dignity.

Following five of the runners over a period of three years, Mark Hayes’ inspiring documentary takes us from the mean streets of downtown L.A. to Rome, where this improbable band of former junkies, recovering alcoholics and a paroled murderer compete in a world-class marathon. Among them are a man the judge himself sentenced (and who spent 10 years living on the streets), and a 40-year-old single mom who lost everything through her addiction and now finds a new lease on life. This stirring, award-winning film finds hope in the most hopeless of places.

Winner: Best Documentary, LA Muse Award, Los Angeles