Do you ever feel like you need a break from the monotony of everyday life? Watching a great documentary can be the perfect escape. Whether it’s about running, art, nature or any other subject, documentaries are an entertaining way to learn something new and exciting. If you’re looking for some inspiring films about running, then look no further! Here is a list of 14 must-see documentaries that will have you lacing up your shoes in no time. From tales of perseverance and determination to stories of overcoming obstacles and setting world records – these incredible movies will help motivate even the most reluctant runners. So grab your popcorn and get ready to explore the fascinating world of long distance running!
1. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Do you ever feel like your goals are impossible to achieve? That no matter how hard you try, success is out of reach? This inspiring documentary follows a runner who sets out on an incredible journey to prove that anything is possible. Join him as he runs 300 miles and learns valuable life lessons along the way!
2. THE COLORADO CRUSH
Robbie Balenger has taken on an incredible challenge – complete the 500-mile Colorado Trail, the Leadville race series, and all Colorado 14ers in just one summer. Follow his journey as he pushes himself to his mental and physical limits over an epic 63-day adventure called The Colorado Crush. See if Robbie can find the limits of perseverance and self-discovery during this audacious feat!
3. Run For Your Life
Are you ready to take the challenge and join thousands of other people in one of the most exhilarating events on earth? This documentary follows a group of runners as they prepare for the New York Marathon. Learn what it takes to become a marathoner, from training regimens and nutrition tips, to overcoming obstacles along the way. So lace up your shoes and get ready to Run For Your Life!
4. Ultra running documentary
Follow the remarkable journey of Kristina Madsen, an incredible Danish ultrarunner, as she attempts to complete the Bob Graham Round in under 24 hours. This inspiring documentary showcases her grit and determination as she trains and pushes her physical boundaries while running 106 kilometers across some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in the world. Witness her emotional story as she embarks on this epic challenge that requires 8,250 meters of elevation! Feel empowered by Kristina’s courage, perseverance and dedication to reach for your own goals. She expresses appreciation to all those who have helped her throughout this amazing journey. Experience a true test of endurance with The Kristina Madsen Story – Bob Graham Round!
5. How To Run 100 Miles
Are you ready for a challenge? In September 2017, myself and my friend Jayson Sime decided to take on one of the most gruelling races around – The Run Rabbit Run 100. It’s 102.9 miles with 20,000 feet of elevation gain! Follow our journey as we try to complete this impossible race without any prior training or experience.
6. RUN – The Athlete Refugee Team Story
Witness the amazing courage and determination of athletes who have overcome immense adversity. RUN follows the stories of the Athlete Refugee Team as they strive to reach their dreams. Filmed over three years and three continents, this documentary celebrates humanity’s ability to persevere in the face of great obstacles. Don’t miss this inspiring story!
7. Finding the limit
Four incredible athletes are on a journey to find out how far they can push themselves and their limits. Join Maggie Guterl, Amelia Boone, Guillaume Calmettes and Leon Skriver Hansen as they embark on an adventure of physical and emotional endurance in the Backyard Ultra. Witness the power of community that these amazing runners create along the way!
8. WHERE DREAMS GO TO DIE
Where Dreams Go To Die is an inspiring documentary that follows Canadian ultrarunner, Gary Robbins, as he attempts something many consider impossible – The Barkley Marathons. Spanning over two years, this emotional journey shows the power of dedication and sacrifice to pursue a dream. Follow our intimate look at why The Barkley is where dreams go to die and discover what it takes to attempt the impossible. Join us on Ethan Newberry’s (The Ginger Runner) powerful exploration into how far we can push ourselves in pursuit of our goals.
9. An Ultra Running Documentary
Are you ready to join a group of runners as they put their strength and endurance to the test? In this trail running documentary, witness these athletes take on 250km of scorching hot Namib desert terrain. With temperatures reaching 50°c/120°F, no rest days, and a final stage that’s over 90km/50 miles in length – it’s sure to be an intense journey! Join us as we follow each runner along their path while carrying all the necessary equipment, food and medical kits needed for survival.
10. The Journey of Ultrarunner Zach Miller
Zach Miller has been a force to be reckoned with in the ultrarunning world since his stunning win at the 2013 JFK 50 Mile Race. His passion for conquering some of the toughest international mountain ultramarathons has led him to take on his biggest challenge yet: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB®). Despite leading most of this 100-mile race back in 2016, Zach fell short in the final 15 miles. Since then, he’s come back year after year determined to become the first American male to win and finally solve this puzzle! Follow along as we document Zach’s journey towards victory!
11. The Betrayal of Kenya’s Athletes
Kenyan athletes have made a name for themselves as some of the best track and field runners in the world, earning medals at major championships. But with this success has come controversy, with several Kenyan athletes testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. In 2016, Kenya was placed on probation by World Anti-Doping Agency for failing to comply with global anti-doping rules. This video examines how these issues are affecting Kenyan athletics and what steps can be taken to ensure fair play in international competition.
12. Run to the Source
Martin is setting out on an adventure to break a record. He will attempt to run 184 miles along the Thames Path from London’s Thames Barrier all the way to its source in the Cotswolds. Along this journey, he hopes to learn about himself and discover more of the history between Black people and the river. This documentary follows Martin as he pushes himself through his grueling challenge in order to encourage diversity in trail running and inspire others to get outside and explore beyond city limits!
13. Backyard Ultra Documentary
Join four brave runners as they take on the challenge of The Great Dane Backyard Ultra. This thrilling race tests their limits and pushes them to the brink of exhaustion, as every hour a new 6.7 km course starts and competitors must complete it in one hour or be eliminated. Follow along with Maria Bonne, Lue Tornbo Basstrup, Leon Skriver Hansen as they embark on this incredible journey into the unknown. Learn what drives each of these adventurers and witness their strategies for success during this intense competition!
14. Leadville 100 Ultramarathon
This video follows a group of brave runners who take on the challenge to run through Leadville, Colorado. Witness their journey as they push themselves to go beyond just the miles and discover what it takes to complete this grueling ultramarathon. From overcoming obstacles in their own lives, to conquering extreme weather conditions, these inspiring athletes prove that with determination anything is possible.
