I’ve found that the right movie can get you pumped up for some nice physical activity. I still want to spar with everyone in sight after seeing the original Karate Kid’s tournament fight montage. A couple years ago for a separate running blog, I compiled a list of a few films on running that’ll inspire you to get out on your feet. Truthfully, there really aren’t that many shows about running, let alone really good ones. I could probably add Forrest Gump to the list below since running is a reoccurring theme in the show; however, despite its reoccurrence in Forrest’s adventures it is a small part of a very long show that makes me want to open a history book rather than put on a pair of trainers. McFarland and Unbroken are a couple of more recent and well-known shows that focus on the subject, but are not mentioned below. The films below are listed in order of pump-me-up-and-make-me-want-to-run-ness.
Spirit of the Marathon – 2007
Of all the films I’ve watched about running, this is the one that made me most want to get up off the couch, lace up my sneakers and pound out 10 miles of asphalt. It’s a great look at novice runners and their first marathon.
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Run for your Life – Fred Lebow: The Father of the NYC Marathon – 2009
This is an inspiring film about the passion that Fred Lebow had for running. This film gives some fascinating insight on people that are behind the scenes of some of the biggest races in the nation. It also gives a great description of the long distance running trend that began in the 70s. It should make you want to go for a run.
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Marathon – NOVA – 2007
Marathon is a good look at a group of first time marathoners. They come from all walks of life. Anyone that watches this can probably relate to at least one of the runners.
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This isn’t a movie, but surely you can spare 6 minutes online and check out Bill Murray on Late Night with David Letterman preparing for a marathon.
Without Limits – 1998
The story of Steve Prefontaine is told in this film from the late 90s. Prefontaine was a phenomenal talent in his time in long distance running. The film documents his experience in the ’72 Olympics in Munich as well as his tragic death shortly thereafter. Donald Sutherland is the headline actor in this film as Prefontaine’s coach at Oregon State. Very interesting story about a man’s speed told in a slow moving film. It’s okay.
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Chariots of Fire – 1981 Academy Award for Best Film
Running is this film’s secondary theme despite the fact that it is a show all about running. It won the Academy Award in ’81 for Best Film by telling a story of two Olympic runners who despite being strong on the track demonstrate their moral strength in sticking to their personal convictions. Again, another show about the speed of men on their feet, but it’s a slow mover. I’d be more inclined to watch this film to admire the cinematography and it’s period style than to watch it to get pumped up for a run. And of course you'll recognize the legendary musical running theme. The music seems to sound better in my mind than in the show. I didn't realize how computer generated the sound is.
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Saint Ralph – 2004
Saint Ralph is a story about a boy who copes with his mother’s illness through discovering a passion for running. He ultimately competes in the Boston Marathon. This film is quirky enough to grab one’s attention, but not to keep it. Maybe it is my inability to stay awake through a 2-hour movie now days, but this one put me to sleep. I did catch the last few scenes and didn’t see enough pay off there to rewind and discover what it was that I had missed. Sorry Ralphy.
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