Over the last 10 years there has been a growing number of ultra running documentaries being made. With some bad, some good, and a few truly that are truly great. So to help get yourself motivated for your next long run, ultra marathon, or beyond there is sure to be a movie on this list that will get your heart pumping and your head ready for that dark place us ultra runners fear and love.
The Best Ultra Running Documentaries
The Source – Courtney Dauwalter
The Source is a documentary that follows ultra running superstar Courtney Dauwalter as she takes on her Tahoe 200 record attempt. Diving into her past accomplishments and the sources of her motivation this a great watch. And at just over 30 minutes it’s the perfect length. Courtney is truly one of the sports most ground breaking athletes and I expect to see a full length on her some time in the future.
Runtime: 39 Min
Where to watch: Youtube – Free
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
REI Presents: How To Run 100 Miles
Follow the journey of two friends as they take on the toughest challenge of their lives’. The Run Rabbit Run 100 miler in SteamBoat Springs, Colorado. Featuring over 22,000ft of gain, the race is run at high elevation with roughly 1/3 over 10,000ft. The documentary itself is a joy to watch. And I challenge you not to get choked up at the end. Coming in at just under 30 minutes and free on Youtube, there is no reason not to watch.
Runtime: 28:13
Where to watch: Youtube
Cost: Free
Into The Well: 100 Miles. 32 Hours. 200 Racers. (Feature Documentary Film)
A great find released in late 2022. Into The Well: 100 Miles. 32 Hours. 200 Racers is the story of two races running the inaugural Rim to River 100 mile. Taking place in the nation’s newest national park, West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park. This one features both great stories and some of the best cinematography you will find in an ultra running documentary. And is incredibly well done for a full length feature.
Runtime: 1:32 Hours
Where to watch: Youtube – Free
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
Walmsley Part 1, 2, & 3 Presented by Wahoo + HOKA
The USA’s best trail runner is getting ready to take on the greatest trail race on the planet, the UTMB. A race that Americans have notoriously struggled with. With this being Jim Walmsley’s A race of 2022, the build up to this event is huge. And in partnership with Whoop we get to learn a lot about this great runner mindset going into a big race. The 2022 UTMB may be one of the greatest in history, so I’m excited for part 2….
Update: Most of know how the UTMB ended up going for Jim, but with the release of part 2 and 3 of this Hoka series we get a closer look than effort. Experiencing a roller coater of emotions along one of the most beautiful courses on earth.
Runtime: 17:26 Min
Where to watch: Youtube – Free
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
Return to Leadville – The Evolution of Anton Krupicka
Follow ultra running legend Anton Krupicka as he takes on the 2021 Leadville 100. Anton, who won Leadville in 2006 and 2007 hasn’t raced in years due to injury. This short ultra running documentary takes you into his mind set and life as re-enters the ultra running world. On one of trail running’s biggest stages, the Leadville 100. At 18 minutes, this one is a must watch.
Runtime: 20 Min
Where to watch: Youtube – Free
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young
Probably the most famous trail running and ultra running documentaries ever made. This is a must watch. The Barkley Marathon is a thing of legends and considered the worlds toughest trail race, most years no racer ever finish. The creation of the eccentric Lazaruz Lake, the course changes yearly. The start time is random. There is no map, rather a set of clues. And the adventure just gets going from there!
Runtime: 1hr 29min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Cost: Free with yearly Prime Subscription
Unbreakable: The Western States 100
Western Sates is the un-questioned championship of US ultra running. With thousands of athletes qualifying, only 400 entrants will get through the lottery along with a few golden ticket holders, aka the best runners in the world. Unbreakable follows the build up to the 2010 Western States 100 witch featured 4 undefeated ultra runners coming head to head for the first time. These runners include trail legends Hal Koerner, Geoff Roes, Anton Krupicka, and the young and relatively unknown (at the time) Kilian Jornet. For ultra running fans this is a must watch!
Year: 2012
Runtime: 1hr 46min
Where to watch: Youtube
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
Finding Traction: The Ultra Marathon Documentary
Follow legendary pro ultra runner Nikki Kimball as she try to set the 273-mile Long Trail fastest know time (FKT) for both men and women. This brutal trail travel through Vermont’s toughest mountains and is notorious for it’s steep rocky trails. Watch as her and her team race an already blistering fast record. There are highs and lows but Nikki is such a great joy through it all and this documentary definitely deserves a watch.
Runtime: 57min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Cost: Free with yearly Prime Subscription
Breaking 60: Challenging the Impossible
Follow a group of ultra runners take on Hong Kong’s ultimate running challenge. The runners will have 60 hours to run 298km, self supported. Connecting Hong Kong’s four major trail systems, including subway and fairy rides. A challenge leading up to the filming no runner has every accomplished. This is fun documentary that focuses on multiple runners and truly shows off some of the unfiltered side of being an ultra runner.
Runtime: 45min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Cost: Free with yearly Prime Subscription
More coming soon! And if you have any recommendations please leave them in the comments below.
