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.
A List of The Best Trail & Ultra Running Documentaries Online
The Source – Courtney Dauwalter
The Source is a of the most viewed ultra running documentaries on Youtube. Follow 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 this is one of the more inspirational ultra running documentaries you are going to see. And is free on Youtube, there is no reason not to watch.
Runtime: 28:13
Where to watch: Youtube
Cost: Free
Breaking the Dragon’s Back
The Montaigne Dragon’s Back Race is renowned as the world’s toughest mountain race, requiring participants to tackle extreme terrain and scale twice the height of Mount Everest in just six days. The 2021 edition added an extra day and 65 kilometers, making it even more challenging. The race culminated with Simon Roberts becoming the first Welshman to win, and Katie Mills dominating the women’s category, with only 90 out of 367 runners completing the grueling event. Both champions surpassed their own expectations and expressed immense joy and gratitude upon crossing the finish line.
Runtime: 46 Minutes
Year: 2021
Where to watch: Youtube – Free
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
THE WHY | Running 100 Miles
ONE MILE OUT | Official Documentary
Battle at Bandera – Bandera 2023 w/ Courtney Dauwalter, Jeff Colt, Nicole Bitter, and JP Giblin
Racing the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc – UTMB 2022
Into The Well: 100 Miles. 32 Hours. 200 Racers. (Feature Documentary Film)
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
THE COLORADO CRUSH: 63 Days of Endurance | Ultra Running Documentary
One of my favorite ultra running documentaries. Follow Robbie Balenger, an ultra-endurance athlete, undertakes the Colorado Crush challenge, aiming to run the Colorado Trail and summit all 58 peaks over 14,000 feet as part of the Leadville Trail Series. With plant-based diet and recovery practices, he pushes his limits. Robbie reflects on his Colorado Crush and the impact of climate change on wild spaces, and recounts his experience at the Leadville 100 race, showcasing resilience. Additionally, a transformative story of endurance and personal growth is shared as a person takes over pacing for a struggling runner during a long-distance race, despite sleep deprivation and exhaustion, ultimately helping them reach the finish line.
Runtime: 38 Min
Year: 2022
Where to watch: Youtube
Cost: Free
Full Movie Below
Running Out, Lucy Bartholomew running the 231km Larapinta Trail in Australia
Ultra-trail runner Lucy Bartholomew, a world champion junior in the sport, embarks on a 231-kilometer run along Australia’s Larapinta Trail, recounting her challenges like getting lost, dehydration, and hallucinations. Despite these obstacles, her unwavering determination and the support of her team and the community drive her forward. Reflecting on the importance of support, Lucy acknowledges the backing of online followers, loved ones, and fellow runners during this physically demanding journey, emphasizing the value of positivity, resilience, and the overall experience over the final outcome.
THE UNKNOWN | The Hardrock 100
Ultra running documentary : Bob Graham
Return to Leadville – The Evolution of Anton Krupicka
EVERY STEP FORWARD | Cocodona 250 Ultrarunning Documentary
The captivating documentary “EVERY STEP FORWARD | Cocodona 250 Ultrarunning Documentary” chronicles the awe-inspiring journey of numerous athletes, led by Sally McRae, as they push their physical and mental limits to conquer a grueling 250-mile ultrarunning challenge. Pain, blisters, and exhaustion test their resolve at every step, but their unwavering determination and the power of the human spirit shine through. This blog post explores their extraordinary odyssey, highlighting their ability to persevere through anguish, embrace discomfort, and celebrate their well-deserved triumphs.
Runtime: 49 min
Where to watch: YouTube
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 29 min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Cost: Free with yearly Prime Subscription
The 2023 Barkley Marathons Documentary
If you enjoyed the original film and have the same strange fasciation that many of have with this race, then you are going to love the 2023 documentary. Over nearly four decades, a mere 15 determined souls have conquered the formidable Barkley Marathons. Yet, this astonishingly low success rate doesn’t deter hundreds of passionate athletes from vying for a spot in the competition year after year. This time around the film maker follows his friend Joe McConaughy’s inaugural endeavor in one of the world’s most grueling endurance challenges. The documentary also shines a spotlight on the extraordinary journeys of outstanding athletes like Aurélien Sanchez, John Kelly, Karel Sabbe, Damian Hall, Jared Campbell, and Jasmin Paris.
Backyard Ultra Marathon Documentary – JUST ONE MORE LAP
The Backyard Ultra is a distinctive and mentally demanding race where participants run a 4.1667-mile loop every hour, striving to complete as many laps as possible until only one runner remains. This unique ultramarathon format takes place on a looped course, often in a small, confined space, with each loop needing to be finished within a set time limit. Runners must carefully manage their pace and energy levels to keep up with the hourly start, making it a race against the clock and personal endurance rather than against other competitors. This challenging event accommodates runners of all abilities, enabling them to push their boundaries and achieve personal triumphs.
Unbreakable: The Western States 100
Western Sates is the un-questioned championship of US ultra running and the subject of countless ultra running documentaries. 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
LIFE IN A DAY | The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
LIFE IN A DAY, is another one of Billy Yangs great ultra running documentaries. At the prestigious Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, four remarkable women competed for a top 10 finish and the coveted victory. Magdalena Boulet, a HOKA athlete and former Olympian, sought to defend her title. Devon Yanko, another HOKA athlete, aimed for redemption after a previous Did Not Finish (DNF) attempt, while also co-owning a bakery in San Anselmo, CA. Kaci Lickteig, who placed 2nd in 2015, was a favorite from Omaha, Nebraska, balancing her career as an in-patient physical therapist. Anna Mae Flynn of Lake Tahoe, CA, a teacher and emerging ultra athlete, embarked on her first 100-mile race journey after earning a golden ticket slot at the Lake Sonoma 50 Mile Race. Their collective 100-mile journey, often likened to living a “life in a day” by Ann Trason, unfolded at this historic event.
RACING ARIZONA: The Arizona Trail Fastest Known Time Documentary
CHASING 400: The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning
One of the true must see ultra running documentaries. Justin Kenner, a 34-year-old ultra runner from Casper, Wyoming, is on a mission to complete the Grand Slam of Ultra Running, which involves conquering four 100-mile races in just 14 weeks. He underscores the significance of testing his limits and striving for personal growth. Kenner discusses the hurdles of running across diverse terrains and the mental fortitude required for endurance races, all while expressing gratitude for his invaluable support system, comprising his family and crew. The challenges of crewing for a Leadville 100 Mile race participant are explored, emphasizing the importance of a strong support network and the emotional intensity of crossing the finish line together.
The narrator also delves into the history and significance of the Leadville race series and the formidable physical and mental trials of the course. Furthermore, reflections on a 400-mile ultrarunning journey reveal the narrator’s encounters with challenging race segments and the unwavering support from friends and family. Despite moments of self-doubt and the potential dangers of the terrain, the narrator underscores the significance of self-belief and choosing to persevere through pain. This transformative journey has surpassed their expectations and deepened their connections with loved ones, instilling excitement for the future of their running endeavors.
Runtime: 54 min
Where to watch: Youtube
Cost: Free
The 2023 Leadville Trail Marathon / Snow, mud and grit. Dig Deep!
Finding Traction: The Ultra Marathon Documentary
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 for the best trail and ultra running documentaries, please leave them in the comments below.
