Jon Dunham and Mark Jonathan Harris strive to create the definitive feature-length marathon film by focusing on the unique stories of five runners competing in the famed Chicago Marathon. Filmed on four continents, the documentary focuses on the remarkable perseverance and personal triumphs experienced by Boston runner Ryan Bradley, first-time marathoner Leah Caille, 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Deena Kastor, four-time marathoner Jerry Meyers, and world-class marathoner Daniel Njenga as they
attempt to endure the grueling 26-mile event that demands nothing less than complete focus and dedication. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Even if you've never run for anything but a bus, you'll likely get swept up in this movie's inspiring journey of physical endurance and personal achievement.
In its more tranquil stretches, Spirit of the Marathon might be mistaken for a feature-length sneaker advertisement, but if you're looking for inspiration, you could do worse.
Surely a special treat for Chicagoans and marathoners alike, especially for how it provides a human face for one of the city's major annual highlights.
This rousing and involving documentary explores different facets of the marathon and why some find it easy to get hooked. It is clear that the marathon is much more than an interest. It is a passion, an obsession and a way of life ..
Like the majority of its subjects, this inspiring doc may not be able to hang with the big girls and boys at the front of the box office pack, but it looks to have the legs to last in the right theatres -- perhaps especially so during the Olympics.
It was okay ... I think I expected to like it much more and was disappointed because I didn't "love" it. However, it did inspire me to sign up for a marathon next year, no joke!
April 22, 2010
Mariana Arevalo
Inspirational! Available for streaming on Netflix.
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