As the temperature rises outside, I find myself needing a little extra inspiration to go for a run. Luckily there are plenty of great movies to inspire and keep me moving! If you are looking for silver screen gems to help incite some miles, read on for my list of top running movies to get you moving! Stay healthy, happy, and active!
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Brittany Runs a Marathon
I saw this in theaters and felt that it captured the emotions all new runners go through. It is fun, relatable, and be ready for those tears! Loosely based on a true story about a New Yorker who is unhealthy and decides to start running!
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young
Even if you are not a runner, this documentary will shock and inspire you! The Barkley Marathons is a CRAZY ultramarathon in Tennessee. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you like watching folks push their limits seeing what the human body can endure, you need to see this. It didn’t encourage ME to run the race, but it made me feel like my 26.2 road marathons aren’t that bad.
Breaking2
Talk about pushing limits and seeing what the human body is capable of, this movie is the ultimate inspiration! This documentary follows three professional runners as they train to break the 2-hour marathon record. I cheered and cried while watching this, it was that exciting! Give it a watch, you will not be disappointed!
Spirit of the Marathon II
I’ve been missing running with others during a race. There is something special about that 26.2-mile journey. Spirit of the Marathon II is a documentary following several runners who are participating in the Rome marathon. I loved seeing all the different personalities who are drawn to the marathon. Plus, it made me want to run in Rome! Imagine the carbo-loading possibilities! =)
Finding Traction
This documentary follows Nikki Kimball’s inspirational attempt to be the fastest person to complete the 273-mile Long Trail. It is an amazing feat of human endurance to even attempt the trail, and she is running it at breakneck speed. You can’t help but get excited and cheer Nikki on in her quest!
I Am Bolt
I had heard about Usain Bolt and knew he was a big deal in the Olympics, but that was about the extent of my knowledge. This documentary follows his career from High School to the Olympics. It was entertaining and had me rooting for this Olympic superstar. Plus, it’s an interesting look into the life of a professional athlete.
Forrest Gump
This is one of those classic movies that all runners can relate to! How many times have you felt like Forrest just running… and running… and running…
McFarland, USA
If you need a heartwarming film about how running can change people’s lives, this movie will tug at your heartstrings! It’s a cute movie and a great watch for anyone, but especially runners!
Running For Good: The Fiona Oakes Documentary
Looking for a different perspective on distance running? This documentary follows unique runner, Fiona Oakes, as she runs the INTENSE Marathon Des Sables through the Sahara Desert while simultaneously attempting a global endurance racing record. I loved this film because she is so humble and not your typical “all in, running is my life” runner. She’s FAST and talented, but you would never know by talking to her. I highly recommend this film for a breath of fresh air in running documentaries.
Run For Your Life
This is a quirky documentary about quirky character, Fred Lebow, and how he started the New York City Marathon. It also is a fun look at NYC in the ’70s and how the marathon brought the city together. If you are interested in the race and want a deeper appreciation of how it came to be check it out!
Boston
I watched this right after I ran the Boston Marathon. Learning the history of the race really added context to my experience. It’s a must-watch if you have run the Boston Marathon or aspire to someday!
Need some more running inspiration? Read “Mental Strength and Running: How to Become Stronger“!
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Great suggestions. I am bolt was really interesting!
Informative, entertaining and well written, really appreciate you sharing, this, I love running(or should I say slow jogging lol) and everything about active sports and this post is just the kind of what I like to read.
Once more, thanks so much for sharing.
Loved Brittany runs a marathon and need to check out more on this list. I am bolt, Running for good, and Run for your life are now all on my list 🙂
I just started running during quarantine so I’ll have to check these out! I need all the running inspiration I get can. Brittany Runs is on my list so I’ll definitely have to check out your suggestions!
I loved watching MacFarland USA. And I saw Spirit of the Marathon in theaters with my running team. (I dragged my husband to it too.)
I used to run xc and track in highschool and college. I cant wait to check out few of these. MCFARLAND USA is an awesome movie. It was so nice to have been a runner to compare my experiences to theirs. I was recently in an accident that makes me unable to run right now, but I yearn to go every day.
Oh, nice to see Forrest Gump in your selection. What a beautiful and touching movie!
Hi! I actually just added Brittany Runs A Marathon to my watchlist. As someone who is trying to get back into running, I appreciate this list of running movies.
Great selection! I watched Brittany runs a marathon about a month ago and went for my first jog in ages! Was very motivating