2024
Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story
- Australia
- New Zealand
- North America
Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story
“Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story” charts the transformative path of a former basketball coach turned long-distance runner. At 30, having never run competitively, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the world of cross country and marathon running. This documentary captures the initial struggles and profound revelations encountered when embracing a new passion later in life.
The film opens with our protagonist reflecting on the burnout experienced from years of coaching basketball and the serendipitous invitation to join a school’s running team. This leads to a challenging yet rewarding venture into running, starting with a half-marathon that sparks a deep love for the sport. The narrative delves into the mental and physical transformations that follow, highlighted by the protagonist’s first daunting 50K trail run in rugged terrain.
Throughout the documentary, viewers are taken on scenic trail runs where every step is meditative and each breath of fresh air brings a sense of peace. The protagonist explores the contrasts between city and trail running, finding solace and strength in the natural landscapes. The film also emphasizes the community aspect of running, showcasing how local running groups and events foster a supportive and motivating environment.
“Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story” is not just about running; it’s about overcoming personal barriers, finding community, and reconnecting with oneself through the simple act of moving forward. It is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find new passions and redefine personal limits, even when starting later in life.
RUNTIME
16.5 minutes
SUBMIT FILM
Share a film with us.
other 2024 films
18-year-old Aussie Larrikin, William Corlett, takes on a colossal challenge. To run 200km in 24hrs, the length of Tasmania! Running from Launceston to Hobart driven to raise $200,000 for Lifeline Australia. Raising awareness for the crisis support service.
Project Impossible
Six ordinary people step up to an extraordinary trail running challenge: they have just 5 months, as part of a scholarship, to tackle their biggest challenge yet. A breathtaking yet brutal 66km Ultra, or the Golden Trail National Series’ Mountain Run 25km, at the epic kunanyi Mountain Run in Tasmania’s capital, Hobart. Each is seeking something different: a community, connection, better physical health, a way to keep their mental health in check.
Every Step A Story
It’s the story of one the most extraordinary partnerships in sporting history, between the invincible miler and 1500m champion Herb Elliott and his unorthodox but visionary coach Percy Cerutty.
Herb Elliott is now 86. Both he and his family insist this will be his last and definitive interview. They provided wonderful family 8mm film never before screened publicly. There’s also a wealth other archival material making it an historic as well as inspiring and moving film. Not to be missed.
The Golden Mile
12 young athletes changing the world, here to defy the odds and show that nothing is Impossible. Only 43% of young people in inner cities complete the weekly recommendation of physical activity. This is reflected in the sport of trail running which is still largely the domain of middle-class white men. By 2027 the Alpine Run Project with John McAvoy, Nike, JD Sports and YBB will help 100,000 young people from diverse backgrounds in cities across Europe take part in trail running. By doing so this year, these 12 runners are part of a movement that will change the face of sport.