Spirit of the Marathon
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Deena Kastor, Frank ShorterBrand: Image Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 104 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-07
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Image Entertainment
Movie Reviews of Spirit of the Marathon
Movie Review: Fantastic for anyone either training for or contemplating a marathon
Summary: 5 Stars
As originally posted on my blog - [...]
I just finished watching "The Spirit of the Marathon," a documentary that follows six people through their preparation and completion of the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Despite being filmed back in 2005, the movie didn't come out until 2008, so there were nice updates about all of the runners at the end.
Someone recommended this movie on the Runner's World forums and I was able to watch it on my computer via Netflix, so it is widely accessible (also available on DVD or for rent/purchase at Amazon). It was a phenomenal movie and well worth the viewing. The six people they chose were a good mix of professional runners, experienced marathoners and first-timers. Additionally, among those categories, there were younger and older runners as well as runners who were trying to balance all of the demands of marathon training with raising a family.
The thing that I took away from the movie was first, never give up no matter what and second, you're only racing yourself. For example, there is one man who is attempting to BQ (Boston Qualify - so he needs to finish in 3 hours, 10 minutes) and ends up being injured a few months before the race. He, understandably, is very upset, but continues on and ends up supporting his wife's efforts and volunteering to help others. Contrast this with an older gentleman who is running his fourth marathon and is pleased as punch to finish in 6 hours, 15 minutes - while dragging his adult daughter along for the ride. I think people come to marathons for a variety of different reasons and motivations and this movie did a terrific job of showing a few of those.
Additionally, the shots around Chicago on race day really do try to portray the atmosphere and adrenaline that the crowd creates. While the movie is no substitute for being there and experiencing it firsthand, it's a good second cut.
I highly recommend anyone training for or contemplating a marathon to watch this movie - even multiple times. I know I'll watch it again before the race.
Summary of Spirit of the Marathon
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