Best Trail Running Movies

Trail running is not only a physically demanding activity, but it can also be a mentally challenging one. The Barkley Marathons, considered by many to be one of the toughest trail runs in the world, has inspired many filmmakers to capture the incredible feat of endurance and grit required to complete it. In this blog post, I’ll explore the best trail running movies, all of which are about the Barkley Marathons.

The Barkley Marathons is a grueling 100-mile race that takes place in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, USA. It was first held in 1986 and has since become known for its incredibly difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and the physical and mental challenge it poses to even the most seasoned of runners. The race requires runners to complete five 20-mile loops, each with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain, within a 60-hour time limit.

The first movie on my list is The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young. Directed by Annika Iltis and Timothy James Kane, this documentary follows the history of the Barkley Marathons and the athletes who attempt it. The film explores the race's origins, its unique quirks and challenges, and the incredible resilience and determination of the runners who take part.

Where Dreams Go To Die is another documentary about the Barkley Marathons that provides an intimate look at the race through the eyes of Canadian ultrarunner Gary Robbins. Directed by Ethan Newberry, the film chronicles Robbins' journey to complete the race after two failed attempts. The documentary is a testament to the mental and physical strength required to complete such a grueling challenge.

Finally, Barkley 100 is a short documentary about the Barkley Marathons by Brendan Young. What makes it unique is that it shows some footage about the James Earl Ray escape.

Frozen Head State Park, the location of the Barkley Marathons, is a beautiful and rugged wilderness area that provides a perfect backdrop for the race. The park's rolling hills, deep valleys, and dense forests make it an ideal location for runners looking to challenge themselves on the trails. If you're interested in learning more about the Barkley Marathons and even attempting it yourself, be sure to check out my blog post about it. In the post, I discuss the history of the race, its unique challenges, and tips for runners looking to tackle this incredible feat of endurance.

In conclusion, if you're a trail runner looking for inspiration, look no further than these incredible movies about the Barkley Marathons. They offer a glimpse into the physical and mental challenges of one of the world's toughest trail runs, and the incredible resilience and determination of the runners who attempt it.