There is nothing better than going out and enjoying a run or hike on the trails but if I am unable to be doing that, I enjoying watching some films and documentaries showcasing the beauty of the great outdoors and some amazing stories of trail runners and their adventures.

Here are some of my favourites clips and films on trail running which I would recommend you to check out.

1. Western Time

The film documents Nike athlete Sally McRae’s journey in one of the most prominent 100 mile races in the world, the Western States 100. This is Sally’s first time running the race and also highlights how Sally qualified to get into Western States. It is definitely a bucket list race for many and this definitely shares the passion for the race and ultrarunning in general. A film by Billy Yang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHoXgYPvj6o

2. Unbreakable

I couldn’t resist including a 2nd film about Western States 100.

This film, "Unbreakable: The Western States 100" follows the four lead men on an amazing journey as they prepare for the 2010 edition of the Western States 100 mile endurance run, each runner undefeated in the lead up. Hal Koerner, two time defending Western States champion. Geoff Roes, undefeated at the 100-mile distance. Anton Krupicka, undefeated in each ultramarathon he has ever ran plus Spanish up and coming star, Killian Jornet, a two time Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc champion. A film by JB Benna and Journey Film.

Check out the trailer for ‘Unbreakable:’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a26xp28jm0

The team at Journey Film have done some great films, I would also recommend their film on Dean Karnazes’s ‘Ultramarathon Man’, his challenge of completing 50 marathons, 50 states, 50 days across America.

3. 52 Peaks

A year long running adventure by Matthew Dickinson running 52 Peaks across New Zealand. Spectacular scenery! I have never been to New Zealand but this definitely inspires planning a trip there in the future. A film by Matthew Dickinson.

https://vimeo.com/110621927

4. The Ultimate Trail

Philippe and Anna Gatta share their amazing ‪trail running‬‬‬ journey along Great Himalaya Trail. They undertake the equivalent of running 40 marathons in 40 days with 15 passes over 5,000 metres and two over 6,000metres. The story and scenery are mesmerising. A film by Philippe and Anna Gatta.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prr4Wbulw0I

5. The Road to 135

This short film follows ultrarunner Josh Spector as he prepares for what is known as the toughest footrace in the world, the iconic Badwater 135. It is a gruelling 135 miles through Death Valley in the hottest times of the year. The film is presented by Tailwind Nutrition.

https://youtu.be/XNix0WUjZr4

6. More Than A Race

More Than A Race follows the 100-kilometre journey of some of the world’s best ultra runners in the 2014 Vibram Hong Kong 100. As someone who has never been to Hong Kong this film definitely enticing me to visit the city and explore the trails beyond the city amazing skyline. A film by Lloyd Belcher.

https://vimeo.com/93351560

7. Barkley 100

This short film showcase one of the world’s most challenging running races, The Barkley Marathons. This 100-mile race with 60-hour cut off time push athletes to their limits as they climb an elevation gain comparable to two treks up Mt. Everest. In almost thirty years, only fourteen runners, out of over one thousand runner, have completed The Barkley. A film by Brendan Young

https://vimeo.com/97270099

8. Why We Run

Salomon have created great trail running TV series and I would highly recommend checking out any episodes but the one I have chosen showcases the simplicity of enjoying the outdoors and running featuring Bernd Heinrich whom is a retired Professor living in a log cabin in the forests of Western Maine. Bernd has been an extremely accomplished runner throughout his life and this episode highlights lessons learned about life and from running. A film by Salomon Running.

http://youtu.be/zn6k3gXCszE

9. Desert Runners

This film follows a group of ordinary people as try to complete 4 multi stage races in one calendar year in the 4 most extreme landscapes in the world. The races are undertaken in the four deserts known to be the driest, windiest, hottest and coldest places on Earth.

The film is an emotionally charged journey as each competitor faces the physical and mental challenges of racing and shares their remarkable stories as they try to achieve the extraordinary. A film by Jennifer Steinman.

www.desertrunnersmovie.com

10. Finding Traction

This film follows Ultra runner, Nikki Kimball, a 3 time Western States 100 winner and 2014 Marathon Des Sables winner, undertaking her definitive test of attempting to set new record for the fastest time across the US state of Vermont’s famous 273 mile Long Trail. The film offers a great insight into Nikki and her crew’s preparation for the journey and highlights the physical and mental challenges faced whilst wishing to inspire people to be more active and enjoy the outdoors and encouraging women and girls to follow their sporting pursuits. A film by Jaime Jacobsen

http://findingtractionfilm.com/

What is your favourite trail running film?

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