I’m the only child of parents who ran throughout my childhood and weren't big on limiting me to typical cartoon movies. For the most part, sports stories—from documentaries to fictional tales—are very family-friendly and usually pretty feel-good.
One of my earliest movie theatre memories is of seeing A League of Their Own, and one of my earliest VHS memories is of Chariots of Fire, with that iconic opening scene of running on the beach. I loved watching these movies with my parents, and ever since, films about running have become one of my favorite genres.
Since I talk enough about the last running movie I watched, I'm often asked for recommendations. Here are seven of my favorite running movies that I highly recommend you watch.
Historical Sports Dramas
Chariots of Fire – Based on real events, this 1981 film won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It highlights two British track athletes who competed at the 1924 Olympics. This movie is iconic, with so many wonderful scenes, quotes, and an award-winning score.
Without Limits & Prefontaine – Both of these movies tell the short but amazing story of Steve Prefontaine, an American middle-distance runner who competed for the University of Oregon (under coach/Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman) and at the 1972 Olympics. I can’t choose between these two films; both deserve a spot on this list. They're movies I repeatedly watched as a child and purchased (and still have) on DVD as an adult, which deluded me into thinking that I, too, could be an Olympian. They also feature fantastic casts, including Jared Leto, Billy Crudup, Donald Sutherland, Matthew Lillard, and Monica Potter.
Documentaries about the Barkley Marathons
Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young – This documentary about the 2012 running of the Barkley Marathons is on Netflix. The race is so dauntingly difficult that finishing all five loops is not the goal for most people. This documentary peeled back the curtain on quirks like the entry fee (whatever clothing item the race director currently needs), the start (a conch shell followed by a lit cigarette), and the race's unusual inspiration. This film increased the popularity of the race and started a sub-genre of documentaries about the Barkley Marathons.
The Finisher – Another Barkley Marathons documentary, this one tells the story of Jasmin Paris, the first woman to finish both the "fun run" (you'll need to watch one of these documentaries to understand what that is) in 2022 and the entire race in 2024. This exciting story showcases a gritty woman runner and the importance of perseverance when tackling a big goal. It also highlights some of the ways that runners can make sustainably-minded decisions. Currently streaming on You Tube.
Documentaries about FKTs on the Long Trail
This final category is especially timely as Altra-sponsored athlete Tara Dower just set a new fastest known time (FKT) on the Long Trail—a 273-mile trail that crosses Vermont between the Massachusetts and Canadian borders.
Finding Traction – Another documentary that is streaming on Netflix, this documentary follows highly accomplished, Williston, VT-born ultrarunner Nikki Kimball’s attempt to set the fastest known time on the Long Trail. Nikki is open about her struggles with depression and the importance of running for her mental health. In addition to being a gripping and raw story, it also addresses gender barriers and foreshadows a future where a woman holds the fastest known times on both the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail.
Supported – Another documentary about a Vermonter, Richmond-born Ben Feinson, attempting to set the fastest known time on the Long Trail. In addition to telling Ben’s story, a significant theme is the importance of friendship and those who support people on these extreme endeavors. I love this message because it aligns with RunVermont’s mission to “support running as a lifelong activity.” You can also spot a Vermont City Marathon shirt on Ben for a portion of the 273 miles. Also currently streaming on YouTube.
Why RunVermont Staffers Love These Films
They Motivate Us: These movies showcase the grit and dedication of athletes, inspiring us to tackle our next big challenge, whether it's a marathon or a new personal record.
They Build Community: Watching these films reminds us of the shared experiences and mutual support that are at the heart of the running community.
They Remind Us of Our Roots: As an organization deeply connected to Vermont, we're especially proud to see our local trails and runners highlighted on the big screen.
Ready to be inspired? Find your next race and start your own story. View our calendar of upcoming races in Vermont here!