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Lead Stories: Friday, May 16, 2008

2008 Olympian Ryan Hall’s Introspective and London Marathon Workout Video

Posted April 9th, 2008 at 1:30 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies, Olympics

The video documentary embedded below was released on GodTube and sent to us late last night by producer and elite American distance runner Josh Cox. It features 2008 U.S. Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall as he embarks on a nearly 24 mile marathon simulation run around Big Bear Lake; the most challenging training run in his preparation for this Sunday’s Flora London Marathon.

In the inspiring and profoundly spiritual documentary, Hall expresses heart-felt sentiments about the purpose of his running, World Vision, what fuels his inner drive, his intense devotion to faith and the desire to encourage and motivate others. There are also a few lighter moments, such as Hall’s conversations with his wife, Sara, about “finally cutting his hair” after London, as well as, several deeply personal dialogues, including a scene where Hall tells his supporters:

“I would really appreciate any of you guys who want to be praying for me to strive together with me as it talks about in Romans 15:30. Strive together with me in your prayers … It’s the way that you can not only watch this video but you can also participate in the race with me.”

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Runners Needed for Record-Breaking Documentary

Posted April 8th, 2008 at 2:05 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies

This June, Running the Sahara’s Charlie Engle and Marshall Ulrich are going to set off on their record-breaking run from San Francisco to New York. Their journey will be filmed and crafted into a historical documentary entitled Running America. NEHST is currently casting runners to join these athletes as they make history and raise money toward the water crisis in Africa.

If casted, you are only allowed to run one mile with Charlie and Marshall, but you can drop back and continue to run if you’d like. Anyone is eligible for submissions, no matter how young, old, disabled or experienced you may be. This is a great opportunity to be in front of cameras, meet some celebrities and be a part of history. To register for your chance to be a part of history, visit screentest.biz.

Read the rest of this entry at our partner site: HesFit.com

In addition, click here to listen to TheFinalSprint.com’s podcast interview with Charlie after his 2007 run through the Sahara Desert!

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Encore Screening of “Spirit of the Marathon” Tonight

Posted February 21st, 2008 at 5:08 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Motivation, Movies

For those who missed it in January, there will be an encore screening of “Spirit of the Marathon” in theatres throughout the United States tonight. Visit http://www.fathomevents.com to find a theatre near you.

The movie will be released on DVD this summer, according to the producers.
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Second Showing of “Spirit of the Marathon” Feb. 21

Posted February 7th, 2008 at 7:00 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies

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TFS Podcast 121: Jon Dunham Director and Producer of “Spirit of the Marathon”

Posted January 23rd, 2008 at 6:00 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts

In Episode 121 of TheFinalSprint.com Podcast I had the pleasure of being joined by Jon Dunham; Director/Producer of the running documentary “Spirit of the Marathon”.

The feature-length film, which will be shown at select theatres around the country tomorrow evening, January 24 at 7:30pm, is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. The past and present running legends showcased in the film include: Paula Radcliffe, Bill Rodgers, Grete Waitz, Frank Shorter, Deena Kastor and Kathrine Switzer.

Download the podcast to hear Jon discuss the concept and purpose behind the film, his personal love and admiration for running and specially the marathon, what it was like to work with some of the sport’s greatest heroes, the potential for a related, spin-off documentary about the history of the marathon, and much more!

Listen In
[PLAY] (To Download: Right click and select “save as”)

[RSS] Add The Final Sprint Podcast RSS feed to your RSS reader to have the show delivered to you

Host: Adam Jacobs | Guest: Jon Dunham
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Musicians: Ryan Ahlwardt, Darnell Perkins
File Size: 13.2 MB | Length: 19:18 MIN

Episode Sponsored By: Nike +

Long Live Running!
Nike Plus will improve the way you run. Get feedback from your iPod on pace, time, distance and calories burned.

Log into Nikeplus.com to track your progress,
set goals and challenge friends.

Interested in featuring The Final Sprint Podcast on your site, blog or My Space page? Click here to learn how!

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Reminder: “Spirit of the Marathon” Movie Tomorrow

Posted January 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 PM by David Monti

Section: Motivation, Movies

Just a reminder that Jon Dunham’s feature-length documentary, “Spirit of the Marathon,” will be showing at local theatres throughout the United States tomorrow, January 24, at 7:30 p.m.

You can watch the movie trailer here: http://www.marathonmovie.com/

You can find a theatre near you and buy tickets at this link: http://www.fathomevents.com

Jane and I will be attending the movie in Waterbury, Conn. at the Brass Mill 12 theatre. Perhaps we will see some of you there.

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Marathon Comes to Big Screen, But For Only One Night

Posted January 7th, 2008 at 10:07 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies

In an unusual arrangement, a full-length feature documentary film on marathon running will be shown in USA theaters, but only for one night: Thursday, January 24.

The film, “Spirit of the Marathon,” presents the stories of six runners who competed in the 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, from from first timers to elite runners like Deena Kastor and Daniel Njenga. The film explores how recreational runners use the marathon as a device to confront other issues in their lives –like divorce– and how elite runners are in it for equal amounts of glory and cash.

“The normal person, they want to make their body slim,” Njenga says over shots of him warming up before the race. “But for us, we want to make money. This is like a job and I love my job.”

Filmed on four continents, the two-hour movie chronicles the training of these athletes, interspersed with interviews from well-known marathon runners and experts, like Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Amby Burfoot, Dick Beardsley, Joe Henderson, Roger Robinson, and Kathrine Switzer. Shot in hi-def video, the footage of the Chicago Marathon is both varied and majestic; the producers had a crew of 62 on the scene and used 15 camera operators. There is also a rousing score.
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“Spirit of the Marathon” Documentary Sells Out Debut Screenings in Chicago

Posted October 17th, 2007 at 10:16 AM by Andrew Goodman

Section: News & Results, Motivation, Movies

The running documentary “Spirit of the Marathon” sold out its three debut showings at this month’s Chicago International Film Festival.

The Chicago Tribune called the film by Jon Dunham and Mark Jonathan Harris “a moving, clever, heartfelt examination of the marathon both as elite athletic competition and as “the Everyman’s Everest.”

For more information on “Spirit of the Marathon”, please visit: www.MarathonMovie.com

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Inspirational DVD Review:
“The Jim MacLaren Story”

Posted September 27th, 2007 at 7:00 PM by Valerie Cerami

Section: News & Results, Motivation, Movies, Success Stories

I am imbued with pride to have this brightly hued, clear as blue sky rubber wristband, embedded with the words Choose Living dangling from my wrist. This little circle of hope looms large - in spirit, courage, inspirations and realizations. It emotionally, powerfully, figuratively and literally represents the circle of life – as truthfully as the geometric shape it holds. Wearing it - and believing in it - helps support the foundation that touches the world: The Choose Living Foundation.

The foundation’s spokesperson and founder, Jim MacLaren, has come full-circle in his aspirations, accomplishments and never-ending optimism – with a dash of wisdom added to the mix (and what a mixture of circumstances he’s encountered). Jim does it all with a smile and indefatigable love of life and the simple things we all take for granted.
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“Spirit of the Marathon” to Debut at Chicago Festival

Posted September 4th, 2007 at 5:58 PM by Martha Jones

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies

The full-length documentary film “Spirit of the Marathon” has been accepted to the Chicago International Film Festival and will have its world debut with back to back screenings on October 5, 2007.

Four years in the making, Spirit of the Marathon is the collaborative effort of three-time Academy Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris, Telly Award winner and marathon runner Jon Dunham and producer/marathoner Gwendolen Twist.

Billed as the first ever feature-length film to capture the essence, drama and unique spectacle of the famed 26.2-mile race, the production features five runners - three amateurs and two elites - as they train for and ultimately run the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

For more information, please visit: MarathonMovie.com
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