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Lead Stories: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Movie Review: “Showdown”
Five Elite Distance Runners, One Dream

Posted August 22nd, 2007 at 2:35 PM by Lara Johnson

Section: Motivation, Movies, Special Features, TFS Reviews

I have long been intrigued and inspired by those runners who compose the elite category. What is it they possess? What is their training like? What is their motivation? And what happens when these top athletes compete in one grueling race?

In his new film, “Showdown: Five Elite Distance Runners, One Dream,” creator Peter Han uncovers some of these mysteries as he takes viewers on a journey from the living rooms and training runs of 5 elite distance runners to the finish line of the 2007 U.S. Cross Country Championships in Boulder, Colorado.

“Showdown” is a documentary-style film with cinematic appeal. Through personal interviews, race clips, photos, and commentaries, it narrates the preparations of 5 elite men of differing backgrounds: 2-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, 2-time Olympian Alan Culpepper, Olympic silver-medalist Meb Keflezighi, high school and university level champion Dathan Ritzenhein, and 10,000 meter champion Jorge Torres.
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Podcast 72: “Showdown” running documentary writer/director PETER HAN

Posted August 10th, 2007 at 6:30 PM by Adam Jacobs

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

Episode 72 of TheFinalSprint.com Podcast features my interview with the PETER HAN; the Writer, Director, and Producer of the new running documentary “Showdown: The Race for the 2007 US Cross-Country Championship”.

Showdown, which uses the slogan “Five Elite Distance Runners, One Dream”, chronicles the race to the race - showing what elites like Meb Keflezighi, Jorge Torres, and Abdi Abdirahman, do to prepare themselves for the crucible of world-class competition.

In the interview Peter talks about where the concept for “Showdown” originated, how it all came together, the experience of working with Meb, Jorge, Abdi, Alan Culpepper and Dathan Ritzenhein and being motivated by watching them give it their all day in and day out.

Download the podcast to hear Peter discuss these topics, as well as, his previous and successful film about Ironman triathletes called “What It Takes”, the resurgence of American distance running, possibilities for future running and athletic documentaries, and much more!

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Host: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Peter Han
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 13.9 MB
Length: 13:12