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Lead Stories: Sunday, November 23, 2008

“Spirit of the Marathon” DVD Release Set for October

Posted September 12th, 2008 at 9:00 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Movies, Books

Image Entertainment Inc., a leading worldwide distributor of home entertainment, has announced the October 7, 2008 DVD release of the highly anticipated running documentary Spirit of the Marathon.

The 102 minute film presented in its original 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio will include English and Spanish subtitles, the film’s original six-minute trailer and “Marathon in the Making: The Making of Spirit of the Marathon” featurette.

Pre-orders for director’s signed copies
are available now at www.marathonmovie.com.

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Running Film Festival:
Dream With Us In Eugene

Posted June 12th, 2008 at 2:30 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Announcements, Marathons, Motivation, Movies, Cross Country, Track & Field, Olympics, Trail / Ultra, College, High School, Road Racing

The Running Film Festival (RFF), scheduled for July 3-5 on the University of Oregon campus, is the first film festival ever devoted to the subjects of track & field, road racing, cross country, marathon and ultra endurance running. This inaugural event will coincide with the U.S. Track & Field Trials and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund.

Many of America’s most well known athletes and motivational icons will be featured in the feature films and documentaries screened over the three day event. In addition, today’s brightest stars, accomplished Olympians, and legends of the sport will make guest appearances and participate in Q&A sessions with the audience.

In an effort to complement the trials schedule, the festival will commence in the evening when the events have concluded for the day.

For more information, to view the complete film schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit: RunningFilmFestival.com

The RFF is presented by Nissan, sponsored by TheFinalSprint.com and Running Times, and Saucony serves as the official footwear sponsor. In addition, BR Sportswear, Videe-O’s, Running DVD’s, and the KDUK & KOOL radio stations are all “Dash” level sponsors of the event.

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Running Film Festival to Premier During Olympic Trials; Support Ryan Shay Memorial Fund

Posted May 28th, 2008 at 9:30 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Announcements, Marathons, Cross Country, Track & Field, Resources, Olympics, Trail / Ultra

RFF Release: When nearly 200,000 athletes and fans converge on Eugene, Oregon, for the 2008 U.S. Track & Field Trials, there is no doubt they will enjoy the beautiful scenery and the competitive spirit of “Track Town USA.”

However, when they leave Hayward Field for some well-deserved down time, hundreds will head to the movies. That’s right! Hollywood comes to Eugene, as the city plays host to the first film festival ever devoted to the subjects of track & field, marathon running, and cross country: the Running Film Festival (RFF), scheduled for July 3 – 5 on the University of Oregon campus.

RFF is the brainchild of running enthusiasts and industry entrepreneurs, who formulated the idea after assessing the vast, yet underexposed, collection of celluloid devoted to the sport. The festival signed a title sponsor to join presenting sponsors TheFinalSprint.com and Running Times, and a great event was born. A portion of the proceeds from the RFF will be donated to the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund
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“Running Film Festival” in Eugene Sure to Be An Unforgettable Experience

Posted May 25th, 2008 at 3:30 PM by Jesse Squire

Section: News & Results, Announcements, Marathons, Cross Country, Track & Field, Olympics, Trail / Ultra, High School

I’m going to this summer’s Olympic Trials—my first-ever Trials trip—and I’m getting pretty excited. Not just about the meet, but everything else as well. It seems like everyone in Tracktown USA is going all-out to make it an unforgettable experience.

The community at large is putting on a massive “Eugene ’08 Festival” complete with a temporary sports bar, music stage, kids’ activities, and excursions to sites like Pre’s Rock and the Nike campus. The whole effect is like the NCAA basketball tournament combined with the Newport Jazz Festival and the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, with the Tribeca Film Festival on top.

In fact, one entry from Tribeca will be shown in Eugene. Without a doubt, the biggest off-track happening during the Trials will be the upcoming Running Film Festival (RFF)– where a percentage of ticket sales will benefit the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund. Entries are still being accepted, but the schedule of feature-length films, documentaries and shorts currently includes the following:
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Film Festival to Complement Olympic Trials in Eugene

Posted May 21st, 2008 at 3:30 PM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Cross Country, Track & Field, Olympics, High School, Road Racing

After spending hours at the track watching the 2008 USA Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field in Eugene, Ore., this summer, track fans can retreat to the cool darkness of a movie theatre to take in the inaugural Running Film Festival, presented by Nissan and sponsored by TheFinalSprint.com and Running Times magazine.

“Everyone knows ‘Pre,’ ‘Without Limits,’ and ‘Chariots of Fire,’ but there are dozens of other movies and documentaries that runners will enjoy,” said Adam Jacobs editor-in-chief of TheFinalSprint.com. “We created an event that brings together great films, talented directors, elite athletes, and people who simply love the sport. Movie makers have the chance to screen their films for appreciative audiences with entertainment that fits seamlessly with the spirit of Eugene 08.”

Jacobs said that while the festival would include some world premieres, the core of the festival would be established running films like “The Long Green Line,” “Spirit of the Marathon,” “Run For Your Life,” “Indulgence,” “Run Like Hell,” and “Showdown.” The entire line-up will be posted at http://www.runningfilmfestival.com.
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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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Grand Rapids Marathon Registration Opens Tomorrow Evening at Running Documentary Premier

Posted January 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 AM by Allyson Rosen

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Motivation, Movies

Marathon enthusiasts across the country will have a chance tomorrow night to watch a special one-night, “big-screen” viewing of a documentary that embraces their beloved sport. “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. Four years in the making, “Spirit of the Marathon” is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event.

In addition, and to the further delight of Michigan’s running community, race organizers for the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon have decided to kick off registration for this event in conjunction with the “Spirit of the Marathon” premier. A special booth will be set-up at Celebration Cinema North, the local Grand Rapids, MI theater offering the one-night showing, beginning at 6pm tomorrow evening, January 24. They will also be offering $5.00 off registration and free popcorn to those planning on running the October 19 event.
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