Desert Runners (2013)

Desert Runners: Directed by Jennifer Steinman Sternin. With Samantha Gash, Tremaine Kent, David O’Brien, Ricky Paugh. A diverse cast of non-professional runners attempt to complete the most difficult ultramarathon race series on Earth. Their dramatic journey takes them across the World’s most picturesque yet brutal landscapes, pushing their bodies, hearts and spirits through a myriad of external and internal obstacles. DESERT RUNNERS delves into the mindset of ultra-athletes, and the complex ways in which human beings deal with both heartbreak and triumph.

“The ultra-marathon runs themselves are worth max stars. Filmed in 2010 in: 1. Atacama, Chili desert (driest). 2. Gobi desert, China (windiest). 3. Sahara desert, Egypt (hottest). 4. Antarctica (coldest, and precipitation is very low). Each run is over about a five day period (each night is recovery time) and totaling, ball park, 150 miles each. Great quotes, u0026quot;What the hell am I doing here?u0026quot;, u0026quot;Marathon is too conventional.u0026quot; Most impressive, and we know this from so many human endeavors, are the lengths we go to to help others. (Yes, there are also many examples of u0026quot;me-firstismu0026quot;.) The most poignant helping was between Lisa and Samantha, and there were others. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film reminds me that obsessions can result in paying a price, if not sooner, then later down the road. Missing from the film was the financial cost for each runner to participate, and the overall cost and challenges of promoting the runs. Also missing was more on the death of one of the runners as well as backlash from a Lisa Tamati criticism (warranted or not). Also why, she and others, failed to complete the four desert runs in a year goal. She just disappears from the film.”