INSPIRATIONAL TRAIL RUNNING FILMS

The coronavirus pandemic has meant that, for now, we are all going to be spending less time in our trail running shoes.  So, as we all play our part in stopping the spread and spend more time at home, we thought we’d share 10 of our favourite inspirational trail running films to keep you inspired and motivated. And the best part about these films? They are all free to watch!

Do you have any films to add to this list? Share your suggestions with us here or on our social media channels – Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

In 2019, INOV8 ambassador and breast cancer survivor Nicky Spinks took on The Barkley Marathons – the world’s toughest ultra-running race.

The film – by Summit Fever Media – tells the story of Nicky and her fellow female runners as they battle treacherous terrain, wild weather and the twisted mind of Barkley Marathons organiser, Lazarus Lake. Want more Barkley Marathons content ? Related links: 

Want more Barkley Marathons content ? Related links: Nicky Spinks Reflects On Barkley Marathons | A-Z Of The Barkley Marathons

The film by dmtwo.media follows inspirational ultra-runner and INOV8 ambassador Paul Tierney in his attempt to set a new record time for summiting all 214 Alfred Wainwright Lake District peaks in one go.

Paul battled sleep deprivation and everything the Lake District weather could throw at him as he ran and fast-hiked over 318-miles, climbing the equivalent of 4 times Mount Everest, in his attempt to beat the record time of 6 days 13 hours and 1 minute, set five years earlier by legendary fell runner Steve Birkinshaw.

Read more: Q&A after record-breaking Wainwrights run

In May 2016, ultra-runner Nicky Spinks made fell running history by becoming the fastest person to run a Double Bob Graham Round – a record she still holds today.  The film tells the story of the inspirational cancer-survivor, who undertook the 132-mile challenge (including around 54,000ft of ascent) to mark 10 years post-diagnosis.

Read more: Q&A with Nicky Spinks after record-breaking trilogy of double Classic British 24-hour Rounds.

In December 2018, Simon Gray attempted to set a new record time for the Frog Graham Round, whilst also trying to become the first person to complete it mid-winter.

The film by Jakevideo follows Simon as he battles the elements, running 38 miles over Lake District fells and open water swimming more than 2 miles across the various lakes in between them.

The film tells the story of Belgian ultra-runner Karel Sabbe’s attempt at the 2019 Barkley Marathons. The dentist from Belgium currently holds the record for the FKT (Fastest Known Time) on the 4,279km long Pacific Crest Trail and 3,500km long Appalachian Trail.

Read more: Belgian Dentist Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record

In 2016, inspirational athlete Jenny Tough completed a solo and unsupported 900km run through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The film, Mountains of Heaven, was shot by Jenny as she ran through the isolated mountain terrain.

The Run Home is a film created by Alfie Smith and Louis MacMillan, two talented 17-year-olds from Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. Shot by Alfie Smith, the film follows Louis on his run home from the school bus – a 6-mile journey through the wilderness of the Keills Peninsula, overlooking the Sound of Jura.

This film is set within an attempt on the ‘Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge’ – a 46-mile run across the Lake District, with over 17,000ft of ascent. With fantastic poetry throughout, A Shepherd’s Hand pays tribute to fell-running legend Joss Naylor.

We hope this selection of our favourite trail running films has left you feeling inspired and motivated! Don’t forget to share your recommendations on your favourite films in the comments section below or with us on our social channels – Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

For more on staying inspired and fit during the coronavirus pandemic check out Damian Hall – Advice for runners adapting to life during Covid-19