Desert Runners (2013)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Jennifer Steinman Sternin (as Jennifer Steinman)

Stars:

Samantha Gash, Tremaine Kent, David O'Brien

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Samantha Gash	...	Self
Tremaine Kent	...	Self
David O'Brien	...	Self
Ricky Paugh	...	Self
Marie O'Brien	...	Self - Dave's Wife
Colin O'Brien	...	Self
Clive Kent	...	Self - Tremaine's Father
Kyle Kent	...	Self - Tremaine's Son
Star Kent	...	Self - Tremaine's Daughter
Lisa Tamati	...	Self - Professional Runner
Paul Acheson	...	Self
Lucy Rivers-Bulkeley	...	Self
Diego Carvajal	...	Self
Bud Cook	...	Self
Peter Jong	...	Self

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

crowdfunded | ultramarathon | runner | desert | widower | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Adventure | Drama | Sport

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Did You Know?

Soundtracks

The Edge
Performed by Amber Rubarth with Dave Eggar, Chuck Palmer, and David Peters
Written by Amber Rubarth, Kenia Mattis, David Peters

User Reviews

A Bit of a Jog - Just a Stroll

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, "What the hell am I doing here?", "Marathon is too conventional." 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 "me-firstism".) The most poignant helping was between Lisa and Samantha, and there were others.

The 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.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 December 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dromeis tis erimou

Filming Locations:

Atacama Desert, Chile

Company Credits

Production Co:

Smush Media, Salty Features, Spoken Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min 55 min (TV) (2014)

Color:

Color