6 Running Movies to Get You Through Your Next Treadmill Session

Megan
Written by
Megan Harrington |
It's summer in the northern hemisphere, and that means two things: heat and humidity. While most runners think of the treadmill as a winter option, there are plenty of reasons to take it indoors when the mercury rises. Besides the blast of sweet, sweet air conditioning, you can also entertain yourself with a bevy of running movies. Whether you're a fan of real-life documentaries or just want to gaze at a young Brad Pitt for an hour or two, we've got options.
Race
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This film tells the story of one of America's greatest runners in Jesse Owens. Overcoming both economic adversity and racial discrimination, Owens enrolls at Ohio State University and becomes a standout in multiple events. Under the guidance of his coach Larry Snyder, Owens qualifies for and competes in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Despite the racial tension at the games, Owens wins a record-breaking four gold medals. Watch this when you have a tough workout on tap—it'll help you envision that PR!
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Your Next Race
Spirit of the Marathon
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Whether you're training for your first marathon or your 10th, this documentary is sure to hit home and inspire you. The film follows six runners training for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. The cast is diverse and ranges from Olympian Deena Castor to newbie runners like Leah Caille. If you like this, you can also check out Spirit of the Marathon II, a sequel documentary about the Rome Marathon.
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Your Next Race
Across the Tracks
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This movie flies under the radar, but it's hard to pass up a film starring Brad Pitt as a high schooler training and competing for his school track team. Pitt and his brother, played by Ricky Schroder, become rivals as one strives for a track scholarship while the other runs to stay out of trouble. If you've ever had a running buddy turned race rival, you'll identify with this movie.
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Your Next Race
Patriot's Day
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The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings rocked the world, but they hit especially close to home for the running community. This drama tells the story of Police Sargent Tommy Saunders (played by Mark Wahlberg) as he moves from marathon security detail to a citywide manhunt for the Tsarnaev brothers. This film is an emotional one, but it's sure to make the miles fly by.
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Your Next Race
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young
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Unmotivated for your long run? This documentary will put things in perspective. The film tells the crazy yet true story of one of the world's most difficult ultramarathons. Held every spring in Tennessee, the race is inspired by the 1977 prison escape of James Earl Ray, MLK Jr.'s assassin, from a nearby penitentiary. This cult-like race has plenty of quirks and only 15 finishers in its 32-year history. You won't be able to stop watching!
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Your Next Race
McFarland, USA
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Starring Kevin Costner and produced by Walt Disney Pictures, you know it's got to be good. The film is based on the true-life story of the 1987 McFarland High School boys cross-country team. New head coach Jim White encourages the boys, who are primarily Latino and struggling with poverty, to take running seriously. The team thrives, eventually winning nine state titles. If you're a fan of underdog sports movies (Cool Runnings or Friday Night Lights, anyone?), queue this up for next time on the treadmill.
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Your Next Race
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Find:
Your Next Race

About the Author

Megan

More by Megan Megan Harrington | Freelance Writer
Megan is a runner and writer living in Upstate New York. Megan ran cross-country and track throughout high school and college and now enjoys longer races like the marathon. When she's not reviewing the latest fitness gear or writing copy for brands, Megan enjoys being active with her husband and two small children. For more on what Megan is up to, you can follow her on Instagram.