From the producers of the award-winning documentary Spirit of the Marathon (2008), this highly-anticipated sequel follows seven runners from around the world as they journey to the starting line of the 2012 Rome Marathon. Spirit of the Marathon II weaves the compelling stories of each runner - the trials and the triumphs - that paved their road to Rome.
I loved that they revisited the runner's story through the eyes of different people and a different race. This time, internationally! Rome is such a perfect destination race. It was fun getting to see what it would be like to run it.
(SPOILER ALERT BUT NOT REALLY- if you know history) My favorite part was probably when they gave you a deeper look into the marathon and the influence Italy had on it. If Mount Vesuvius would've never erupted leaving the country in no shape to host the Olympics, then they never would've moved to them to London, where they added the extra 1.2 miles (the queen wanted it to finish in front of the palace is the rumor I heard), and the marathon would still be 25 miles. Crazy to think about.
They also showcased the NYC Marathon as the pioneer race of big city races. It's funny to think not that long ago, the idea of shutting down the streets of NYC for people to run through all 5 boroughs was crazy! Who'd a thought it would turn into what it is today?! The original course of the marathon was IN Central Park (4 loops), one of the runners said at the time, the amount of runners were so small, people didn't even know a marathon was going on! That is definitely NOT the case today. This part reminded me a lot of Run for your Life (the Fred Lebow documentary) which goes into even more details about how NYCM came to be.
If you didn't get a chance to see it on Wednesday, I highly suggest renting/ buying it when it comes out. It was definitely a keeper to add to the running movies library.
What's your favorite running movie?
Disclaimer: I received passes to see this movie, but was planning on seeing it anyway.
As always, all opinions are my own.
As always, all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the Spirit Of The Marathon II, but I have to admit that I liked the first one better. I liked all of the history stuff, too. I remember learning about the marathon distance change during the London Olympics. Can you imagine running through Rome? It would be incredible.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The first was better. I remember learning about why the marathon distance was changed, but I didn't realize Italy had a part in it.
DeleteMaybe Rome is our next destination race? :)
I went to see this too and just a few weeks before had watched the documentary on Fred Lebow too! So I was all caught up on my running history :P I definitely liked the first Spirit of the Marathon better though. I don't know if it was the timing (where I was in my life when I watched it) or the actual film. This was pretty good though too!
ReplyDelete~Ang
I agree, but this was a good one to add to the running movie collection!
DeleteI wasn't able to go but I definitely need to catch this as a rental. It sounds amazing. Plus, Rome? Yeah, I'd pretty much watch paint dry if it took place in Rome.
ReplyDeleteYou'll love it! Definitely look into when it comes out.
DeleteI still have to see the first one! I haven't even heard if/when they're going to show this movie in Canada...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely watch the first one. It's really inspiring!
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