Customer Reviews

The Runner: Extreme UltraRunner David Horton

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You'll never tire from watching this documentary. Being out on the PCT for a week with David, JB, Krissy, Scott, and others I spent time with more than just elite runners, I found lasting friendships that feel more like a family bond. The film brings you on a physical roller-coaster ride much like the elevation changes of the mountain passes David conquered on his record setting run. You'll see his serious side, his comical side, and his emotional side through crew commentary, family interviews, and first person accounts. The music accompanying his adventure is energizing and moving, capturing each scene magnificently. This film is the perfect gift for you, your running friends, and anyone you feel needs some inspiration to go out and accomplish their goals - no matter what they are. The 2,700 mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada gave David a challenge and through this documentary he challenges us. Meet new people, explore the outdoors, test your limits.

Often I think that we hinge our success on material yardsticks instead of something that everybody can attain, which is, to do more than we think we can physically and mentally. David Horton is an example of this simplicity. I have watched the film four times and the strenghth of his resolve comes through each time. I have ran ultramarathons and always have a sinking feeling in my stomach at each race's start due to my mind accepting the pain that we (mind/body) will endure. This film made me feel that way when David starts off from Campo.

This film will appeal to anyone that challenges the limits of the physical body or the limits that may be placed by the 'norm' of society. When you watch the film, you will see a man that is humbled by the trail and by nature. All to often we travel to the woods as an outsider, David is assimilated into nature and accepts the hardships brought on by her. After viewing this film I was ready to run the LeGrizz 50 Mile Ultramarathon with a new found inspiration in human capacity.

This is an absolutely inspiring documentary. If you're looking for a little extra motivation and meaning out of your life this documentary brings it home. Highly reccommended for those who look at running like an existential oddyssey...this will bring you pleasure;)

I am a long time distance runner, biker, nordic skier and fast-
packer and hiked the JMT in 2006 and have dreamed of thru-hiking
the PCT for many many years. For my birthday last year my wife got
me "The Runner" and I have enjoyed watching it many times. It is
a fantastic film documentary and the scenes, the music and dialog
(and monologue) with David Horton really make this a great film in
the genre. However, I must say that the most ardent fan in our family is my 4-year old daughter who likes watching this film even more
than me! She knows most of lines from memory (for example: "I am
not a backpacker - I am a runner", or regarding snow in the
Sierra's "Do I want that, Do I wish that? No!!") She was captivated by David Horton's character on screen and I think that is what has drawn us both to this film. It has also turned her into a little runner. Overall a great film.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie more than i anticipated. David Horton is such an interesting person and it was really great to be able to follow him thru this adventure of his. Also, the movie did show aspects of Horton's life, including his classes at the local college he is a professor, his family, his running routine and his RD'ing.

A well-made documentary of the record supported thru-run of the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail by David Horton. Beyond documenting a record, the movie touches a personal side of David that can serve as an inspiration to all. If watching David wasn't enough, seeing Flyin' Brian Robinson; the first to complete the then-believed impossible feat of thru-hiking the Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Pacific Crest Trail) in a calendar year; in action assisting David's record through the Sierra Nevada, is an added bonus. Go David! Go Brian! 4 stars only because I had wished there was more trail footage.

David Horton's run of the Pacific Crest Trail is an amazing feat - and filming it in it's entirety was as well. This documentary starts well and gives the viewer a taste of what it must have felt like to average 45+ miles/day for weeks on end. It has all the elements of a well-made documentary: ample footage of the run, interviews with friends and families, and of course, the agony of "da-feet." I felt compelled as I watched it and slightly unsatisfied at the end, as if I'd just had a sugar-free diet drink instead of the real thing. The end comes too easily. It seemed as if the film-maker... director... er whomever, lost intensity for the project and suddenly, we're at Manning Park. My own aspirations for the PCT may cloud my judgment here. Ultra-runners may love this film, but I'm guessing thru-hikers will feel less affection. We love the trail; David loves the physical challenge.

I'm not an ultramarathoner (yet), but really enjoyed watching this movie. Seeing what he goes through is quite amazing. Even my 70 year old mother-in-law was inspired and amazed. If you are looking for an inspiring movie on extreme running, this one is a much see.

What a powerfully motivating story, amazing coverage of a very impressive journey by David Horton. Actual footage of the journey is woven into a number of background threads which add depth to the context. Additionally, the DVD has an enhanced feature where at any point during the video, you can examine a detailed map of his journey at the actual point in the movie. For the outdoor enthusiast, a must have. For anyone considering tackling this journey or one like it, a hard look at the challenge.

This movie has inspired many quotes that my husband and I now use for motivation during our training runs. David Horton might possibly be crazy and I'm not talking about distance running. Hilarious, quirky man with a passion for running and God. It would be a great movie to see if you like distance running, trail running, or the Pacific Crest Trail in general.