Free To Run

Free To Run points a camera lens at a piece of history that's often overlooked: the role of running and how it has impacted the cultural, social, and political landscapes at large. Released in 2016, this genre-bending documentary includes the notable performances of Denis Alcade, Neil Amdur, and Gaby Andersen-Schiess.

Directed by Pierre Morath and produced by Freestone Productions, Swiss filmmaker starts from the facts known by the public and goes deeper, revealing compelling yet little known corners of history. It’s a journey that takes viewers from the fabled running boom of the 1960s through to the modern era, where running has become a default lifestyle choice for millions around the globe.

The talented actor, Denis Alcade, immerses himself in the world of long-distance running to remind us that running was not always a popular leisure activity or indeed a spectator sport that attracted mass participation. In the middle of the last century, running was considered as eccentric, dangerous and was, in fact, nearly exclusive to men.

As the narrative unfolds, it highlights the social changes that resulted in this shift and the pioneers who steered it along. At the helm of these revolutionaries was Neil Amdur, New York Times' former sports editor, and a key figure in the emergence of women's marathon.

Adding a powerful note of authenticity to Free To Run, Gaby Andersen-Schiess, the Swiss marathoner who famously staggered to the finish line at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, recounts her experiences. Her stoic resolve despite her clear physical distress became a defining symbol of the durability and determination characterizing long-distance runners.

Aside from several famous personalities, the documentary captures the essence of ordinary yet inspirational individuals. The voices we hear aren't just those of the famed athletes and organizers; the filmmakers cleverly juxtapose the memories and testimonies of regular runners alongside those of the trailblazers. This approach gives voice to the common man's connection to the sport and the impact running has had on the world, from a grassroots level to the Olympian heights.

Free To Run addresses the struggles of female and amateur runners to gain recognition in the sport by breaking down the prejudice and misconceptions that hindered their participation in the past. The sport's transformation from a male-dominated pastime to a universal movement is presented with thoughtful perspective and nuance. The narrative is both critique and celebration, highlighting the triumphs and the challenges in equal measure, in such a compelling way that the 104-minute runtime flows through your senses like a well-paced marathon.

The film is not just about the transformation of a physical activity but also the societal shift towards gender equality, as epitomized by the running movement. The focus on women's right to run, especially in the Boston Marathon, is perhaps the most important part of the narrative, with Kathrine Switzer's story being a central theme. The first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, her groundbreaking run framed the physical activity as a political act and a powerful symbol of gender equality.

To complement the storylines, the cinematography and visuals capture the captivating beauty of the track and the grit of running marathons, exemplifying the exhilarating joy and intense struggle present in the sport. Several moving snapshots portray the human conviction that permeates these long-distance testaments to endurance and perseverance, providing an emotional heft that elevates the documentary beyond being just a historical discourse.

Free To Run is educational without being pedantic, narratively compelling without losing sight of the historical facts, and visually dynamic without becoming overpowering. It’s a film that celebrates human power and resilience, embraces the flawed yet fascinating history of running, and encourages a renewed respect for the simple, transformative act of putting one foot in front of another.

Certainly, running enthusiasts will find much to love here, but even those with no interest in the sport will be taken in by the human stories, historical context, and the universal themes of ambition, courage, and the fight for equality that narratively sprint through Free To Run. This film is a well-crafted, timeless piece that serves as both an homage to running's pivotal moments and an invitation to everyone – regardless of gender or status – to keep on running.