• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • TikTok

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

Celebrate Good Times!

5 Training Tips For Running Moms

The Politics Of Running

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / great running movies to inspire you

great running movies to inspire you

April 19, 2022      33 Comments

When I’m in a slump, great running movies are one of my favorite ways to get myself motivated. I love movies anyway (I actually majored in Motion Pictures in college!), so it would only make sense that they would figure into significant parts of my running self care.

Want to know my favorites? Grab your popcorn and keep reading!

Spirit Of The Marathon

Spirit Of The Marathon is the quintessential running documentary. The award-winning film chronicles the training of six runners as they prepare for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. It’s really incredible to watch the stories of such different individuals, all working towards a common goal. Tension, heartbreak, and triumph all merge together in this one. And yes, there is a sequel, also available for viewing.

Forrest Gump

I had the privilege of seeing Forrest Gump in theaters, and instantly fell in love with Tom Hanks’ character, and the entire story. As Forrest falls in and out of a series of amazing brushes with historical events, runners can probably relate most to the day he just starts to run. He runs and runs, across the entire country. Forrest is completely oblivious to the people who literally follow in his footsteps, until the day he decides he’s finished running and ready to move on to something else. We see you, Forrest. We see you.

Brittany Runs A Marathon

Confession: I don’t actually love this movie. It’s a great, based-in-reality, story of a woman (Brittany) who gets a serious wakeup call in regards to her health and life choices, and decides to run a marathon. This is great, but the journey is plagued with obstacles and challenges, not least of which is Brittany’s rather awful personality. I found it hard to root for the protagonist, while also really relating to her journey and struggle. Yes, it’s worth a watch, and it is an inspiring flick, but it’s not as incredible as others on the list.

Chariots Of Fire

Chariots of Fire is based on the true story of two British athletes, and their journey to and triumphs at the 1924 Summer Olympics. This is a movie about personal sacrifice, religious devotion, overcoming prejudice, and sportsmanship, all set on a track. Bonus: the soundtrack. The main theme by Vangelis, is swoonworthy, empowering, and holds a place of honor on my own running playlist. If you know, you know.

Run Fatboy Run

Run Fatboy Run is a comedic foray into marathon running, starring Simon Pegg and Hank Azaria. This hilarious and truly great running movie follows Dennis Doyle, a man who has spent his life running away from every challenge he’s faced. In a last-ditch attempt to win back the mother of his son and woman of his dreams, he decides to run the London Marathon. Through his training, Dennis finds himself, a support system he never knew he had, and the strength to face his fears. Does he conquer 26.2 miles? You’ll have to watch to find out!

Race

To be honest, the cinematic retelling of the Jesse Owens story is an uncomfortable watch. The 1930s were an ugly time, not only for Germany, but for the United States and many other countries in the world. It’s gut-wrenching to see racism and prejudice play out, even among the people and characters we might consider “heroes.” However, all it takes is one person to fly (or run) in the face of that ugliness to start the turning of the tide. Race is one of the great running movies that will get you fired up, and serve as a reminder to always stand up for what’s right.

McFarland, USA

I confess that McFarland USA brought me to sobs in a crowded a crowded movie theater. McFarland USA tells the true story of Coach Jim White, who built a cross country team at a high school in one of the most economically challenged cities in the country. The focus here is family, loyalty and making the best out of seemingly hopeless situations. It’s also so inspiring to see what these men are doing now to pay it forward. If this is on TV, I will watch it.

The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young

This incredible documentary is something I can (and do) watch on repeat. The entire story of this race, from its history to its implementation, is nothing short of fascinating. Ultra running (and runners) are so fascinating in their quest to push themselves beyond reasonable limits, and I truly can’t get enough of the tale of athletes who set out on a truly hellish race. Wrap your head around the fact that there are years with no finishers at all! Will you be there when Laz lights his unfiltered Camel at the yellow gate?

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 118360396_761035968043242_5720693199736450445_n-1024x1024.jpg

Grab our graphic and share the love!

Have you watched any of these great running movies? What’s your favorite?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chaitali says

    October 23, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    I’ve seen Run Fat Boy Run and the movie about the Barkley marathons, but haven’t seen the others. I need to add them to my list!
    Chaitali recently posted…Weekly ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 23, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      Sounds like it’s time for a running movie marathon!

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Hatting says

    October 23, 2019 at 5:58 pm

    I first heard of the Barkley Marathon in an article in RW (a few years ago). I didn’t realize a movie had been made! I’ll have to check that out 😉

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 23, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      You definitely have to check it out! You will love it!

      Reply
  3. Kristen Woolsey says

    October 23, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    I’ve never seen any of these!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:36 am

      Time to watch some movies!

      Reply
  4. Kim G says

    October 23, 2019 at 8:35 pm

    I haven’t seen any of these movies so thanks so much for all these recommendations~

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:36 am

      Absolutely! You will love them all!

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks says

    October 24, 2019 at 1:07 am

    The only one of these that I have seen is Barkley marathons! That was a crazy movie full of crazy runners huh?
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…5 Reasons To Cheer On A Marathoner- Guest PostMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:39 am

      I am so inspired by all of them. It just blows my mind the limits they all push.

      Reply
  6. Zenaida Arroyo says

    October 24, 2019 at 2:07 am

    How could I forget Race? I saw it and loved it too. I used to work with one of Jesse Owen’s granddaughters. One day she was telling us about being at the Olympics (cannot remember the year or location). Were were wondering what she was doing there and that is when she told us. 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:39 am

      What an incredible connection!

      Reply
  7. Madhusree Basu says

    October 24, 2019 at 2:50 am

    The Barkley marathons is a great watch. I’ve not seen the others though. New list for my weekend 😉
    Madhusree Basu recently posted…19 Best Walking Shoes For Bunions in 2019, According to PodiatristsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:36 am

      Absolutely! You won’t be sorry!

      Reply
  8. Dominique Cheylise says

    October 24, 2019 at 9:31 pm

    I haven’t actually seen any of these! I did enjoy Brittany Runs a Marathon recently, though. True story!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:35 am

      I didn’t love Brittany. It made me want to run another marathon, I will say that.

      Reply
  9. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    October 24, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    Run Fat Boy Run is one of my favorites too! I haven’t heard of McFarland or Barkley Marathons.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:34 am

      I just love Simon Pegg and I love that he’s so very average and human. It spoke to me.

      Reply
  10. Wendy says

    October 25, 2019 at 12:39 am

    I loved McFarland USA! So inspiring. The Barkley Marathons is something else. Such a good movie but wow! I could never do it!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 25, 2019 at 12:41 am

      Oh, girl. Me, either. I think it would be fun to crew, but I would be lost within the first mile.

      Reply
  11. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    October 26, 2019 at 12:13 am

    Out of your list, I’ve only seen The Barkley Marathon, but then, we’re not really into movies so it doesn’t surprise me. Like you, though, I loved The Barkley Marathon. We really should watch Chariots of Fire since it’s such a classic.
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Family Time and Back to Babying My BodyMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      October 28, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      You really should. It is truly exceptional!

      Reply
  12. Catrina says

    April 20, 2022 at 7:44 am

    I loved McFarland!
    You also have some other great tips of films which I will need to add to my list. Thanks, Jenn!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 20, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      Is that Danny Diaz? OMG, that part kills me every time. Every. Time. What a story.

      Reply
  13. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    April 20, 2022 at 8:27 am

    I’ve seen a few of these, but I’ll need to check out the others! My husband and I were just talking about the Barkley marathons and I didn’t realize it was a movie. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 20, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      OMG it’s such a great movie! Super obscure, but dang. What a ride.

      Reply
  14. Jenny says

    April 20, 2022 at 1:52 pm

    I’ve seen Brittany Runs a Marathon (and I agree with your review) and Chariots of Fire. Oh, and Forrest Gump of course! I want to see the Barkley Marathon one, and also Run Fatboy Run sounds funny. i’ll check them out!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 20, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      In my opinion, Brittany was just not likable. Not at all. But it was part of the character arc, and I guess we had to ride it out. I highly recommend Run Fatboy Run. It’s great.

      Reply
  15. Deborah Brooks says

    April 20, 2022 at 5:46 pm

    A few of these I have not watched yet. Thanks for the fun recs might have to cue one up this weekend

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      April 20, 2022 at 6:36 pm

      Any time!

      Reply
  16. Debbie says

    April 21, 2022 at 1:16 am

    I loved McFarland, USA! As a cross country coach, it had extra meaning for me. Now I need to re-watch many of the older movies because it’s been way too long.

    Reply
  17. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    April 21, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    All my favorites are on your list! Although Brittany runs a marathon didn’t really move me.

    A couple of others I love: October Sky (just for the inspirational story, no running) & secretariat — the horse is doing the running but another very inspirational movie. Oh yeah & The Rookie with Dennis Quaid! Going after your dreams at any age.
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Let’s play did I run here? Part IIMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Darlene Cardillo says

    April 22, 2022 at 4:15 pm

    These are great. I haven’t seen Fat Boy Run so I need to add that to my list.

    I need to re-watch Brittany runs a marathon now that I’ve run the NYC marathon,

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Well, Hello There

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Let’s Connect!

Follow on Bloglovin


Partners

Click here for FREE SHIPPING
Save With Code RUNSWITHPUGS

Pugs Run 50 States

Search Posts

Recent Posts

  • Celebrate Good Times!
  • 5 Training Tips For Running Moms
  • The Politics Of Running
  • The Runs With Pugs Mother’s Day Gift Guide
  • It’s Gonna Be May

Currently Reading

Jennifer's books

The Other Mrs.
The Skylark's Secret
Holly
Queen of Shadows
Archer's Voice
Heir of Fire
The Assassin's Blade
Lore Olympus: Volume One
By Any Other Name
Out There Screaming
Crown of Midnight
Throne of Glass
How to Kill Men and Get Away with It
Verity
Wrong Place Wrong Time
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World
The Girl in the Leaves
The Pale-Faced Lie
Yellowface


Jennifer PugRunner's favorite books »

Archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2025 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!