Watch Free To Run

Free To Run is an inspiring documentary film that chronicles the history of the running movement, starting from the revolutionary 1960s through to the modern day. The movie explores the social and political upheaval of the period, as well as the change in attitudes towards the human body and the pursuit of physical fitness. The film features an array of interviews with running legends, including Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, Steve Prefontaine, and Bill Rodgers. It also introduces some lesser-known running trailblazers from across the globe, including the Swiss runner Gaby Andersen-Schiess, who famously crashed and burned in the women's marathon at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The movie illustrates how the humble beginnings of the running movement began with a small group of quirky characters who defied the conventional thinking of the day. As they struggled against resistance from governmental authorities, medical professionals, and traditional coaching methods, these trailblazers fought to change social attitudes towards running, and promote it as a healthy and life-affirming activity.

But it wasn't always smooth sailing. The documentary describes the early days of marathon running, which were marred by tragedy and controversy, but also included a great deal of perseverance and determination. The film covers multiple incidents in which racers passed out, or even died from overexertion during marathons. This, coupled with the gender stereotypes of the era, made it difficult for people to take running seriously, as it was often considered a dangerous or unladylike pursuit.

However, as the sport grew in popularity, runners began pushing boundaries that had been set by traditional training methods. They experimented with cross-training and unconventional workout regimens, which included yoga, pilates, and other disciplines implemented to improve strength and flexibility. The film highlights how real innovation in athletics also came from other fields like science and physics, and how advancements in technology allowed for more complex monitoring of athlete performance, facilitating the creation of “super-athletes”.

The director of the film, Pierre Morath, also spends considerable time exploring the impact of the running movement on society. One of the most exciting parts of Free To Run is the exploration of how the movement impacted political and social struggles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Runners challenged the existing political systems by taking to the streets, challenging their governments, campaign for women’s rights and gender equality in sports.

There is even footage of the historic 1968 Mexico City Olympics, which showcased the power of the world-class African runners on the international stage, and brought about an awakening of the notion of global equality on the playing field.

The film describes how, by the 1980s, running had taken a huge leap in popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The movie shows how, in the face of corporate sponsorship, marathons changed from grassroots movements to having an exhibition, TV shows, and a preponderance of marketing. The film leads us to question the direction that the sport has taken and the challenges facing future generations to stay true to the original idealistic principles of the running movement.

Overall, Free To Run is an excellent documentary that captures the passion, dedication, and transformative power of running. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey through history, from the sport's early beginnings as a grassroots movement to its modern-day status as a multi billion dollar industry. The film is sure to inspire anyone who is either a seasoned marathon runner, a novice, or someone who is simply curious to explore an emerging sport ethos that has had global impact.

Free To Run is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 54.