Watch Running the Sahara

Running the Sahara is a gripping documentary from 2007 that captures an extraordinary athletic endeavor while also touching on important social and environmental issues. Narrated by Hollywood actor Matt Damon, this film follows an inspiring journey of three ultra-marathon runners—Charlie Engle from the United States, Kevin Lin from Taiwan, and Ray Zahab from Canada—as they set out on an unprecedented challenge to run across the Sahara Desert.

Directed by James Moll, the film presents a daunting physical and mental adventure, encapsulating the drama, struggle, and the spirit of teamwork as these three men attempt to cross the vast expanse of the Sahara, a journey that would take them through six countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Egypt. The aim isn't just to achieve a record-breaking feat but also to raise awareness about the people living in the Sahara and the acute water shortages they face in their daily lives.

Over the course of the documentary, audiences are taken on a 111-day marathon, covering some 4,300 miles of extremely challenging terrain. The narrative explores the various dimensions of their preparations, the complex logistics involved in undertaking such a marathon, and the personal backgrounds of Engle, Lin, and Zahab—each bringing his unique perspective and drive to the undertaking.

The runners face extreme temperatures that soar to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) during the day and plummet at night, along with sandstorms and varied terrain that includes rocky cliffs and massive sand dunes. Viewers are drawn into the human aspect of the endurance feat—the toll it takes on their bodies, the emotional highs and lows, and the bonds formed between the runners and their supporting crew.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to weave together the sheer physicality of the run with deeper narratives. Engle, Lin, and Zahab aren't just running for the sake of running; they're also engaging with the communities they pass through, learning about and bringing attention to the challenges of water scarcity. The documentary sheds light on the impact of these environmental issues on the day-to-day lives of the Saharan people, thereby providing a contrast between the voluntary hardship undertaken by the runners and the involuntary hardships experienced by others.

The presence of Matt Damon as the project's narrator gives the film an additional layer of visibility and legitimacy. Damon, co-founder of Water.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to safe water and sanitation, underscores the film's greater message.

Throughout the documentary, the endurance and determination of the runners are palpable. Despite the unimaginable physical exhaustion, the runners show the resilience of the human spirit and exemplify what can be achieved when one is driven by a mission. Running the Sahara is as much an exploration of human limits as it is a journey across one of the most inhospitable landscapes on Earth.

Beyond the athleticism, Running the Sahara focuses on the preparation and support indispensable to such a quest. The logistical challenges are many, from ensuring the runners have enough water and food to navigating the geopolitical sensitivities of crossing international borders in volatile regions.

The cinematography captures the harsh beauty of the desert, with panoramic shots that convey both the vast emptiness of the Sahara and the solitary determination of the three runners against this backdrop. The film also includes up-close and personal footage, diary-like confessions from Engle, Lin, and Zahab that offer a window into their emotional states and the personal significance of their journey.

What makes Running the Sahara particularly moving is its honesty. The documentary doesn't shy away from the tensions that arise or the moments of vulnerability each runner faces. Their triumphs and trials make for an emotional rollercoaster that viewers ride along with them.

Running the Sahara is more than just a sports documentary; it's a story about human connection, the strength of the human will when tested to its limits, and a reminder of the expansive challenges faced by communities across the globe. Fans of adventure, sports, human interest stories, and environmental issues will likely find something of value in this powerful documentary.

Running the Sahara is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.