Watch The Mountain Runners

The Mountain Runners is a thrilling real-life adventure movie from 2012, documenting the story of a group of courageous runners who made history by trekking across Mount Baker, an active volcano located in Washington State. Directed by independent filmmaker Todd Warger and narrated by legendary actor Brian Cox, the movie features interviews with surviving family members, historical experts, and several of the runners themselves.

The story begins in 1911, when local businessmen instigated a publicity stunt to boost the image of the town of Bellingham by organizing a race up Mount Baker. The race was initially advertised as a simple footrace, but as excitement grew, the rules changed to include a team of two, with one member running up and the other skiing down. Competitors from across the country were drawn to the challenge, including two groups of runners who each had their own revolutionary gear and techniques for conquering the mountain.

Michael Bart and Sandy Brewer were the key members of one group, Outing Club, who arrived from Chicago with their innovative snowshoes and a determination to show that they were the fastest and most fearless mountain climbers. Meanwhile, the other runners, named The Bellingham Bay Marathoners, had the advantage of local knowledge and experience. Led by the charismatic Kermit Hogg, they devised a more practical approach, with Hogg inventing custom-made steel cleats to grip the ice and a sled to slide down the mountain.

As the two groups vied for supremacy, they faced an array of challenges and dangers, including punishing weather conditions, 12,000 feet of elevation, and sheer rock faces to climb. The tension and excitement are palpable as the movie captures the intensity of the competition, following each team's climb up the mountain, and their joint descent full of epic risks.

Beyond the enthralling race footage, the movie also provides a fascinating window into the social and cultural context of America in the 1910s. The race was an embodiment of the American dream, with unparalleled opportunities for glory, recognition, and wealth for those who could prove their courage and strength. The movie also features archival footage and reenacted scenes of the period, showing the innovations and eccentricities of the outfits, transportation, and customs of the time.

The Mountain Runners is not only a cinematic spectacle but also a deeply inspiring tale of human resolve and adventure that will resonate with lovers of natural landscapes, mountaineering sports, endurance feats, and historical stories. The movie captures the essence of how the human spirit strives to find new horizons and pushes past the limits of what is deemed possible in such escapades.

Overall, The Mountain Runners is an excellent documentary that narrates a strong narrative of will, grit, and courage, which aims to inspire the audience to strive for greater heights, embrace collaborative frontiers, and appreciate the hard-earned victories of those who have dared. This movie is an absolute must-watch for adventure lovers who yearn to experience a glimpse of a different era, fantastic tales of boldness, and exotic climbs that aren't easy to forget.

The Mountain Runners is a 2012 special interest movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.