Breaking2

Breaking2 is a 2017 National Geographic documentary film that was directed by Martin Desmond Roe. This compelling film follows three elite long-distance runners in their extraordinary attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier, a feat that had never been accomplished before. The film is an hour-long sports thriller that captures not only the physical struggle of endurance athletes, but also their psychological endurance, hope, and determination in the face of one of the long-standing challenges in the sport.

Breaking2 captures the journey of these elite athletes: Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea. Kipchoge, who won the men’s marathon gold in the 2016 Olympics, is possibly the greatest marathoner of his generation. Desisa, a two-time Boston Marathon winner, and Tadese, the half-marathon world-record holder, are also sportive heavyweights. The film introduces the viewer not only to the athletes’ sporting life, but also their personal lives, culture, and the sacrifices they made in their sporting journey.

The film’s primary focus is the human capacity to push beyond boundaries. Geared towards sports lovers and even casual viewers, Breaking2 presents the attempt to achieve the seemingly impossible in a sport where limits are continually probed. The ambitious project took several months of rigorous training, meticulous planning, and included a team of scientists, nutritionists, and testing in wind tunnels. The film documents the scientific efforts that went into the training process, such as innovative shoe design, hydration strategies, rigorous workout regimens, altitude training, and the unique challenge of choosing the perfect course for the record attempt.

Located at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, the 2.4km stretch was selected for the race, due to its flat surface and low air pressure. But the film goes beyond mere technicalities of track selection to explore the sheer grit and determination needed for such a feat.

Breaking2 creates a blend of the scientific and the human, where emotion and motivation are just as important as physical endurance and preparation. The documentary offers an unbiased, behind-the-scenes look at the marathoners as they prepare for the race and as they deal with the inevitable pressures and stresses that occur along the way. This raw and authentic depiction of their journey creates an engaging narrative that manages to inspire hope and encourage resilience.

The scenes are punctuated by colourful tracking maps, heart rate diagrams, and other scientific data, framed against the personal narratives of the runners. These graphics help viewers to understand the magnitude of the challenge and the intensity of the preparation. It serves as an in-depth look into what it truly means to be a sports professional and the demand it places.

The film serves as a reflection of human resilience, determination and the unceasing quest for excellence. The heart of the movie lies not only in the attempt to break the two-hour barrier but also in the runners' bold endeavor to redefine their limits and strive for the extraordinary, with millions watching.

The pace of the movie, much like the marathon itself, is carefully controlled- building momentum steadily and inevitably leading to the culmination, the ultimate race. Director Martin Desmond Roe beautifully juxtaposes the personal, intimate storylines of the runners with the grand, overarching race fervour.

Breaking2 is a riveting piece of documentary cinema that brings together sports, science, perseverance, human spirit, and personal narratives. It watches like an inspirational sports drama, where success is not merely defined by victory, but by the effort it takes to get there. The film encapsulates a monumental moment in sports history with captivating storytelling, making it a must-watch, whether viewers are running enthusiasts or simply a fan of inspiring human stories.