Spirit of the Marathon II

Spirit of the Marathon II is a compelling 2013 documentary film directed by Jon Dunham and produced by Gwendolen Twist. Boasting an international cast of both trailblazing professionals and passionate amateur athletes, the film offers a sobering, inspirational, and thoroughly engrossing glance into the world of marathon running, set against the historic and picturesque backdrop of Rome.

The narrative weaves the personal stories of seven distinct marathoners, each hailing from different parts of the globe, offering insight into what drives them to undertake the grueling 26.2 miles that form the marathon. These individuals put the universal human experience of triumph and struggle in a new context as they band together to partake of this extraordinary test of endurance.

Dominating the professional field in the documentary are the outstanding Rwandan athlete Epiphanie Nyirabarame and elite Italian runner Domenico 'Mimmo' Anzini. Nyirabarame, one of a handful of female professional runners from Rwanda, carries with her the weight of her country's expectations and the determination to inspire the next generation of Rwandan women. Mimmo Anzini, an experienced marathoner, represents the finest of Italian marathoning, showcasing his superlative endurance and skill.

Complementing these professionals, the film also follows three fascinating amateur runners: Cliff Senior, a 48-year-old high functioning autistic man from England; Julie Weiss, a 42-year-old mother of two from California fighting her way back to health after substantial weight gain; and Vasyl Matviychuk, an Eastern Europe native and World War II survivor who picked up running marathons in his 70s.

Lastly, the film shines a light on Father Domenico Scipioni, an Italian priest from Assisi. As a man of the cloth, he brings a unique perspective to the race, using the marathon as a form of pilgrimage which he relates to the journey of life, filled with obstacles and challenges one must overcome in the pursuit of the finish line--a metaphorical symbol of ultimate salvation.

Set against one of the world's most historic cities, Rome, the landscape serves as an added character in the film, at times awe-inspiring with its breathtaking views, the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other iconic locations, and at other times proving to be as challenging and unrelenting as the marathon itself because of the city's ancient cobblestones.

Furthermore, Spirit of the Marathon II touches on the history of the marathon, its evolution as a sport, its symbolic value, and its unifying capacity, linking people across cultures, borders, and social classes. The documentary forms an affecting tapestry of personal struggle, communal triumph, and the sheer love of sport, amply demonstrating that marathon running is much more than a race—it's a transcendental human experience that connects runners in a global fraternity of endurance, self-discovery, and resiliency.

In the tradition of the original award-winning Spirit of the Marathon, this sequel continues its legacy of offering a moving, intimate, and stirring portrayal of an event that pushes individuals to the brink of their physical and mental limits, binding them together in a shared undertaking of will and perseverance.

Expertly crafted, the documentary constructs a profoundly human narrative that will resonate not only with athletes but also with anyone who appreciates the power of the human will and the significance of personal journeys.

Viewers are sure to be emotionally invested in the runners' stories, cheering them along with every stride and sharing their joy, fears, excitement, and determination. This is not a film about marathon winners or records; it's about ordinary people undertaking an extraordinary journey, finding their spirit along the way.

Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner, an aspiring one, or a non-runner, Spirit of the Marathon II will take you on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and triumph. Watching the film feels like an entire marathon compressed into a single sitting—depicting the euphoria, exhaustion, setback, camaraderie, loneliness, and the final sense of accomplishment. It is this interconnected narrative of individual journey and shared experience that defines the true Spirit of the Marathon.