Athletes in Movies - IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011

As the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011 is getting closer, we would like to introduce some movies that feature competitive running.


1. Forrest Gump, 1994

The first movie is Forrest Gump. Although it’s been years since this movie’s release, many people still remember this masterpiece film today. Forrest Gump, the main character of the movie, had a lower IQ than normal. He could not walk properly due to a bend in his spine. Amid all of this, Forest had a strong talent for running. One of the most memorable scenes from this movie is when Forest miraculously ran so fast that he broke the prosthetic supports that were fastened to his legs.

He continued to run enthusiastically and eventually became a college football player. During his service in Vietnam, he even saved his dear friend thanks to his ability to run fast. I recommend this movie for those looking for a story filled with love, hope sorrow and miracle.

A famous line from the movie is "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

2. Without Limit, 1998

This movie is based on the true story of the legendary American athlete, Steve Prefontaine. He was one of the most loved and handsome athletes in history, setting American records in the middle distance event from 2,000m to 10,000m in the 1970’s. Sadly, he died in a traffic accident at the young age of 24.

This movie featured his relationship with his coach, Bill Bowerman. I hope you enjoy this sad but beautiful story.


Steve Prefontaine once said: A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, which can punish him into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish him even more.


3. Love, 1999

This movie presents a love story of a national marathoner, featuring famous Korean actor, Woo Sung Chung and actress So Young Go. The story narrated the love between a discouraged marathoner and an adopted women.




4. Saint Ralph, 2004

This movie features the story of a little boy named Ralph and his challenge to recover his sick mother by winning a marathon in Boston. Can Ralph achieve his wish? Let’s see the ending in the movie.

A famous line from the movie: “If we're not chasing after miracles, what's the point, huh?”




5. Marathon, 2005

This movie based on the real story of someone living with autism was very successful in Korea. His mother’s effort allowed him to finish in 4th place in a full marathon. Watching, the audience can feel the mother’s compassion and ambition sprint right besides the main character.


6. Bare foot Gi-bong, 2006 

Based on a true story, similar to the movie Marathon. A 40 year old, unmarried devoted son is the main character. His goal is to buy dentures for his mom with the earning of winning a marathon event. Don’t miss Gi-bong’s heroic story.


7. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, 2010

This recent movie presents the story of a girl who went back in time to find her mother’s first 
love. During time travel, she sprints.




8. Run! Hani, 1988 

Although it’s not a movie, this work features a lot about Korean athletics and running. It is a legendary comic of Korean athletics. Run! Hani tells the story of a young athlete who lost her mother and with it her passion for running.


The movies mentioned above include impressive and heart touching stories. The sports featured also convey deep emotions. The cinematic depictions of running are often beautiful. I hope you can also feel their heart beating too.