Film shows running as more than a sport

FRUITLAND

Diné runners like Shaun Martin have always thought of running as something more than a sport and competition.

For people like Martin, running is medicine, which is why Martin along with Wings of America were sought out to be a part of the film “3100: Run and Become,” a documentary that focuses on endurance runners and their reasons for running.

The film premieres tomorrow, Aug. 17 and will run through Aug. 24 at the Center of Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe.

The film follows two runners as they take part in the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race, known as the world’s longest certified footrace, where they run 3,100 miles in 52 days. It also features other runners like Martin and shines light on their reasons for running.

“The idea with the 3,100 miles run, the race, is how running can transform people, especially through that race,” Martin said. “Somehow, some way, (director Sanjay Rawal) came across me and what I do as a runner, also as a coach and my ties to Wings of America.”

Martin once served as executive director for Wings of America, which offers running camps for youth, and is now a board member for the organization.

In the film, Martin first appears during filming of the Canyon de Chelly 55K Ultra-Marathon, which one of the 3,100-mile runners, Ashprihanal Aalto, also participants in.

The two are seen interacting and later Martin shares his reason for running with those running in the Canyon de Chelly Ultra.

“When I was going into the fourth grade, my dad said, you know why I make you run every morning? … Because when I was in the fourth grade, I ran for my life,” Martin told the runners.

Martin’s father Allen Martin often ran away from Leupp Boarding School when he was a child. He would run about 80 miles back home to his homestead near Gap.

As an added part of the film, Rawal asked Martin to take part in a spirit run of his choice. Martin chose to run the same trail his father ran from Leupp Boarding School to his father’s original family homestead.

“He and I connected really well. He came to understand that Navajo running is tradition-based and there’s a spiritual connection, it’s not trying to win races. When he understood that about who I am and what I do with traditional Navajo running, we had an immediate bond,” Martin said.

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