Jon Dunham

L.A.-based director Jon Dunham has run 24 marathons, and in 2004, he decided to run with an idea to make a documentary about one—he picked the Chicago Marathon. The feature-length Spirit of the Marathon follows six athletes as they train for and then attempt to tackle the 26.2-mile venture in 2005. The film makes its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Fest this weekend (its screenings are sold out), right before the 30th-anniversary race on Sunday 7.

Why did you choose Chicago?
I was looking for a big-city marathon that had a spectacular course—I had run Chicago and completely loved it. And [2004 Olympic bronze medalist] Deena Kastor announced she would run Chicago in 2005. At first she was going to speak on the history, but ended up starring in the film.

Did you learn anything about marathons that you didn’t know?
What the African running scene is really like. We all know they’re the best runners in the world, but to witness firsthand how runners [like Daniel Njenga] are aspiring to reach fame, that was definitely interesting. In Chicago, the winner gets [almost] $130,000.

And one of the film’s runners, first-timer Leah Caille, says her divorce was her inspiration?
Yes…the film was a balancing act. We spent time with Leah and her daughter, and Daniel and his wife in Kenya. You’re learning what makes them tick and what their motivations are—and the running is an extension of that.—Leah Pietrusiak

Watch the Chicago Marathon Sunday 7. For film updates and the trailer, visit marathonmovie.com.