THE DISTANCE:
A Triathlete's Journey
A Film by Richard Ratay
Before you make it to the finish,
you have to make it to the start.
The Film
Testing athletes on a grueling 140.6-mile course of swimming, biking and running, the Iron-distance triathlon is one of the greatest challenges in all of sports. But for non-professionals with jobs, families and other commitments, the journey just to get to the starting line can be even more challenging.
Documenting the nine months leading up to raceday, "The Distance: A Triathlete's Journey" examines the enormous impact that training for the race has on the lives of three very different amateurs preparing for their first attempt at the ultimate endurance event. There's the mother of triplets who struggles to find the balance between training and family demands. The newlywed who learns his first child is due just two weeks before raceday. And the student, who tries to stay committed to his goal despite the ever-present temptations of college life.
Shot by EMMY Award Winning Creative Director and triathlete Richard Ratay, "The Distance" captures an inside view of the full Iron-distance triathlon experience like never before, offering a gritty, honest and very revealing look at the daunting personal challenges involved-- for the participants and their loved ones.
It's essential viewing for anyone who has dreamt about-- or knows anyone who has dreamt about-- attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of endurance sports challenges and go "The Distance".
