Over the weekend we attended film screenings for documentary, "Town of Runners" and were left hugely inspired by those in front and behind the camera.
The film focuses on the journey of Hawii Megersa and Alemi Tsegaye, two young female runners from the mystical Ethiopian town of Bekoji.
Mystical? Because an unusually high number of the world's elite pavement pounders hail from the remote highland region.
As Hawii's mother said of the road to success in Bekoji, "there is only education and running." Living legends of the track Derartu Tulu, Kenenisa Bekele, Tariku Bekele, Mestawet Tufa, Genzebe Dibaba, Ejigayehu Dibaba, Mestawot Tadesse and Tirunesh Dibaba are Bekoji born and bred.
"Town of Runners" begins in 2008 in the Olympic year when Tirunesh and Kenenisa brought golds home from Beijing. That same year jolly, passionate and lovable teacher turned Coach Sentayehu Eshetsu is seen putting Hawii, Alemi and a host of other young hopefuls through their paces in preparation for the Regional Youth Championships.
Navigating the lives of these young athletes over three years the film reveals to viewers the behind the scenes physical, social, economic and political battles these teenage athletes must endure.
Runners amongst you will definitely find the film inspiring and non-runners might just be compelled to dust off the running shoes after watching this one.
Nike's London space 1948 hosted the screening, Charlie Dark Founder of the Run Dem Crew introduced the film and led the Q and A with the film's modest and humble producer Dan Demissie and the talented Coach Sentayehu Eshetsu in session.
For dates on further screenings checkout townofrunners.com and to watch the film online for free (limited time only) visit tribecafilm.com.
