Running To The Start

Running to the Start is an intimate documentary that follows one man’s 100-mile ultramarathon — not as a feat of athleticism, but as a deeply personal journey toward peace. For Charlie King, running isn’t about medals or finish lines. It’s about survival. Living with anxiety and OCD, he discovered that movement could quiet the noise, turning each step into a form of meditation. Filmed over weeks of ‘warm up’ and during the gruelling ultramarathon itself, Running to the Start captures the physical and emotional highs and lows of endurance — from the quiet solitude of the trails to the mental battles that unfold mile after mile. Through stunning natural visuals and raw honesty, the film explores what it means to confront your mind while pushing your body to its limits. Music plays a central role in the film — not just as a soundtrack, but as part of the subject’s healing process. Composed and performed by him, the music weaves through the story as a reflection of his inner world: at times fragile, at times defiant, always deeply human. Created by a small independent team passionate about storytelling and mental health awareness, Running to the Start began as a simple idea — to document one person’s run — and evolved into a portrait of resilience, creativity, and the search for calm in chaos. It’s a film about endurance, not to reach the finish line, but to find the strength to begin again.

Sustainability Notes: 

"Running to the Start was created with a conscious effort to minimise environmental impact throughout production. The film was shot almost entirely outdoors, using natural light and existing environments, eliminating the need for energy-intensive lighting setups or studio spaces. Our small crew travelled minimally — often by foot, bike, or shared transport — and filming was done over multiple sessions in the same locations to reduce travel emissions.

Equipment was kept lightweight and battery-efficient, with minimal power draw and a focus on reusing and repurposing existing gear rather than hiring or purchasing new. Post-production was handled digitally, with no physical materials or print media used throughout the editing and distribution process.

While Running to the Start does not focus directly on environmental sustainability, its themes of endurance, connection to nature, and mindful living align closely with sustainable values. The film subtly encourages a slower, more reflective way of engaging with the world — one that values simplicity, resilience, and the restorative power of natural spaces.

Ultimately, Running to the Start promotes not just mental well-being, but a sustainable mindset: finding balance through movement, nature, and respect for the environments we move through."