"Run to the Source, nature and diversity beyond London in Patagonia's new trail running documentary
Martin Johnson explores the nature and diversity that extends beyond London in Patagonia's new trail running documentary "Run to the source".
The film follows Patagonia's trail running ambassador Martin Johnson (MJ) as he attempts to set a new best known time (FKT) along the 296km Thames River Trail from the Thames Barrier southeast of London to the source of the river in the Cotswolds on 25 May, the anniversary date of George Floyd's assassination.
As a sportsman and a black Briton, MJ deals with the gruelling physical challenge, as well as reflecting on the history of black people in Britain, as he runs a route whose symbolism lies in empowering and enabling people from diverse ethnic backgrounds living in cities to explore the outdoors and the wilderness. The feat is accompanied by archive footage contextualising the lives of black people in Britain over the last century, as well as original poetry and music.
Martin Johnson, Patagonia's trail running ambassador commented:
"Connecting with the outdoors and exploring our surroundings allows us to grow physically, emotionally and socially. But history has created inequalities and barriers that prevent people of colour from engaging with, or even discovering, the outdoors. I hope that Run to the Source will encourage viewers to seek out the lesser-known stories of the land around us that have shaped our societies and the various privileges that exist within them.".
Matt Kay, director of Run to the Sourcehe explained:
"Martin's journey embodies a struggle, a movement and an evolution. The film doesn't just focus on whether or not he will beat the fastest known time, but documents Martin's process of exploration as he discovers the history of coloured British people and how this identifies with outdoor sport. From his connection to the river, his passion for running and his hunger for knowledge, we discover why he is so connected to outdoor sport and why, as a matter of course, many people of colour and other non-Caucasian races feel so alienated from it.
