“My Run” tells the inspiring and extraordinary story of Terry Hitchcock who ran the equivalent of 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days. Hitchcock will be in Sedona to present the film on Feb. 4 along with the filmmakers of “My Run”, director/producer Tim VandeSteeg and producer Mark Castaldo.

"My Run" makes Arizona Premiere in Sedona on Feb. 4

Film festival teams up with Sedona Marathon to present inspiring documentary; meet the subject of the film, Terry Hitchcock, who ran 75 marathons in 75 days

Sedona, AZ - (January 22, 2010) - The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to team up with the Sedona Marathon to present the Arizona Premiere of “My Run,” an award-winning documentary playing to rave reviews across the country. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on a special night, Thursday, Feb. 4 at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres.

“My Run”, narrated by Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton, tells the inspiring and extraordinary story of Terry Hitchcock who ran the equivalent of 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days. Hitchcock will be in Sedona to present the film and host Q&A discussions along with the filmmakers of “My Run”, director/producer Tim VandeSteeg and producer Mark Castaldo.

The film has recently won the “Audience Award” at the Austin Film Festival at its World Premiere and the “Best Documentary” at the Mammoth Film Festival.

“When film festival director Pat Schweiss called and asked if we would like to have our documentary tie in and kick-off the 2010 Sedona Marathon, I couldn’t have been more honored. What a perfect partnering of the Marathon and Terry’s inspiring true-tale of his incredible journey,” said Vandesteeg.

“My Run” tells the amazing journey of 56 year-old Terry Hitchcock’s run to the 1996 Olympics from his home in Minneapolis to Atlanta in 75 consecutive days, covering the equivalent of a marathon each day. After tragically losing his wife to breast cancer and struggling to raise three young children on his own, Hitchcock seized on an idea.  He wanted to accomplish the impossible: run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring attention and give a voice to the 35 million single parents and their children that struggle everyday with extraordinary challenges and crushing heartbreaks of being part of a single-parent family.  His “Mega-Marathon” to Atlanta was his way to give back by recognizing, recruiting, and rallying these forgotten everyday heroes. 

It was a grueling journey. He ran in spite of freezing rain and unbearable heat, in spite of the aches and pains that wracked his 56-year-old body, in spite of losing all of his road crew but one not halfway into the journey, in spite of chest pains and bone fractures. He just kept running — each day, every day — not stopping until he broke the finish tape in Atlanta.

What kept him going? The throngs of townspeople who came out to greet him, who ran with him, who waited along the road to say hi and wish him good luck. The chance to speak with single parents and kids along the way and give them encouragement. The chance to tell his story to newspaper, radio, and TV reporters at every opportunity. Everyone — the kids, the parents, the farmers along the road, the reporters — asked him the same question. Why? What prompted the seemingly mad undertaking of Terry’s run? It’s simple, really. Experiencing the rush of being alive, the joy of sharing, helping others and giving back. THIS is the marathon of life.

“My Run” has garnered kudos from organizations and people — “an astonishing documentary about one man's journey to bring attention to the world about being a single parent. It’s truly a story of endurance and faith,” said the Dove Foundation.   “As the physical pain of Terry’s enduring run intensified, it seemed to ease the emotional pain of losing the person closest to him.  This inspiring documentary shows us how powerful the human spirit is and how after immense struggle comes an even greater elation,” said Deena Kastor, Olympic Medalist and American Record Holder.

“ ‘My Run’ is a film about an ordinary person accomplishing extraordinary things. It is a hero story of never giving up, no matter what obstacles are in your way. As an independent filmmaker, I believe you need to be constantly persistent to be successful. I live by the motto: Be Powerful, Be Unstoppable, and that’s what attracted me to Terry’s story,” said Tim VandeSteeg.

 “This is a film about life and issues many of us have experienced or know someone going through the experience; I believe this is what audiences are touched by.” “It’s about the human spirit and how one man was determined to make a difference and improve the lives of others,” said producer Mark Castaldo.

 “This film will inspire you to your very core, and meeting Terry in person will truly make this an evening to remember. You will be filled with the kind of emotions that will make you want to stand up and cheer,” said film festival director Patrick Schweiss. “It is an honor to partner with the Sedona Marathon and bring such a moving, triumphant film to our city to kick off the big marathon weekend.”

The title sponsor for the event is the Sedona Marathon. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Sedona.

“My Run” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $8 for Film Sedona members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Seats are limited. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 1785 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite 2B, or by calling 282-1177.

For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.