LEADMAN: The Dave Mackey Story

On May 23, 2015, the unimaginable happened to Altra Running and CamelBak athlete Dave Mackey on a routine training run. At the summit of Bear Peak, a giant boulder became dislodged sending Mackey tumbling down the mountain before it also landed on him crushing his left leg. After a series of unsuccessful surgeries over the next year plus to get back to normal, he and his family made the difficult decision to amputate. This is his story about perseverance and coming back from the injury to attempting to complete the Leadville Race Series to become the first ever leg amputee to call himself a "Leadman".
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Directed by: Matt Trappe, Billy Yang
Sponsors: Altra Running, Camelbak, Suffer Better
If you would like to support my work, consider donating to my Patreon page at: / billyyang
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© Billy Yang Films, LLC + Nine Mind 2019
Twitter: @BillyYang
Instagram: @BillyYangFilms
Facebook: @BillyYangFilms
www.billyyangfilms.com/

[@tkpwns04]

I saw Dave at the leadville marathon, not even a year from my first ultra race. It was right as I was coming up mosquito pass and he was bombing down. I didn't know who he was but I do remember thinking that if this awesome dude with only one leg can make it look so easy then I can try a little harder myself. It was a few months later that I learned who he was and what his history has been like. Truly amazing. Thank you Billy for capturing his inspirational story for all of us!

[@billmccaffrey1977]

My heart goes out to Dave and I know exactly what he went through. I had some arthritis in my leg ankle from a paragliding accident many years earlier. I went to a supposed foot and ankle specialist. He said I needed to fuse my subtalar joint. During the surgery he overheated the bone and severely damaged the nerve. He actually discharged me as healed. I immediately found another surgeon with a history of dealing with athletes. I had several surgeries trying to repair the damage done by the other doctor. In the end they had to amputate because I couldn't use the left foot at all. It is a very hard life transition. Just learning how to do the basics of getting out of bed to go to the bathroom or to take a shower was overwhelming at first. I am trying to learn how to jog now knowing that I will never be able to run like I used to. So Dave, my heart goes out to you and your family and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[@jessicabradshaw3365]

Wow, my heart goes out to you! I hope you’re able to stay active, I can tell that means a lot to you and really wondering how the running is going?

[@deldridg]

So sorry to hear of your plight Bill. I hope you've found a way to return to the things you love with your new you and that you've managed to find some peace and positivity in all of this. Many regards from Sydney - Dave

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I love that line at the end-"Why not do more?" I'm lucky enough to get to work with and hang out with a lot of people with disabilities, and it's helped me understand the difference between a real limitation and a perceived one. Kyle Pease once told me "The only person stopping you from achieving your goal is you." We all have perceived limits, but the more I see what people with far more challenges than I have get done, the more artificial they start to seem for all of us. Great video, as always, and a greater story.

[@tymckeown3489]

You caught me cutting onions again Billy Yang, damn fine film that just tells it's own story.

[@karry98]

You know it’s a good day when you get a notification Billy Yang uploaded a movie! Inspiring stuff...

[@altrarunning]

What a beautiful piece, Billy, Matt, and team. You've captured Dave's gritty and inspirational story in such a compelling way.

[@Drewb18c1]

It's great to see a brand like Altra being involved in such a way. Like, sticking with someone such as Dave in this challenging time, when he's no longer leading the pack, and working with a grass-roots creator like Billy to tell the story.

[@BillyYang]

Drewb18c1 100%. Thank you Altra!

[@tkpwns04]

@@Drewb18c1 I agree 100%. Makes me love Altra that much more. Dave's determination and spirit are more impressive to me than many others' fast times and it's good to see a company notice and agree!

[@kswidaho8091]

Thanks to Altra Running for supporting Dave and also for working with Billy Yang to create this beautiful piece! Your shoes have been a game changer for my running! Proud to support this company!

[@deldridg]

Oh lord - what a challenging and amazing story. Billy - you've done it again. Our whole family was spellbound and moved by Dave's story. On a different scale, I felt some of Dave's pain. In Jan last year I almost severed 3 fingers and the thumb of my left hand in a tablesaw accident. As a serious pianist of 40+ years, it was a devastating blow. While my fingers will never be the same, I've also had to count my lucky stars - things could have been so much worse. Now, almost 2 years later I'm playing again almost like before and couldn't imagine my life without my music. As an avid runner - I couldn't imagine Dave's journey. More power to him and through you his story is touching folks like us on the other side of the planet! Cheers and thank you from Sydney - Dave

[@JonnyBuilds]

Billy, what a masterful job bringing Dave's story to all of us. Kudos to you and your team, and I'm stoked I got to witness this in person.

[@flemobiz718]

Great film again Billy Yang and full respect to Dave Mackey for never given up.

[@kaicollingwood4582]

This is such an inspiring story. The day after Dave's accident, my Dad went through a very similar traumatic fall that changed his life and our entire family's lives. It's not always easy to see what an accident like this can lead to in a positive way, but Dave's story is proof that a lot of good can come of it. My Dad is still trying to find the good that can come of it, but I know it'll come.

[@TrailRunningWales]

Incredible movie Billy and an amazing story. Your videos always inspire me immensely. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@edward_dantonio]

The most important part of this whole experience is that Dave is alive. Life is very fragile and he has a beautiful family to come back too. God bless them. It’s just great he can run again too.

[@michaelwasserman4507]

Love your work, Billy. I think you're the best ultra-running filmmaker out there. If I'm ever feeling lazy about getting out there to train, I watch something of yours and it always gets me in the mood...to run, that is.

[@MarkGriffith]

This is such a great and inspiring film of the power of human spirit and over coming. Well done!

[@BillyYang]

Thanks as always for your support Mark!

[@dannyjacobs6734]

The Running Channel suggested this as one of the top 10 documentaries and stories to watch! I wasn't disappointed! Very inspiring and awesome story!

[@nomad1331]

What an inspiration Dave is, a triumph of human spirit. Great job Billy, thx for your work.

[@ashparmar7699]

Thanks for sharing this amazing story. World needs more stories like this to be told.

[@TheAtl0001]

Runners' community is so incredibly great!

[@seanmalone2530]

Truly Inspirational! The cinematography was beautiful.

[@bridgemasterx]

So many emotional stories out there. And Billy captures it all. Another stunning piece. Dave you are awesome.

[@bigbuggie5]

What great determination and Perseverance. He also has a wonderful supportive family too.

[@johanvandijkh5042]

My dad lost his leg as an air force pilot. He still played water polo, rode his bike and at 82 years old he still fly his Lambada motorised glider. Hats of to you Dave. You are an inspiration.

[@celine59]

What an amazing Story! Dave earned my Respect so hard. I was crying as he got thru the finish line. Thank you, Billy, for this beautiful film. And thank you, Dave, for sharing your story with us. We can lern so much from you!

[@fxd00mer]

For god sakes Billy, your films bring tears to my eyes. It's nearly 5 am here, I just had breakfast watching Dave's story and I'm going out now for my long run. I will be thinking about him. Truly amazing. Leg or no leg, nothing gets in a man's way.

[@craigs103]

Billy and Dave, I can't seem to stop watching this. Hard to capture in words the power of this work and your story Dave. I remember seeing you on the course last year as I attempted my first 100 at Leadville. Thank you!

[@ianthevegantattooedultraru1113]

WOW, Thanks for sharing Dave's amazing story, Massive respect for Dave, how the f@ck have 31 soulless people given this a thumbs down? Keep up the great work also Billy, Love your documentaries!

[@staciapotempa1091]

What a story! I love that moment when his friend gives him the belt buckle in the hospital and it resonates with him that he really wanted to do that again. Imagining the quiet patience, persistence, dedication, discomfort endured in rehab to get back out there doing the activities he loved again was truly inspiring. His Mom sharing her hopes that he can continue to show people to do the best with what they have. ❤️. That's what drew me to running that supportive community that gets psyched to see people pushing their limits whether it's a back of the packer or an elite athlete. But Dave Mackey doing 100 mile race on a prosthesis, what a badass! No excuses.

[@lmbraga]

Rewatching this. Huge respect and admiration for Dave. Great storytelling Billy!

[@182mattyboy]

Truly amazing film again Billy, Dave Mackey!!! what a human, I think everyone can take something from his mental attitude and toughness, he didn't let this life changing injury set him back, it made him stronger we can all learn from that. Thanks again Billy for bringing this to the fore, everybody needs to watch this

[@kunalsharma2116]

Billy Yang Films.... Are the worlds best... U guys are super gud in wat u do... Keep making such BEAUTIFUL MOVIES 🎥 THANK U

[@adamb6472]

Great film Billy, submit this into the Banff Mountain Film festival it will win for sure.

[@pitotito1]

I been waiting for this one! Thanks

[@Howtowithpaulaandjohn]

Thank you ! Needed this. Go Dave!

[@ultralightbackpacking6888]

Amazing - I’ve been looking forward to this for seemingly forever

[@AndrooJeanPierre]

What an example ! You're a legend, dude ! Awesome story. Very inspiring

[@thenapolitan]

Great movie Billy. Love your stuff.

[@yangxiong8798]

Amazing! Thank you so much Billy!

[@mij9196]

Beautiful and inspiring video! Good job Billy.

[@chrisbaldwin5334]

I have been so lucky forward to this! Thank you! Can’t wait to watch it

[@Pilotwisco]

You've done it again Billy. A great story told beautifully.

[@etiennevlok]

Amazing story and video! Thank you!

[@grantsmith3783]

Great story, very inspiring story Dave! Awesome work documenting this Billy!

[@FortunaFound]

Wow... I love your videos... and LOVE the story telling. LOVE the final comment from Dave.

[@clarkphillips7832]

So awesome! I needed that!

[@Raekwonia]

Thank you Billy, you've managed to capture Dave's ethos and spirit. I loved this x

[@widge234]

Thanks for releasing this on KZbin. Very inspiring.

[@boadenandrew]

awesome, billy - incredible story, amazingly told

[@fredecks4641]

You make amazing videos, Billy. Thank you!

[@caseycolby9783]

Such a great video Billy! I’m crying over here. Incredible story.

[@jak3__]

Jeez! That was a tearjerker! Amazing video. Super inspirational.

[@Kapixdos]

Wonderfully put together Billy. Fighting back tears the whole time.

[@SedatKurtulus]

Dave & Billy, you are great! Thanks for the film.

[@alexlikesoutdoors5825]

Wow. This is incredibly inspiring... It's so easy to get wrapped up in issues that are very minor compared to what Dave has been through and deals with on a day to day basis. This story helps ground you, that's for sure!

[@rodzillathecutman7953]

Amazing work Billy. Thank you

[@Zonteck]

Been watching his recovery ever since that injury, great to finally be able to catch this.

[@Run4Adventure]

Amazing story, told so well! Great work as always Billy 🎥👍🏻

[@edward_dantonio]

“What is a tremendous accomplishment, I am really proud of it. I do know there’s a lot more to come though, there’s more hills to climb, why stop, why not do more.” Dave Mackey

[@pablo_elizalde]

Amazing. I have no words. Thanks, Billy. Thanks, Dave.

[@enjoycollisions]

Thank you Billy!

[@paulsparkes5741]

Great work Billy what an amazing story!!!!

[@TheDonkeyboy82]

Billy this is an absolutely incredible film ... thank you for putting it together!!

[@peterm5509]

Its so weird how life works sometimes. I literally just bought my first pair of altras. I've been watching a lot of billy yang videos. But out of all of them this has to be the most inspirational. Dave Mackey you are an amazing person and athlete. Thank you... simply thank you. For showing the worlds what you are capable of and for inspiring me to never give up on the things I love.

[@GiovanniClean]

So sick thanks for making this

[@ewanhoward5]

incredible. I'm not sure what else to say. Thank you Billy for telling such a great story.

[@johnfowlertrailrunning]

Incredible story, beautifully filmed and edited. Awesome stuff dude! 🏔😀

[@johnyutah5]

What an inspiring and well told story. Thank you both for sharing!

[@richsawyer1067]

Very well done, Billy! My favorite video yet. You captured all the emotions wonderfully. What an inspiration!

[@jonrea138]

There are so many stories to tell and you are telling them with creativity and authenticity. Dave is an inspiration and you both created something great here, can't wait to watch more.

[@coastdave]

Wow - thanks Billy for putting this piece together, and to Dave for sharing his story

[@nonorunner8136]

Thanks buddy. You outdid yourself this time. Dave is awesome. And this helped me a lot today.

[@philippmeyer7859]

You did it again Billy. Amazing Film and inspiration. Thumbs up !

[@walterhogie]

Great video! Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@corbymartinfilms]

Great job telling an incredible story.

[@RunningHauki]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Wow, amazing!!!!!

[@walterwally983]

DM is pretty freaking inspiring! Thanks Dave! Keep pushin' man!

[@mcratsix]

I love these videos so fucking much. They just make you wanna go out there and get after it like crazy. Gonna become a patreon sub after seeing this!

[@to250582]

Real inspiration! Thank you Billy for sharing this amazing story!

[@findmeinariver]

Wow! Thank you Billy Yang for making this film. Beyond inspiring!

[@paragonkickboxingacademy]

Amazing, thank you!

[@drtisbeter]

Thanks Billy, I was aware of the story but this bring so much more power to it!!

[@dimitristsartsanis1671]

Thank u for this great video.

[@susanwiggins6309]

So inspiring!

[@beeclimbing9954]

Thanks to you both for the tremendous efforts it took from each of you Dave and Billy!

[@TheRhinocesaurus]

Wonderfully told story, nice work Billy!

[@Bled00]

Wow, really moving! Dave tremendous spirit!, Billy well done! always looking forward to see your material. Keep strong!

[@mushfiquerahman8736]

This is so inspiring. And great job billy as always. Big fan....

[@gregburklo253]

Dave, man that is awesome! Keep pushing brother!

[@mrburtenshaw8610]

Thanks for sharing the story

[@ashleyleighton-haggy5759]

Absolutely amazing. What an inspiration. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@ThisMountainGal]

Wow! Incredible, Billy. Incredible, Dave!

[@doc2sew]

Well done as always! God Bless Dave, God Bless!!

[@FriendlyIndex]

Fantastic and inspiring film Billy!(and team) thanks for the great work.

[@jonathanpuskas4095]

Billy... Really thoughtfully shared. Thank you. Films like this give hope and inspiration.

[@campustechfr]

Thank you Billy for another piece of inspiration. Kudos to Dave and his family, and all runners who struggle to get some level of accomplishment.

[@erwinboerebach2417]

Wow, just wow Billy. Keep making these inspiring movies!

[@irfnhype]

Just wow! So inspirational. Thanks for sharing it with us bil

[@mathieugosselin7538]

Wow! Thank you Billy for bringing us such an inspirational story. It gets me emotional to witness how good of an inspiration he is for his children. Keep up the good work!

[@pedrob8787]

one of THEY best videos ive seen! what!! a!! guyyy!! congrats! and another epic Billy 👍🏃‍♂️

[@Predazord007]

Bloody amazing story. Great work Billy 👍🏻

[@stevendorsey4882]

Congrats, Billy and the whole team for this great film. Dave Mackey's story is truly inspirational, and your film captures the story so well.