LEADMAN: The Dave Mackey Story

[@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.

[@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!

[@tymckeown3489]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@karry98]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@nomad1331]

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

[@TrailRunningWales]

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

[@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!

[@flemobiz718]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@seanmalone2530]

Truly Inspirational! The cinematography was beautiful.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@paragonkickboxingacademy]

Amazing, thank you!

[@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.

[@ashparmar7699]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@kunalsharma2116]

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

[@kswidaho8091]

Congratulations Dave and family! As a fellow trail runner minus a major body part I have followed your journey with pride. Well done as always Billy Yang! Respect to Altra Running and CamelBak for supporting Dave.

[@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.

[@yannickcreoff2737]

The words RESPECT and INSPIRATION don't even start to describe what I feel. So humbling for all of us. I'm so, so impressed by the athletic performance , yet perhaps even more by Dave's calm, poise and strength in dealing with the incident and it's aftermath. Thanks Dave for sharing your amazing story. And thanks Billy for telling Dave's story in such a compelling and beautiful way.

[@AndrooJeanPierre]

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

[@pablo_elizalde]

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

[@Zonteck]

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

[@fysh1945]

Thank you for sharing your story Dave. You will inspire thousands like me to get off their couches and DO MORE. Billy, this is your best work. You may never top this one. Thank you both for an amazing film.

[@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.

[@gypsyhikermonica227]

Sir, This is a film I would see over and over. Raw emotion and untethered will to overcome the devastation leaves me without words to explain the power of this work. Thank you for making this film and for the brutal honesty of a man who continues on.

[@HeretikKee]

I haven't been that moved by a story in a long time. Thanks Dave for reminding us that we should always strive to do the best we can with what we have. Billy, thanks for (again) putting together a movie that will be a source of inspiration for years to come.

[@RunningHauki]

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

[@Frabart05]

Great film! So much strength and determination. Huge inspiration, especially for all the injured athletes out there.

[@chucks263]

Dave - you’re a true inspiration! Billy - congrats for another great film. Hi from a UK runner.

[@thenapolitan]

Great movie Billy. Love your stuff.

[@luiselortondo]

What an emotional and inspiring story, thank you very much. Mi highest respects and admiration for you Dave, I'm sure you are a role model for lots of people. Couldn't help but recall the moto of the Trans Rockies, a 7 days MTB race in the Canadian rocky mountains: "Find outside what you have inside"...

[@TheDonkeyboy82]

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

[@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!

[@BDMotorsport]

Truly inspirational. Superb film as always Billy. As someone training for my first marathon, and hoping to progress to ultras, it's people like this who are a constant reminder of what is possible. Hope I get to meet some of you guys out on the trails in the US at some point in the future.

[@RafaelbySuzannah]

Deeply moving cried very moving and ultimately uplifting thanks and gratitude

[@FortunaFound]

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

[@erwinboerebach2417]

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

[@johnknowles5595]

Beautiful film Billy. Dave is s beautiful human being. You captured him and the race perfectly.

[@Belrene1225]

Billy and Dave, thank you. Thank you for a wonderful film Billy. Thank you Dave for being you. You both inspire us to do better, to be better.

[@ginnylin]

Thank you Billy and Dave for telling such an incredible story. There is really nothing you can't do if you don't give in. We owe it to ourselves to be the best we can.

[@TheAtl0001]

Runners' community is so incredibly great!

[@checogomezable]

It is an inspiring story that already teaches me that if you propose what you can achieve, thank you very much Dave for your great example, greetings from Mexico City

[@Jones-123]

Another great portrayal of human journey. Well done Billy. Big respect to Dave. True grit

[@canizalesfamily719]

Thank you Dave for being such an inspirational person. I will always fall back on your words of wisdom. Also, thank you Billy for being able to capture this on film and share the story.

[@nonorunner8136]

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

[@pangsu5609]

Thank you Billy for the great film. Dave Mackey...you are truly an inspiration.

[@michaeltheunissen609]

Triumph of the human spirit! Just amazing..I am at a loss for words and this is truly inspirational.

[@sophie4636]

That brought tears to my eyes, so inspiring ✨️

[@jasonmason066]

Billy, Thanks so much for inspiring me to make movies and tell stories. I've always loved telling stories but never recorded them for my family and friends. I started a couple years ago and you are a HUUUGGGE inspiration to me. I watch every single thing you make. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@ewanhoward5]

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

[@pattidanzig3622]

Beautiful film Billy. Definitely had me crying from the first minute in. Such raw emotion showing the courage it takes to keep going despite what life may throw at us.

[@rungagzrun]

I remember seeing Dave out there. We passed each other along Hope Pass. He was inbound and I was still outbound! Hahaha Heart of a champion. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Dave! And Billy: You've done it again with another inspiring video! Thank you, gentlemen 😎

[@coastdave]

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

[@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.

[@inspiredtobebetter8994]

This is awesome!! I can't tell you how much this has inspired me. I've had my own problems over the last few years, from Cancer to diabetes and arthritis all at the age of 50. I'll be running tomorrow now. Thank you for this 👍 x

[@geoffreygagne4150]

just an unreal story. Dave is such an inspiring guy and i think you really captured his spirit on this one. Really nicely put together billy!

[@Predazord007]

Bloody amazing story. Great work Billy 👍🏻

[@Ruffpeaksoutfitters]

Such an inspiration he is. Great film Billy.

[@johnyutah5]

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

[@caseycolby9783]

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

[@DaleHawkins]

Dave, you are a super star! Happy to run into you around town.

[@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.

[@makingmemark]

Just what I needed after a couple of shit days… what an inspiration Dave, and epic work once again Billy 🙏

[@chriswigney4735]

Just wow. A beautifully presented story of a truly inspirational man. Thanks to all involved in its production.

[@ultralightbackpacking6888]

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

[@chikaralho]

Just beautiful... An inspirational story well crafted in a great movie.

[@Howtowithpaulaandjohn]

Thank you ! Needed this. Go Dave!

[@jasjeet177]

Exceptional movie! What an accomplishment!

[@donclark4639]

Thank you Dave and Billy.

[@adamwooler2175]

Incredible filmmaking Billy, I had shivers watching Dave go about his business!!

[@thomaspisano9121]

Awesome, Inspiring, Bad-ass! Kudos to both of you. I cant tell you how much I love your films Billy. Keep them coming. Dave Mackey is the definition of beast mode. "Why stop when you can do more." You sir, are a legend.

[@sandralee7862]

Nice film. It reminds me of my trip to Denver and Leadville (hiked one of the passes, Hope Pass) a couple of years ago to visit a friend, Leadville Leadman in Denver.

[@jonathanpuskas4095]

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

[@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!

[@DaveIrish66]

Truly inspirational ! Great story , the passion and determination is powerful.

[@ThisMountainGal]

Wow! Incredible, Billy. Incredible, Dave!

[@watereddown1s]

Thank you Billy and Dave for sharing this story with us all. One of the more enlightening instalments to the Billy Yang Films collection. ~With Love^^

[@slapfan1]

what an inspiring story, great job Dave and Billy.

[@adamb6472]

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

[@geauxdb1]

Awesome job Billy and Matt. Dave, you're a bad ass dude. Puts things in perspective man. Just awesome.

[@gabe_green]

Billy, was able to meet you briefly at the San Francisco Running Company when you were waiting to use the restroom at the showing. Great story, phenomenal cinematography and overall a wonderful experience to have you in Mill Valley. Wish you all the best.. Until next time!

[@beeclimbing9954]

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

[@findmeinariver]

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

[@LeadvilleToday]

Great short documentary on the strength of the #humanspirit and a #Leadman champion of the #LT1000 @Leadville Race Series. Welcome to the #Leadville family Dave Mackey. Kudos on the film Billy Yang Films.

[@damo1074]

I've recently recovered from a bursitis injury and for a few weeks now I've been in that 'I'll get back into it tomorrow' phase. After watching this, I'll be back into it tomorrow. An icredibly inspiring film. Extremely well shot as usual, Billy. Dave Mackey- what a guy. Wishing you the best for the future.

[@WilsonJoey]

Great story and video. Nice job Billy. Very meaningful.