THE LAST MILE: Kaytlyn Gerbin & The 2019 Western States 100

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Kaytlyn is such an incredible athlete, and this story deserved to be told. Most filmmakers would not have had Ethan's nerve to use an extended cut coming to the track, but that prolonged scene gave the audience a taste of the race's brutality.

[@SolotaroffsPencil]

Indeed Bryan! That extended cut is crazy in almost any other video but it's perfect here.

[@fynthemtns]

Great point! It felt very artistically purposeful and made me feel the connection and love of the crew and spectators and have the sense of being there with Kaytlyn.

[@steenholt72]

This is a small masterpiece in documentary filmaking. Normally these running-docs are cheasy and with awfull music. They just don’t capture the spirit of endurance, pain and pure will. But this is spot on and a very VERY cool last mile edit. Masterfull.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Thank you!

[@axp8598]

lol

[@Antarok]

The moment Camilla came into view and the whole crew starts shouting was such an insane moment. To have a 100 mile race come down to 2 seconds is insane. Fantastic film Ethan.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Much appreciated - it was one of the wildest moments I’ve ever experienced!

[@robertbrooks01]

@@TheGingerRunner Shows how much of a pro you are. If I was filming I would've been yelling.

[@Tasodek]

@@TheGingerRunner where did Camelia come from? Was she hanging just behind your herd? lol

[@TheGingerRunner]

Tasodek she must’ve came screaming down that last slight downhill and around the curve to the track like a ninja. No one saw her coming!

[@OptimalTriathlete]

I was almost....like almost going ugh, really? Filming this whole last mile. BUT, even with knowing what happened , from the podcast interview, STILL teared up right when she got passed and they had to duke it out. I raced bicycles many many years and have been caught at the line or final miles after a hard fought effort and could just totally feel it. Coming down to that after 100 miles , dang, awesome to capture that moment!

[@scottsland99]

I've seen so many adventure films at this point it's pretty rare that I get surprised. Letting the last mile play out unedited is one of the best storytelling decisions I've seen in a while, Ethan. You really captured everything, from Kaytlyn and her pacers to the people cheering them along, the darkness and the road, and, of course, Camelia catching up right as you hit the running track. I was so struck by Kaytlyn's strength, and inspired by it. At the start of the mile her legs looked trashed, every long distance runner knows how that feels, but seeing her push through it, cheered all the way, was very emotional. The music (shades of Reznor) and titles were awesome too. Awesome stuff all round.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Thank you Scott!

[@hoodedhillhopper2408]

That music was crazy awesome. Made me want to pull over the car and run. Got goosebumps. Great job!

[@Juan_More_Mile]

watching the video and driving.....?

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

IKR?!😬🎶❤🏃🏽‍♂️🏞

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Greetings, fellow runner. I'm a Hospitalist Physician Assistant in Washington, D.C. and long time distance runner. I just subscribed to your channel!😊👍🏾🏃‍♂️

[@kriskline23]

I just looked it up on Strava, her last mile was 8:21. How?! So amazing.

[@fynthemtns]

That's so cool to know. Amazing

[@jimduyck]

And then that synth line started @16:19... [chef's kiss] 🙌 AND THE TRANSITION FROM A MINOR TO MAJOR FEEL AS THE MUSIC GROWS... 🥳

[@jimduyck]

I just clicked my own timestamp to watch it again!

[@TheGingerRunner]

Appreciate the fine tuned ear!!

[@jimduyck]

@@TheGingerRunner That kinda film-to-score coordination doesn't happen by accident. 😉

[@jerdan16]

you did it again....the music, the photography...damn...I always tell myself I won't let Ginger Runner get me emotional during these videos, and GR always wins!!!

[@mxm5783]

That was one of the most tense pieces of film I ever watched.

[@mikefoote404]

That was like listening to one of those techno songs where you have no idea when the beat is going to drop. The anticipation was killing me. Strong work Kaytlyn! So incredible.

[@Patricknini11]

thank you ethan, fantastic movie , congratulation to kaytlyn and all runners , hello to france

[@ChaseTheSummit]

This is awesome. Nice work!

[@Sanko1960]

Footage of the last mile was just great - I could really appreciate and admire how hard Kaytlyn was working.

[@chadav2001]

That slow build up of music in that last few minutes matched the action so well. Amazing.

[@DOdermdoc]

That was so amazing - I found myself tensing up just watching Kaytlyn run that last mile, cheering her on from my computer and willing her to the finish line. I had forgotten she had to sprint that last bit when she caught up with Camelia - what a finish for such a badass! Thanks to Ethan for recording, editing and composing such a wonderful 20 minutes of Kaytlyn's Western States 2019 race!

[@TheGingerRunner]

Thank you, Bryan!!

[@Printsbynick]

Holy crap! That last mile. Such goosebumps and emotions. It made my treadmill run 1 mile longer. I had to finish with Kaytlyn. Such a wonderful job.

[@ThisIsRyanThrower]

So much in tears and so much inspired

[@stevesalinda5270]

Wow! As always Ethan your films are the best. Did not see that finish happening and the way you captured that was incredible....what a moment. I think anyone who's done 50K or greater has got to be dying inside just watching KG digging deep and pumping trying to catch her. Truly one of the best running films I've ever seen. And your music just heightened the moment tremendously. Great job Ethan!

[@jcmsupnc69]

These are the type of TGR vids that got me hooked on your channel, your music, and ultra running in the first place. First rate story telling. Beautiful.

[@grumblecat]

Beautifully edited piece. Loved the decision to go no music for the first 5ish minutes of that last mile before building the score up. Really let me become part of that mile.

[@merkin22]

Great race. Great athlete. Great filmmaker. Great story. Thanks Ethan, this is fabulous.

[@benlittle9729]

I cried. What an athlete.

[@KellyMSharp]

What a beautiful film! I had tears streaming down my face for the last 5 mins. Kaytlyn is such a class act and a great inspiration to all women (and everyone). Ethan, you did a great job.

[@robertrothstein]

that transition to night was beautiful, had to go back and watch it a second time.

[@mk_ultrarunner]

Always top notch films and scores!!

[@RebeccaEWebber]

I watch a lot of documentaries like this and I got to say, getting to watch that full last mile was something really special!

[@cdigdawg]

Badass film! Thanks Ethan. The guts and the heartbreak, damn.

[@dalezapple2493]

Seen lots on Courtney the machine. Thanks for introducing me to this amazing woman!

[@FragJamsey]

Why did I cry when she got to the track? Omgggg this was so inspiring thank you!! Loved it.

[@allencuttler1987]

Well done Kaytlyn...inspirational for any runner, any distance!!

[@GokuRunner]

Holy Moly this is brought me back to your old stuff but on another level. Great job Ethan and Kaytlyn. You captured it wonderfully. You're the reason I started a running youtube channel.

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Greetings, fellow runner. I just subscribed to your awesome channel! Your story is inspirational! Run well!

[@froakie203]

I don't know why there are any dislikes on this video. This is amazing what you did and very inspiring. 100 miles is HUGE! I run Cross country and now I feel dumb for being so tired after 3 miles. I think by thinking of you and this race, it will help me push myself further.

[@bazgreen6054]

Fantastic story-telling Ethan, Kaytlyn is destined for greatness with a heart as strong as she has, and it is wonderful to have this film as record of the effort and grit it takes at every single mile.

[@haebyong47]

Another fantastic film, Ethan!!!! Thank you for all you do.

[@trevordoe8866]

MY HEART WAS IN ZONE 5 FOR THE LAST TEN MINUTES!! WOW! Incredible video Ethan!

[@jessecragwall1359]

The second half of that was so intense. I didn’t know what was going to happen. On the edge...just waiting. So bummed for her but glad she’s using it for motivation and inspiration. Great work on the film, GR!

[@no_handle_required]

These people are so amazing. Pure human power, body, mind, spirit.

[@GreyJedi17]

Ethan, you're a genius. I love you. I am convinced now I'm a true runner cos I watched the whole last mile without feeling bored at all...rooting for her. Oh running ..what a wonderful thing

[@AmberNixon]

Incredible! I scene of the last mile draws you in. It's gut wretching. The silence of music is perfect. Hearing the pacers and KG running toward the finish is moving.

[@alexanderadiels3485]

Great movie Giinger Runner! Nice tension for me because I didn´t know the results. Great ending!

[@karafolkerts]

ahh man, such a great film. kaytlyn is a PHENOMENAL athlete and human! stoked to have connected during TCC 2020!

[@fynthemtns]

This had me WEEPING. Beautiful ultra films have been my new obsession and they always make me cry. This is awesome, Ethan!

[@JAOM]

Very nicely produced. You can see the pain and determination at the same time. Truly Last Mile.

[@stanmakowski1985]

Great job! Another fantastic film Ethan. Thanks for taking us on a great adventure.

[@MarkGriffith]

Loved it! Excellent pacing : that last mile! And you can see the pain in every step as Kaytlyn keeps pushing forward!

[@zakfairchild2356]

You CRUSHED this film.

[@rodneychavez5895]

Incredible video shows so much of what these runners go threw!!!

[@brianogrady9883]

I meant to say this when I first watched this last year Ethan - superb soundtrack to this. The mood and cadence of the action is defined by it

[@SolotaroffsPencil]

Wow! This is amazing. Thank you for your work. This is clearly a film for runners by a runner.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Totally agree with all comments. Kaytlyn what a person what an athlete. And Ethan you produce and soundtrack some incredible films. Emotional and inspiring.

[@richardnottage4737]

Amazing competitors like Kaytlyn keep competing, incredible film and music makers like Ginger Runner keep making and we will keep watching. And we will be inspired and lifted, everytime. Thank you!

[@simonhodgson4941]

Mate what a awesome film, loved it. The narrating over the top, the atmosphere, the tension, your choice of music and her character and constant smile, amazing. More please asap👌👏👏👏🍾

[@benlee526]

Wow, all the feels. Thanks for sharing your filmmaking, storytelling talent with us Ethan!

[@michael7324]

I'll watch any move Ethan makes. Always worth it. Thanks man

[@davidgiezyng4195]

Impressive last mile finish.great footage

[@dbk81]

Jesus Ethan, you are such an amazing story teller. Such a touching piece. Well done.

[@keetoruns7506]

Another perfectly put together short film. What amazing discipline in that final mile...pure guts running!!! I’ve accomplished absolutely nothing yet in my running, however, I’m sure you could make me look like a star. I feel like saying remember my name but maybe just give me 2 more years and I’ll hit you up for a film. Train hard but dream BIG. Great stuff Ethan and Kaytlyn.

[@jpharris9417]

Epic film. Great storytelling!

[@jeffreyjones4326]

I KNEW IT!!!! I have been working on scraping paint and priming a deck railing at my cabin on Donner Summit near Truckee. Feeling a bit sad today because typically I would be volunteering and/or pacing at States on this day. It was time for lunch and a beer and I had this feeling you would be dropping something today so on to KZbin. Thank you so much for this. I know the cancellation of States is not that big of a deal in the scheme of things but tears came to my eyes as runners were going through Foresthill. Can't wait for next year. Hope all are well. No more deck prep today. I need to go for a run.

[@eagerunner1]

So cool 😎. It awesome to see that grit at end . Like others Said reminds me of your old stuff . So inspired

[@brianlachine6113]

Well done. Very well done

[@rodneychavez5895]

Awesome; more films like this please OMG!!!

[@goodenoughblog]

This was so beautiful. Kaytlyn, you are an inspiration. Ginger Runner, that was an amazing way to tell her story. I've missed your work.

[@albertoguerra3351]

Great!!!! An example of overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself!

[@charriso]

Wow, that was quite a moment!

[@RyanClaytonFilms]

Thanks Ethan, another awesome one!! Spotted you filming this last year at Michigan bluff, great work!! 👏

[@zapsurf1343]

10 out of 10 Ethan! Incredible just incredible movie!

[@abhijit1393]

What an amazing race! Camilla's entry in the last few metres made it so dramatic. Katy is a champ! Great footage and background score! Loved every minute of it ❤️

[@smalltime1982]

That is some absolutely amazing footage, editing and sound track. When the girl comes past out of the dark and then Kaytlyn kicks.. Stunning work

[@marfouchard]

Such a great movie. It was so cool to be part of the last mile into the stadium, I no idea that it would seem so long. I forgot how close the finish was. Kaytlyn is such a bad ass!!

[@abbymccarthy6598]

amazing build, score wise, editing, story line -- nailed it!

[@xXAnthony619Xx]

Thank you Ginger Runner!

[@gooba007]

Genuine goosebumps following her into the race track. Brilliant work. Music was sublime. 👏🏻

[@mnemonicator]

Awesome work, thank you.

[@andyl8694]

Great video. Very inspirational.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Incredible film!!! Besides the insane determination from both ladies at the end, I was so impressed at how amazing her crew was, and how thankful she was for them.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Kaytlyn is one of the kindest people out there, same with the crew! Class acts!

[@torgeirandreassen]

Amazing amazing amazing! The story,goosebumps! Music, awesome! Such a good production!

[@sherrycammack2052]

She is a true bad ass and an amazing woman to look up to. Great job as always Ethan!

[@beeclimbing9954]

Can't wait to watch it from the beginning! Awoke in NZ for my Sunday morning run with mates and SURPRISE, a Ginger Runner film premiere! The final 8mins or so that I saw has all the Ethan hallmarks of quality I've come to expect, so really looking forward to watching the full film :-) Thanks for such consistently well crafted films Ethan!

[@Artimus128]

Wow , incredible to watch , the road side support amazing , the last mile with that music was awesome , I’ve watched several times now , the last mile with that music puts the hair on the back of my neck stand up , very emotional, brilliant 👏👏💪💪🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@inkjob12]

Good job Ethan....love the editing. GREAT JOB Kaytlyn.....that was one hell of great run. great to see a new video out by you Ethan...its been awhile. I Soooooo cant wait till next year's WS100.....hope to see you all there. Stay safe everyone.

[@leescharich6876]

Great film

[@the_qa_guy]

Thank you for this incredible movie. And thank you for not having any music for a long part (starting around 10:00) I love hearing the cheers but most importantly the footsteps. As someone said during your 100k100k: "That's the sound of ultra running"

[@69leehammond]

Just awesome Ethan. That last couple of minutes was so tense. Loved it :-)

[@roymeadway3592]

Absolutely fantastic to watch

[@ivylovesrunning]

Well done! You did an amazing job!

[@chrishall8371]

At that event, I was at the finish line watching the sprint to the finish occur and knew how it ended. But my blood pressure still rose as the final mile ticked away, step by step. So fun to relive it again from a new perspective.

[@amycrowder7842]

Amazing job Ethan!! Super intense at the end and Kaytlyn is a badass and inspiring!!

[@stephanfrion2805]

i missed that type of content from you ! emotion packed.

[@pablomarani3799]

Amazing piece Ethan! Amazing! I saw most of your films, this the one that I find more intimate. You couldn't call it The last mile and not showing it completely. The last mile as a singular journey with its ups and downs, brilliant. The bass that you introduce in particular moments is also a key component that gives power to the narrative. Great stuff. Thank you and all the best!

[@frimajka]

Loved it, still my most favorite is Amongst the Evergreens - but I loved how you made the initial and last shots similar with Kaytlyn picturing from the back and then last shot from the front and smiling at the end - reminded me of you in the Amongst the Evergreens where the camera is filming behind you and then around you and eventually there is a shot of you from the front and smiling - love love love that ending describing the humans strength and perseverance - sooo well done :-)

[@davebegbie362]

That was pretty cool! Two very tough women. Bravo.

[@chucks263]

Wow! That was emotional, beautiful and inspiring! And I LOVED Kaytlyn’s positive attitude post-race! Thanks Ethan for sharing this with us!

[@Linux43v3r]

Thank you for this film, it's just amazing the quality of the filming and of editing make it such an emotional film. Thank you very much.

[@Omegaputra]

Amazing film. Epic build up towards the end. 🙌 goosebumps

[@mickbuston3236]

Brilliant film - thanks for putting that together Inspired

[@markmcfadden7428]

What a finish after 100 mi

[@latitude6575]

Ethan, this is next level! I have never watched anything before that so captured the last mile of a race. Fantastic work!!!

[@shillindylan]

one of my favorite running videos! love kaytlyn. love ethan's tunes. keep it coming!

[@MyCool57]

I love it and we need more videos like this