A DECADE ON - Brian Morrison and The Western States 100

[@TheGingerRunner]

Brian is an incredible human. I hope you get a chance to visit his running shop in Seattle to say hi and shake his hand! Also, be sure to snag the Director's Commentary track I recorded with Brian over at gingerrunnerstore.com

[@adnanbajic1]

Thank you for his Ethan, such an inspirational movie. I live in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have started running a bit more than a year ago, and your movies are a great inspiration. Keep up the good work, and kudos to Brian, obviously a man of great heart.

[@SidWray]

So fricken' good Ethan and Kim! I'm going to have it on repeat at work today.

[@jessran70]

Fantastic job mate. You've a unique acumen for humanizing people and by doing so make sharing the experience w/Brian: poignant, emotional and personal. TY. Can't wait to see you at Lake Sonoma if you have time post race love to buy you a beer at Russian River Brewing Comp.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Russian River - magic words :)

[@leonardocorreavilleg]

Awesome video!

[@JustAnotherRunner]

There's something about watching someone just battle to finish a race that is so much more inspirational than someone that wins it. Beautiful video. Probably my new favorite running video.

[@seanwise7464]

seeing his kids run with him at the end and wife standing by is more of a true accomplishment than anything else. great movie.

[@gunhildswanson1798]

Brian's courage and determination is out of this world. I'm so happy for him that he got to live his dream of a Western States finish. He and his family will cherish this experience forever.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Gunhild Swanson thank you, Gunhild!! Really appreciate your words :)

[@kinthelt]

If anybody here doesn't know who Gunhild Swanson is, I suggest they google "Gunhild Swanson Western States 2015".

[@sofiaasman5718]

Running documentaries where people succeed are inspiring. Running people were people fail but try again, even more so.

[@TheAgentDaleCooper]

What an absolutely beautiful story. Whether it be a 5k or an ultra, this is why so many of us run. "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

[@edward_dantonio]

Special Agent Dale Cooper the quote resonated perfectly to this story!

[@pianomikey0]

Isn't it amazing? That we can all come together and hurt ourselves in the exact same way, whether for 1 mile, 10 miles or 100. And... like it? I don't know if I'll ever run 100 miles at a stretch, but if I do... I want to do it the Brian Morrison way: never quit, even if it takes 10 years.

[@VanMaiTai]

The footage in the beginning broke my heart but by the end of the movie it was whole again. He is the stuff heroes are made of.

[@fvelame]

As a father of 3 I couldn't hold my tears with his kids running with him in the last few meters.

[@James-nj4pc]

Bro I havent tear'd up in years, yet i find myself tearing up at a youtube video about some guy that I dont even know.

[@jenniferwithrow5512]

Me too! Congratulations Brian and the Morrison family!

[@edward_dantonio]

It must give him strength.

[@simonhodgson4941]

😂😂I was the same! That got me!!

[@ohaiitsarielle]

This whole film is incredible, but the editing on the track between 2006 and 2016 is *chef’s kiss*

[@curtisgmchale]

My kids caught a bit of this and asked if they can watch it this weekend for their TV time. They're 6 and 3.

[@TheGingerRunner]

That's a compliment!! I'll take it :)

[@McMeatBag]

you're raising them right *thumbs up*

[@wms201]

it's a compliment, How else would you take it? I would add that it is a very well done video, really a short movie, thoroughly enjoyed

[@edgarespinoza355]

thats awesome. my nephew watches too much cartoons and isnt active

[@rogersyversen3633]

do your kids know that you can watch youtube in 2x the speed?

[@TracyZhangPhotography]

I woke up feeling too lazy for my morning run. Then I watched this video and laced up my runners, because how can I come up with any excuses after seeing this amazing story. Great film Ethan!!

[@5krunningdad769]

Bitter sweet. I first heard of Brian's story in Scott Jurek's Eat and Run and I think he endured and overcame what every runner fears most. So this felt like a victory for all of us.

[@Foggypaws]

I am deployed to Korea right now. Army guys are not supposed to cry. Damn you! Loved the film. I am glad this story is being told. Many people have heard about it, but do not know the background story and of course the comeback 10 years later! I will be thinking about Brian as I run Western this year.

[@brianfrolo245]

A raw and unvarnished look at a sport that is oftentimes elevated to just this side of mysticism.

[@taylorstrong]

So incredibly inspiring. I ran my first 50 mile ultra when I was 17 and came in 1st place woman. Then, a year later I decided to try out a 100 miler and ended up only getting in 82 miles before I had to call it quits. Dropping out of that race was one of the hardest things I've done because I'm not a quiter, and if I would've finished the race I would've set a record for the 19 and under age group. I still think about it every day. I WAS going to return to the race this year to set the record (it will be my last chance since I just turned 19) BUT this summer I'm running across America for the Ulman Cancer Fund instead!!! Sometimes greater things come out of failures! All that matters is that you try your best!

[@casy6203]

So true, those words became true for me in 2018!!! Its hard to the loss at first because you dont realize better things are coming

[@crawfordbrown75]

Wow. You are amazing.

[@larry8939]

I can feel how disappointed you are just by reading this. It’s nice that you found good things out of that race.

[@bradberger3093]

Ethan, that was incredible. I'm guessing I wasn't the only grown man to cry while watching the film. Great job with music as well. That's one of the most important aspects. Fantastic work.

[@Psysso]

Dude watching this super feat of human determination,willpower and strenght is just what i need going into my first ever full road marathon after a year of vigorous training. No matter how tough it will get ill just remember this guy and ill take it a kilometer at a time. Great footage, mixing and choice of music. To Brian my hat is off ,sir!

[@markrhodes9632]

hey Psysso. good luck on the first marathon. I've run over a dozen and my first was my favourite of the lot so enjoy It! you will feel amazing when you cross the finish line.

[@ajthijssen]

Dude. I cried like a baby. Thank you and warm greetings from Amsterdam.

[@TeamRunWalkCrawl]

Watched this and immediately went running. Even with current temperatures right around 6 degrees Fahrenheit did not even matter. What an amazing story. Very inspirational.

[@ScottSowle]

Wow, I finally get to see Brian's story. I've known Brian since 2010 and his heart for running and the Seattle community is so inspiring. Thank you Ethan for this documentary.

[@lagaman11]

Damn it man... When he made it to the track, I got choked up! Very emotional! Way to go Brian!!!

[@LaurentMossan]

It doesn't take much to cry. Just looking at that stage when Sage and Didrik are clapping hands for Brian. What an emotion it is. Thanks Ethan and greetings from Vietnam.

[@rebekahm9402]

Great job Ethan! It's gut wrenching to watch at times. I cried when his kids started running with him. I feel so privileged to have seen this. I can only imagine how privileged you feel to have told the story. Thank you for using the gifts and talents you have been given to tell these stories. May we all use our own God given gifts just as you have to feed each other's souls as we all endure to that one great finish line. This is what it means to be alive! Thanks for feeding my soul today brother.

[@CoIoneIPanic]

I thought privileged is bad????

[@fredneethling6382]

Wow just Wow! Had me holding back tears 5 minutes in. Just amazing!

[@dhammarosi]

Fred Neethling just let it out!😀

[@shaneporteous1310]

one of your finest movies @TheGingerRunner. brought me to tears watching Brian cross the finish line. Congratulations to you Brain, and his family.

[@msmary126]

Wow!! I didn't think I'd need tissues...but I was crying! Amazing story!

[@kaicollingwood4582]

Damn I'm inspired, haven't cried like this in a while. Definitely gonna try to meet Brian in the future.

[@DeniM-cv2ro]

First time I ever saw the 2006 footage. Such a strong person, still pushing right to the end, amazing Brian. It's things like this that make me realise how running has changed my life 👍

[@iamaneesha]

I cried, I laughed, I cried again. And again and then I smiled. Such an amazing movie, thank you and congrats!!!

[@karramegibson9588]

I’m not crying your crying.... amazing!!! And running with his babies! Ahhh my heart!

[@Akbballer33]

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian at his running store in Seattle. I remember instantly recognizing him from previously watching this film. He was one of the most down-to-earth people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Just from our short talk I could see his great love for running as a sport and as a lifestyle. Thank you so much for sharing his powerful story! Highly recommend going to meet him if you ever get the chance!

[@edmonpedong4279]

It inspires me a lot, not just to run but also in pursuing my life goals. Maraming Salamat!

[@vince5474]

One of the best sport documentaries ive seen. Awesome quality, great story and personalities. His family is must be awesome. Big thanks for the great film!

[@TheGingerRunner]

day lightz really appreciate it!

[@stevemartin8994]

Incredible film. I especially liked and was moved to tears when he was running with his kids. It reminded me when I crossed the finish line of my iron man distance triathlon.

[@dariofossa7662]

daaaannng, just watched first 3 minutes al work, gave me goosebumps. Congrats GR and Brian Morrison for such great film

[@kc_woodsman7504]

Those damn ninjas must be chopping onions somewhere. The 2006 footage, To see a man literally give everything he had, the absolute determination even with his body failing him is the most inspiring life lesson I think you can have. It was one thing to read it in Scott's book. But to actually see that footage, the inspiration and empathy that drew out in me was unquantifiable. To hear his Wife say she had heard him say 'there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about it.' The humanization of that statement is so emphatic. Such an overwhelming story told in a truly personal way. Great job Ethan!! So incredibly inspiring.

[@Slowhand871]

Such a great story. I don't know Brian but it's hard not to get a bit misty eyed with happiness for him. Courageous. Congratulations Brian and thank you for bringing this story Nathan.

[@MCminus2]

Whenever I feel like I am in a running slump, watching one of your films is always the inspiration I need! Great job on this one Ethan and congratulations to Brian!

[@RebeccaHatchOfficial]

I like how he is just casually friends with Ben Gibbard lol

[@robertbrooks01]

Ben needs to run Western States!

[@CarlyWrites]

Wow that was heartbreaking and reassuring. Interestingly, I never realized the impact that endurance events like this have on their family members.

[@AA-og6cx]

Well GR, I found this video 3-4 years ago. It started me on the journey of running my first 50k at Grand Ridge last November and breaking my foot at the Mt Si 50 miler yesterday. I am eternally grateful to you for introducing me to this sport and I hope to one day be worthy of the Cascade Crest 100

[@eriktred]

Ben Gibbard, what a friend he is to Brian. I mean the motivational stuff he did is just priceless. What a great friend!

[@kjharr36]

Moved to tears on more than 1 occasion. Thank you!

[@skateonsnow21]

His story is so uniquely inspirational. So much determination. I was surprised that it made me cry. Nice work.

[@nickpenney4953]

Brilliant. Thank you Ethan. Brian ain't no quitter. And I loved his slight annoyance at his finishing time. A true competitor. No wonder he got the job done.

[@Banje1991]

Amazing story about incredible human. Congrats to Brian, I admire his dedication. Also great job with the film, it really shows the spirit od these ultra races and community which shares these moments together.

[@ec11681]

This is a beautiful film. Seriously. And my deepest respect for Brian and his family.

[@Supermans-Drunk]

During this 40 minute video...I had hope, lost hope, felt helplessness but finally gained hope again. The emotions above weren't just for Brian, they were for myself as I was a long distance runner until I sustained a severe back injury which broke me mentally as well as physically Dec 2015. I am on my 8th attempt since 2016 at trying to run again, and now I am starting completely from scratch. Thank you for this video, I use this and many others to try and keep my hope alive.

[@guillemrossalvador]

Genuinely among the best documentary stories I've ever seen, so happy for Brian!

[@benharris9175]

Amazing. A well crafted and powerful production. Thank you team, you got me all choked up in an office full of people that now think something is wrong, when in fact everything is right.

[@thomabrams8352]

Brian, this is incredible, you are an inspiration to all who are privileged to know you. Thank you for sharing your incredible experience.

[@mattwilson99]

Lost track how many times I teared up watching this. Such a wonderful story, so beautifully told. Thank you.

[@MarkAndrewBusch]

Incredible job Ethan (and crew) - documenting Brian's exceptional patience and determination. I have no doubt that this video will serve as a source of inspiration for all of us in the running community who are yearning to achieve that which seems just out of reach.

[@twicebob]

Thanks Ethan for sharing Brian's story with us. Truly inspiring. Seeing him cross the finish line with his two kids brought tears to my eyes.

[@wanbaclone]

Ethan, you do an incredible job of capturing the spirit of the "universal man" in his struggle against nature. It's a story I never tire of hearing.

[@jcwu9853]

What a story. Really enjoyed learning about Brian and his successful run in 2016.

[@BrianSmith-vf4gu]

I started watching this a few days ago. And I wanted to cry, and should have. Seeing someone work that hard, and have it fall apart that close to finish is painful to watch. The happy part of this story is that next trip around the track, with his kid on his shoulders, people clapping, and that energy of accomplishment! Well done Brian.

[@Everydaystoic]

Are you chopping onions! You are a really great filmmaker! Went from a she review to this. Well done!

[@jasonjennings8465]

That is a real family right there. True friends enduring miles of pain, all to pace their friend on his journey. The things they did, all to help their friend. It's inspiring.

[@thecatch83]

One of your best Ginger!!! No one does a better job of capturing the human spirit like you...and dam you for making me cry again while watching one of your videos!

[@deejaynoizecph]

If there is any way i can buy "The Ginger Runner" stock, put me down for some - because it is rising, with this incredible back catalogue of high quality vids and docs you are delivering! Salute my talented friend!

[@TheGingerRunner]

deejaynoizecph thank you my friend!

[@cadestombaugh5771]

Extremely well done Ethan. Phenomenal job to Brian over the last 10 years, that is what I call persistence and dedication. You are both an inspiration that keeps me lacing up my shoes and heading out the door because I'm reminded of how amazing this sport is.

[@sierrastudiofilms3113]

Great film Ethan! I especially appreciate the fact that you made our puppy Coconut famous with her first film appearance here, while she was terrorizing a blanket in Michigan Bluff :) Myles

[@TheGingerRunner]

HA! That puppy was the damn cutest, dude!! Had no idea it was yours :) She was a star at MB, everyone wanted to meet her :)

[@ianmcdormand]

This was a really great film. I think someone was cutting onions in the room while I was watching this...

[@TheGingerRunner]

Ian McDormand sneaky onions!

[@banista2574]

Love it! - the interviews with Brians wife are very emotional, such an important aspect to have family and friends behind you when aiming for such an achievement within the sport! Keep on inspiring us Ethan!

[@GotYourWallet]

Man these cuts back to his first race were brutal.

[@keishawilliams3471]

My kids caught a bit of this and asked if they can watch it this weekend for their TV time. They're 6 and 3.

[@campustechfr]

Wow. Just. Thank you.

[@johnhawkins3198]

Such an incredible story of perseverance and determination!! Life is about taking risks and challenges and pushing yourself to the farthest limits, to see what you are capable of. Brian's Story is such a inspiration to me. Thank you Brian and thank you to Ginger Runner for making this.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Thank you, John :)

[@binderup]

Thank you for this documentary! My room got a little dusty when he finished - it got right in my eyes...

[@marktheshark711]

Brian, I'm proud of you. And thanks for the inspiration. You finishing that race has truly touched the lives of thousands of people who you may never meet. You've given me hope and knowledge. Thank you. Ginger Runner, best production yet. Such an amazing story and you did an amazing job covering it.

[@Dmatch187]

Ethan, I have been following your work for a while and I know you have wanted to make a long form piece for a while. This was truly an excellently crafted work of art. Thank you for continuing to create films that capture the essence of running, and the beauty of nature and life at its truest. Brian, congratulations! I am so happy for you. I wish you nothing but love and happiness for you and your family in the future! Again, congratulations. You did it.

[@OlafRonald]

I remember this documentary when it came out, now after an article about Brian in UltraRunning Magazine, i came back to see it again.

[@509CCB]

What a stud. Super inspirational. So happy he was able to finish the race.

[@sergiomiranda7880]

Amália was a popular Portuguese fado singer...also spotted a Portuguese flag on no hands bridge...! these just added extra meaning to an already truly excellent docummentary. all the best from Porto!

[@andreagomesmorrison8982]

My family is from Gaia, and she was named after that very same Amalia in tribute to my grandma who LOVED Amalia. Obrigada!

[@TheGingerRunner]

This is awesome!!

[@ccdf5654]

I've been in Porto 1 day and that day happened to be the Festa de São João and it was nuts.

[@michaelpickett4945]

Great story, and terrific film making. Loved the authenticity of all the family and support team. Terrific work, Brian. Really impressive on a few different levels.

[@christinafoster1922]

You know how to make movies that get you right in the feels. I cried at the beginning through that 2006 footage and was sobbing by the end. Nice work Ethan. Outstanding work Brian. Congrats on getting your buckle.

[@Andrew-on5do]

That's the dude from death cab. Read something about him hiring a guy to be his trail run coordinator while on tour. What a killer job

[@cougarkeeper0]

It was a beautiful story with a happy ending! I loved it! Bravo Ethan!!! I gotta admit, i teared up a bit.

[@stephenfernald2490]

I ran WS in 2006 (missed a cutoff about 60 mi in). Remember this well. And it's true: Brian a standup guy and a true athlete

[@mf-ec4ox]

Brilliant contest, brilliant persons and last but not least brilliant movie. Thank you for your work. Best wishes from an austrian runner to all the runners in the US !!!

[@Wavygravvy]

Chills on top of chills....wow

[@netman34]

This movie was out of this world. Such an inspiration!

[@ACuriousHobbit]

Brian's Finish literary had me in tears. What a guy. Fantastic insight man.

[@turingbeing]

Ethan, absolutely stunning! I'll be running my first Ultra This Year, maybe one day I'll do a 100 miler! Brian's story gives everyone hope and shows his immense fortitude to come back from multiple disappointments. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@amyhood9362]

I balled when his kids ran with him at the track. can't wait for my daughter to run with me when she is older! as a wife and a mom, seeing his families emotions/reactions really made me choke up. Amazing film and what an accomplishment!!

[@jon-mart]

Amazing job Ethan, what a great effort Brian put in to get across the line, following ginger bits you two had so much fun, but when you hear the emotion from Brian's wife it makes you realise what impact this race had on them all. Awesome story and thanks for telling it so well.

[@kabil1986]

Brian, wow! What a story! You did it! You kept your mind so hard on that race to face it again after 10 year! That's amazing. Congrats to you and to your family that have supported you! Ethan, wow! What a story! ;) We runners we knows the feelings behind running a ultra trail, but show all these feeling to everyone. Well done!

[@WineandBeauty]

Wow. Just wow. I'm about to do my first half marathon and that scares me...I can't IMAGINE 100 miles in 1 day! This was fantastic!

[@katecow221]

Thank you Ethan for this amazing video, great effort! And Mr. Brain Morrison is such an inspiration, I cried when I was watching him crossing the finish line.

[@stevejm9942]

Well done Brian it was truly inspiring watching you overcome everything that was thrown in your path and finally come out on top. You're a star.

[@timedwards1921]

Inspirational running, storytelling and filmmaking here. One unexpected benefit of Covid lockdown is time spent on the treadmill watching videos like this. Thank you.

[@danielroy25ify]

Dude... what?!? This doc was so good! Not surprised though, all of the other ones have been equally as amazing. Great work, Ethan!

[@jeremypope1400]

So damn cool! Thank you to Ethan for putting this together and capturing the moments out there!

[@caitlinklask]

just finished my first ultra after being coached by Brian and re-watching this video is making me ugly-cry!!! Seattle is SO LUCKY to have him

[@silent-voyager]

Thank you for this movie! This brought so many memories of my own Western States a year earlier! I suffered from similar stomach issues and finished with a similar time.

[@therunninglumberjack307]

Epic adventure and great journey you’ve shared. Thank you!!!

[@randycuffaro2848]

had to watch it again....3rd time. Love this video...its now on my You Tube Favorites list...it will be a weekly watch for inspiration....Way to Go Ethan....

[@TheGingerRunner]

randy cuffaro thanks Randy!

[@gregorymakuch326]

I read a short bit about this in Jurek's book Eat and Run. It was a shame he didn't get the win. Truly an example of what ultras are all about...never ending determination. Well done Brian.

[@progbass56]

Brian, I just watched the doc. I'm so damn Proud of you! What an inspiration to Not give up! Ginger Runner, Thank you for doing this and All you do!