Watched an awesome and inspiring documentary last night, Runners High. It’s a feature-length film about the Students Run Oakland program. SRO takes kids from under-served public schools in Oakland and works with them to run the LA Marathon.

When teenagers from one of the nation’s toughest neighborhoods in Oakland, California sign up to train for a marathon, they begin the journey of a lifetime. Runners High is an intimate, character driven documentary of struggle, courage, and hope. During a season filled with conflict and possibility, four of these teens bare their dreams, joys, tears and fears. As several stumble under pressure in emotionally charged moments, others realize the journey begins with the power and commitment to accept responsibility for their own futures. Runners High shows that no matter what happens next, one season of training to run 26.2 miles can change your life forever.

For a preview, check out the trailer and/or visit the movie website. You can order a DVD, but I downloaded the movie from iTunes which is easier.

I’ve been looking for a program like this in NYC, but have only been able to find the NYRR Youth Foundation which logistically doesn’t work for me. If anyone knows of a different group in or around Brooklyn, please let me know.