2026 Trail Running Film Festival
September 23rd 6pm - 8:30pm
Mayfair Theatre 1074 Bank St.
Featuring 7 Unique Films
The Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour and coming to Ottawa for a great night of films, inspiration, and community.
The TRFF offers a diverse film selection: Building on the success of the 2025 tour, the 2026 festival will feature a curated selection of films that explore the multifaceted aspects of trail running. This years lineup promises to captivate audiences and provide a unique glimpse into the world of trail running.
Join in on the fun for a night of awe-inspiring documentaries to adrenaline-pumping narratives!
September 23rd 6-8:30pm at the Mayfair Theatre 1074 Bank St.
About the 2026 Film Lineup
Becky Bates, Not a Running Story - Scot Proudfoot, 12:30 min
Becky Bates entered the world of ultra running at the age of 50. Famously claiming to not be a runner, in reality, she's one of the best in her class. We follow Becky as she trains for her 3rd Hardrock 100 at the age of 62.
We Belong - Milo Zanecchia, 5:45 min
Featuring On para athlete Zach Friedley and 2x paralympian Dani Aravich, this film tracks the rise of para-athletes in the mountains as trail running races update their policies. The story focuses on Jahir, an Ecuadorian runner born with one leg, as he targets the UTMB OCC race. Through his eyes and with insights from UTMB race organizer, we witness the evolution of trail running and the vital importance of representation on the course.
Fellsman - Billy Barraclough, 3:21 min
Fellsman’ is a portrait of young fell runner Sonny Ashton-Fitch. The project follows Sonny during the spring season as he trains for the annual Three Peaks Fell Race. The work is an exploration of Sonny’s relationship with the fells that surround him, the landscape that unfurls under foot and the animals he passes. The film reflects on what it means to be a Yorkshireman, how it feels to push your body to its limit and the freedom that comes with an ability to run all over the Dales.
Dipsea Generations - Paddy O'Leary, 30 min
Trail running is disappointingly homogenous, yet the Bay Area is home to a diverse population and some of the best trails in the US. This film follows five young runners from across the Bay Area as they take on the oldest, and perhaps the most unique, trail race in the US, the iconic Dipsea race. Its unique handicap start makes it ripe for improving access to the sport.
Dicks-A-Thon - Dylan Young, 18:06 min
26.3 Miles. 5 Dick's. 5 Meals. 1 wild tradition to honor a friend, and give back to the outdoors. Learn about Seattle's most unique marathon, and the touching story behind it.
Project Tombstone - Max Haimowitz, 5:31min
Allie races herself up and down the iconic Tombstone formation in Moab, UT. One version of Allie runs the full ascent and descent, relying on endurance. The other sprints up and BASE jumps off. Through clever camera trickery, we see Ultra Runner Allie vs. BASE Jumper Allie...which is faster? This short film captures the duality of ascent and descent, showcasing human power vs. gravity. The clock doesn’t lie, who will win?
Song and Flowers - Julen Elorza, 27min
Allie races herself up and down the iconic Tombstone formation in Moab, UT. One version of Allie runs the full ascent and descent, relying on endurance. The other sprints up and BASE jumps off. Through clever camera trickery, we see Ultra Runner Allie vs. BASE Jumper Allie...which is faster? This short film captures the duality of ascent and descent, showcasing human power vs. gravity. The clock doesn’t lie, who will win?
