It’s one thing to run 184 miles.
It’s another to do it on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, quoting poetry, chasing ancestors and collapsing somewhere near the Cotswolds.
Trailer for “Run to the Source”
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- When MJ runs in the U.K., he is often the only Black runner at the start line—highlighting a racial disparity in UK outdoor sports that few talk about.
Watch “Run to the Source”
You can watch “Run to the Source” on YouTube here.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 90/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: not yet rated
Director’s Note: Directed by Matt Kay. He also helmed “Over the Wall” and “Little Miss Sumo.” This one’s 38 minutes and hits hard without dragging.
Release Date: 2022
My Review of “Run to the Source”
The Setup
MJ Johnson attempts a new “fastest known time” by running the full 184-mile Thames Path—from London’s Thames Barrier to the river’s quiet origin in the Cotswolds.
But this isn’t just a test of stamina. It’s a pilgrimage. The run takes place on May 25th, the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, and MJ uses it to reflect on the deep—but often invisible—presence of Black British history along the riverbanks.
More Highlights from the Doc
- MJ runs 184 miles—80 miles longer than he’s ever run before—while battling swollen knees, battered feet, and near collapse.
- The route passes places like Battersea, once the site of anti-slavery uprisings, and Richmond, where Black communities lived as early as the 18th century.
- May 25 marks a turning point: MJ reflects on the emotional weight of George Floyd’s murder on that day, using the run as both tribute and protest.
- The film blends poetry and archival footage to recover erased narratives—like those of Black Britons like Olaudah Equiano, whose writings fueled the UK’s abolitionist movement.
- Stunning drone footage captures the river’s shifts—from urban grit to pastoral beauty.
Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- The filmmakers intentionally chose the Thames because it connects so many hidden Black histories—including the UK’s role in the Atlantic slave trade, uprisings, and cultural contributions.
- Patagonia, best known for nature docs, backed this project to highlight equity and diversity in the outdoors.
Wrap Up
“Run to the Source” is part ultra-running feat, part historical reckoning.
Thanks for reading! And if you’re into to running, check out The 17 Best Ultra Running Documentaries.
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc