Kilian. Krupicka. Koerner. Roes. If you know the names, you’re already in.
If you don’t (I didn’t), this 100-mile footrace from Squaw Valley to Auburn will make you care like it’s the Olympics.
My colleague Rob ranks it #5 in his list of “The Best Ultra Running Documentaries” (he’s up to 18 now!).
Thx to three ultra runner friends of Rob’s for pointing this out: Matt Siebert, Adam Kimble, and Jonathan Udkow. They each say it’s one of their favorites.
Trailer for “Unbreakable: The Western States 100”
You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up
- The Western States 100 climbs more than 18,000 feet and descends over 23,000. Runners start at Squaw Valley at dawn and often finish the next day.
- At one point, Anton’s toenail problems become such a distraction he has to cut the front off his shoes mid-race.
Watch “Unbreakable: The Western States 100”
You can watch the full documentary for free on YouTube.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 94/100
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: not yet rated
Director’s Note: JB Benna is a filmmaker and endurance athlete. He directed, edited, and produced this film with deep insider access. He’s also completed Western States himself, so he knows the pain firsthand. His company, Journeyfilm, specializes in endurance sports storytelling.
Release Date: 2012 (Premiered at San Francisco’s Sports Basement)
My Review of “Unbreakable: The Western States 100″
The Setup
“Unbreakable: The Western States 100” follows four ultra-running legends—Geoff Roes, Anton Krupicka, Hal Koerner, and Kilian Jornet—as they compete in the 2010 Western States Endurance Run. This isn’t your average race: it’s 100 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada, starting before sunrise and ending—if you’re lucky—before the next one.
What makes it special is the balance between adrenaline and intimacy. The doc is part race-day thriller, part character study. We don’t just see the miles—they take us home with each runner, show their injuries, relationships, training rituals, and what drives someone to do something this hard. The 2010 race is the perfect storm: all four were unbeaten at 100 miles, and only one could stay unbreakable.
More Highlights from the Doc
- Director JB Benna weaves personal stories into the race footage. We visit each runner’s home life—Geoff Roes in Alaska, Anton Krupicka in Colorado, Hal Koerner in Oregon, and Jornet in the Pyrenees.
- The film shows their obsessive prep routines: Geoff’s solo mountain runs, Anton’s diet and minimalist lifestyle, Hal’s confident veteran mindset.
- Kilian Jornet was just 22 years old in the 2010 race and already a global phenom. This is one of the earliest films to feature him in a U.S. ultra.
- Rickey Gates filmed major parts of the race while running it—lugging a GoPro through one of the hardest stretches: Cal Street, known for its punishing heat and mind games.
- Geoff’s girlfriend, Corle LaForce, sings lullabies to their daughter Elle the night before the race. Anton is shown barefoot in the kitchen making dinner with his then-girlfriend Jocelyn Jenks.
- The race drama is real: Geoff battles stomach issues, Hal fades early, Kilian takes the lead mid-course, and Anton pushes hard despite injury risks.
- The finish is emotional—one runner makes a legendary push over the final 20 miles that becomes the stuff of ultrarunning lore.
Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- The premiere was at San Francisco’s Sports Basement—300 trail runners packed into a local gear store to watch it with the director and athletes in the audience.
- The film was shot on a shoestring budget by JB Benna and his wife, Jennifer, both ultra-runners themselves. JB also ran part of the course to capture footage.
- At one point, Anton’s toenail problems become such a distraction he has to cut the front off his shoes mid-race.
- The film’s title, “Unbreakable,” comes from the belief that only runners with an iron will—not just strong legs—can finish Western States at the top.
Wrap Up
If you’re even a little curious about ultra-running, this is a must-watch. It’s not just about miles—it’s about mindset.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc