Special Event to Kickoff Annual Endurance Sports Awards
Program to include Mountain Bike legends Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly
San Diego, CA – January 26, 2009 – In conjunction with the 17th Annual Endurance Sports Awards, Competitor Magazine is pleased to announce the lineup of endurance sports films for the Inaugural Competitor Film Festival taking place January 30.
“We are thrilled to bring these films to the world’s most passionate endurance sports enthusiasts the day before our annual gala,” said festival founder Bob Babbitt. “We've got a great line-up of films selected for the festival, and are hosting many of the actors and producers of each film. We’re especially excited that four of the films we’re showing are regional premieres of 2008 releases.”
The festival will present several special screenings, and the producers of each film will be onsite for a special post-viewing question and answer session. The event is set to begin Friday morning at La Paloma Theatre in downtown Encinitas. The first film, The Long Green Line, begins at 10:30 am.
Five of the top endurance sports films were selected for the festival. They include some of the most stunning, memorable, and popular films highlighting the best stories in endurance sports:
First Film: THE LONG GREEN LINE (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
A film showcasing Joe Newton’s attempt to lead his team to its 25th state high school cross-country championship in his 50th season as the coach. The coach is so popular that over 200 kids come out to run cross country at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois with him each fall. Matthew Arnold, the producer will host a Q&A immediately following the film.
Second Film: KLUNKERZ (12:30 – 2:00 pm)
A documentary that highlights the birth of the mountain bike and the sport of mountain biking. Produced by Billy Savage, who will also host a Q&A with mountain bike legend Gary Fisher.
Third Film: VICTORY OVER DARKNESS (2:30- 4:15 pm)
A documentary featuring three blind athletes attempting to complete the Ironman Triathlon. Produced by Donny Eichar, who will host a Q&A with featured athlete Matt Miller.
Fourth Film: ULTRAMARATHON MAN (4:45-6:35 pm)
A film featuring Dean Karnazes’ amazing journey of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Produced by JB Benna, he will join the star of the film Dean Karnazes for Q&A immediately following the showing.
Feature Film: BREAKING AWAY (7:30-9:10 pm)
The Competitor Classic film many feel is the best cycling film ever made stars Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid and Daniel Stern, and is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009.
“Dennis Christopher was the guy and Breaking Away was the movie that 30 years ago made it cool to shave our legs and to wear tight, black bike shorts in public,” continued Babbitt. “Breaking Away is a classic, and to see it on the big screen at the La Paloma with a full theatre of cycling fans is going to be crazy.”
Tickets to Competitor Film Festival are $10 for individual shows and $20 for an all day pass. The entire 2009 Competitor Film Festival program is available at or for more information call 858-768-6377.
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