Posted: April 6, 2009  :

(RWire) Athletics: "Running the Sahara" Debuts at Big Sur Marathon Weekend

An incredible documentary film "Running the Sahara" showcasing three runners as they make an epic journey across the Sahara Desert will debut in Monterey on April 24, Friday night of the Big Sur Marathon weekend. Produced and narrated by Academy Award™-winner Matt Damon and directed by Academy Award™-winner James Moll, this character-driven film delves deep into the culture of the Sahara through the eyes of three individuals undergoing a life-altering experience of an unprecedented crossing of six countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya and Egypt. The Friday evening showcase will be held at 7:30pm at the Steinbeck Forum in the Monterey Conference Center, where the Big Sur Marathon Health & Fitness Expo takes place. Charlie Engle, a former Monterey County resident and one of the three ultra athletes who made the trek, will also speak about his experiences. Tickets are $17.50 or $35 for a special reception and gift. Proceeds from the event benefit H2O Africa, a non-profit organization that supports the execution of clean water programs in Africa. View a film trailer at: YouTube.com. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest