GOLDEN HOUR | The Best Hour in Ultrarunning
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- Опубліковано 21 жов 2024
- The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race. Starting in Olympic Valley, California it ends 100.2 miles later in Auburn, California. Western States draws the top ultrarunners in the world, who can finish the race in under 15 hours. But perhaps the race’s most exhilarating finishes happen in double that time, as everyday people try to finish under the 30-hour time cutoff.
Known as the Golden Hour, the final hour of the race is a celebration of persistence, courage, and grit. It is what 7-time Western States top-10 finisher Andy Jones-Wilkins calls "the best hour in ultrarunning." It is an hour that defines the sport.
This is the story of Golden Hour.
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As a "Golden Hour" finisher 6 years ago, this brings back a flood of emotion! The support one gets from complete strangers is absolutely incredible. Being cheered on by the residents in the Robie Point area, mile 99, caused me to start crying like a 2 year old!! 1500 plus volunteers that have the sole motive of getting you to the finish line in under 30 hours. They are the selfless heroes of WS100, or any ultra.
AMEN! Such an incredible community. Congrats on being a Golden Hour finisher David! A badge of honor you will have for life
And you deserve their applause. I'm crying
Disclaimer: May cause a joyous rush of endorphins and increase gratitude on your next run. Fantastic work Austin!
hahahha I love this. Kristin, I think I need to hire you to write the copy and credits for my next film :)
Austin Meyer (No joke, I’d love to! I’m a writer by trade ☺️)
While I look up to runners like Courtney and Camille and Jim so much, these are the stories I wish were told more often. So inspiring, so well done. Congrats to the golden hour finishers!
I really appreciate it Krista! I hear you on that. I will do my best to continue shining a light on some of these stories that often get overshadowed :)
Who's cutting onions
Guilty :)
3 minutes in 😂. But soooo relatable - this lady from Boston is a real hero!
The footage of the runner finishing down the home straight with a minute to go was incredible!
Thank you, climbthruthetide! I was running with my camera on the gimbal and was just thinking to myself, "don't screw this up, don't screw this up" hahaha
SO GOOD. I'll keep saying it, SO GOOD, AUSTIN.
Thank you!!
Not about the front. Not about the race. Not about the records. But about the heart. The heart of running. Terra is all of us. Her emotion just talking about it shows you what it means. Thank you for sharing
BOOM. So well said Mark. I should add this to the description of the video it is so spot on! "Terra is all of us"
@@austinmeyerfilms feel free Austin. Fantastic filmmaking
Thank you Mark! 🙏
Oh man, i'm tearing up watching this
Let the tears flow, Brooks! Haha. Thank you so much for watching. So glad you enjoyed :)
Me too. Needed some motivation to go out and run. This more than did the job.
Me either
Absolutely love this film. There's a ton of great content on UA-cam about the superstar runners, but the stories of normal people achieving their dreams are equally incredible. Thanks for shining a light on this!
Thank you, David! I really appreciate this comment and that you took the time to watch :)
For back of the field 'garden variety' runners this is a feast of mental nourishment.
Man, these all make me want to run ultras. I guess I better start running.
The elites and podium finishers keep the sport in the spotlight but it’s runners like this that keep it alive. Thanks for this!
Love this comment! Amen! Thank you for watching
Buhrooo!! I’m crying into my dinner right now!! I’m a mess! This is soooo good! Well done! 👏🏼
Everyone makes sacrifices for these races. Every day people. Such a great capture of their moments!love this video so much. Thank you ❤️
Thank you so much for including me in this incredible homage to the heart of ultra running. It took everything I had to finish but ultimately it was about the people that got me to the finish....that hour is magical and I am so grateful to have been slow enough on my 57th birthday to savor it. What a beautiful legacy you have left us, the golden hour finishers of 2019! Thank you Austin for such a wonderful tribute! Lots of love, Francesca Stone #57
Hey Francesca! Aw, this makes me so happy. I was really looking forward to some of the other Golden Hour finishers seeing this film. Congratulations on such an incredible finish! And congratulations for having such a big crew of friends and family to see you to that finish line
Frankie! I just finished watching 'Heart of Stone' it was so great. Congratulations on your finish!
Respect🤙🏾
This is amazing, Austin. ❤️😭Not going to lie, I didn't expect to cry this much but I guess that's truly the power of a finish line. Well done!
Aww, I love to hear this, Kris! Thank you so much for watching and opening up your heart and tear ducts (haha) to the Golden Hour!
Thank you! You introduced me to the world of ultra running.
I’ve watched it 5 times now, each time feels different. From thinking why is Terra so emotional running a race to why am I so emotional just watching it.
I will probably come back over and over again.
Thank you for watching, Baron! So happy that you enjoyed this story and that it introduced you to the world of ultra running. It's a beautiful world. Hope to meet you at a race one day!
Beautiful--I found this after watching another video about the Golden Hour finishers from last weekend (2021 WSER). I find this so much more moving than the videos about the top finishers!
thank you for watching! so glad you enjoyed it :)
Whilst I lay here in the UK with my knee in pain still after 3 months, trying to stave off the weight gain wishing I was still running I really struggled to watch this through the watery eyes - an absolute masterclass Austin- you certainly captured so many moments loved Terra. You keep doing what you do it is magnificent.
Wow, thank you so much Anthony. Thank you for watching and for sharing this thoughtful reflection. I'm so grateful that I get to make documentaries for a living and will keep dedicating myself to the craft! Being injured is such a huge challenge. I'm wishin you all the best as your knee recovers!!
Sorry that you couldn't release this in conjunction with this year's race, but in a way this might be better since people can still experience what this race is about, even though the race is not happening...
Absolutely right. Thanks for giving it your all last year and letting me film your journey!
The best story and emotional cinematography in any ultra are always at the back of the pack. I began ultra-marathon running at 58 after watching a single You Tube of Gunhild Swansons finish. I thought if she could complete a 100km race then so could I. Only, about six months later did I discover it was 100 miles! It was too late then. These videos emotionally charge me. Please do more!
If this film can motivate someone to start running or ultrarunning, I will be SO happy :) Thank you so much for watching Paul!
Instant tears for me seeing the emotion on these faces as they push through the grit. I'm no runner, but in my two (much smaller) races I've come in at 8:54 and 8:57 with a 9h cutoff. Despite being among the last finishers, this video nails the feeling of community and support that comes with this type of running - I was made to feel like I'd broken the course record. It's a feeling I've been chasing ever since. Gratitude, simple as that
Very inspiring story. This is a good example of qoute "Don't stop when your tired, stop when you're done"
How I wish I can run international endurance in near future..
This is so great! I will save this for inspiration! 65 years young
Omg that was awesome. Well done Terra and all the other finishers *wipes eyes*
Terra is my hero! She was brave enough to agree to talk to me the day before the race when she saw me holding a paper sign that read "I am making a film on Golden Hour. Talk about your excitement for the race for 5 minutes?"
this is the best, in tears, and this gives me hope that I could run Western States one day!!
Thank you so much for watching, Sarah! I hope you get to run it one day too!
The music selection for the shots of people finishing at the golden hours is so on point it's up there with the pointiest on points I've ever experienced. Tears streaming down my face. Thanks for making this, friend
Thank you Kristoffer! I really appreciate it :) Reading this comment put a big smile on my face. So thank you for this. You going to be tuning into Western States next weekend?!
@@austinmeyerfilms happy to hear it :)
I finished in the golden hour in 2016 and the volunteer support all the way through the race is what got me to the finish line. This film brings back so many emotions, very well done and truly shows what the human side of ultra running is all about!
Congrats on being a Golden Hour finisher, Mike! You are our hero! And so happy you felt like the film accurately captured what Golden Hour is all about
Beautiful documentary! It is an incredible journey and you captured the grit and final hour perfectly!! This was such a beautiful and amazing piece about western states and that celebration of the golden hour. My friend sent me this because the woman at 12:53 was the women featured in the documentary I created on her journey, from planning her race to that finish line. It is called the Heart of Stone and shows the individuals journey to getting to the golden hour. I was so happy to her In this documentary smiling as she saw that finish line. Thank you for this amazing piece on Western States. A truly beautiful job.
Thank you so much Acorn Productions! I really appreciate you watching and this thoughtful comment. A couple people have commented about your project Heart of Stone! So cool that our two stories collided in that one moment :) Hope you are doing well!
That Super Bowl analogy is so good. WS100 is on my list but that’s just made it even more crystallised. I love the fact ‘normal’ runners finish, not just the stereotypical lean, light athletes. We need more films like this. Well done and hats off to showing the various facets and challenges of being an ultra runner.
Absolutely agree on the Super Bowl analogy! Thank you so much for watching, Patrick. I am so grateful for your comment!
I cried like a baby for all of that...brilliant
Thank you for watching, Owen!
Austin - Outstanding. Your story telling is authentic. You allow the protagonists and cinematography speak for themselves. Congratulations. As a “veteran” ultrarunner it warms my heart and soul to see the next generation of our beloved sport in such capable hands. You “get it” and for that I - we as a community are eternally grateful. Pay it forward, onward!
Wow, this comment means the world to me Bob. It is such an honor to represent this sport both as a runner and as a storyteller. Authenticity, letting individuals speak for themselves, and capturing the essence of the sport are my ultimate goals. To know those resonated with a veteran of the sport like you is fills my heart!
WOW what an amazing film. Thank you Austin for making it, and a massive congrats to all the finishers.
Thanks for watching Tom! I really appreciate it
Thank you so much for focusing on this. The winners are amazing, but the ones who survive no matter their times deserve some credit and celebration.
Thank you for watching Susan! It was an honor to share the stories from the back end of the pack
Dear me. Terra you made me cry, but that smile you gave when you received your buckle. Pure triumph! Austin, that was 16:39 of absolute magic. Thank you.
Man, i'm sat here with tears in my eyes. Great job, and great job runners. X
This is such a great video, we’re so used to seeing elites running but something about this just hits different
thanks for watching!
Brings back some great memories. I have to say that this video is so well done...BUT....it made me even more sad that I was not there this year due to Covid. I hope and pray that next year we are back to normal and that we will all be back at States next year. Great job Austin...Stay safe everyone...
Amen, Randy. I never could have imagined that this film would in some way be our community's experience of Western States in 2020. Can't wait until we are all back out there together again
Well, now I'm crying. Amazing job by both you and also all of the finishers.
Thank you CharlieTibbs! :)
Amazing. Well done everyone in the race and great videography
Thank you so much, Michael! Really appreciate it
Omg I love her haha as soon as she started tearing up I'm like 😭😭😭😭😭
Haha, I am definitely going to share this comment with Terra :) Thank you so much for watching Mel!
Omg I don't know any of the runners, but I cried just to see the courage to finish and cross the finish line 🙏
Aww, I love that Mariposa. Thank you so much for watching and cheering on these amazing runners!
These are the people that inspire me to run. Not the elite sponsored ones I don’t even know their names I remember Scott Jurek but after his time I stopped caring about them. I love these people who are like me.
These runners inspire me too! Thanks for watching
When I’m mad that a film is too short it’s a great one. Thanks. Needed this one right now. Had tears early in this one.
Thissss! Haha! Definitely what I love to hear as a filmmaker. Thank you so much Paul. Hope you are having an amazing Sunday!
Such a great film, felt like you were part of their journey. Congratulations to the people featured in the film, you are amazing!!
Thank you for watching, Marianne! I will pass on your congratulations to the people I followed!
Thank you for making a film about the golden hour of running. This will stick with me when I'm out there training. Excellent work and congratulations to the runners!
YES! I love to hear that it will motivate you during training. that is what it is ALL about
Oh man, the finish line gets me every time 😭, beautiful!
Thank you, Colin! Can never go wrong showing 5 minutes straight of everyday heroes accomplishing their dreams!
Absolutely amazing. I am so moved and inspired by this, Austin!! INCREDIBLE film
My man! Thank you brother. So grateful for you
emotional, great film, kudos to GRL podcast for sending me here, great job Austin! maybe one day ill be lucky to be at Western States.
thank you for watching! so glad that you enjoyed it :)
Amazing. What an experience. This is what life is all about.
Still watching this, it is that good. Great work.
Thank you so much, Arindya!
As an outsider backpacker very new to the sport at both a young and a little older age (than most pros) of 33, I have these goals I feel are super psycho to say outloud. But watching this, I know I can do it. I just can't remember the last time UA-cam videos of achievements have made me openly weep. But this'll do it!
I love this, Pete! Your goals are not psycho at all. Your goals are amazing and worth striving for. You go this! Thank you so much for watching
Wonderful!!! I could watch people finish Ultras for hours! Great film! Congratulations to all finishers!
Hahaha, I know, me too! Maybe next year my film should show every single finisher :) That would be epic haha
Outstanding video! Incredibly refreshing to see the race from this perspective rather than the usual focus on the elite field. The racers' stories were captured in such a raw and authentic way- moved me to tears watching this.
This means the world to me, Germaine. Thank you so much for watching and for sharing this perspective
You told the story so well. When you pull the emotion into it, you've achieved some magic. Congratulations.
Thank you, Morten! I really appreciate it
This was beautiful, inspiring, passionate and motivating. I know none of these people and still found myself getting emotional at the journey and the epic nature of finishing a 100 mile race! The reaction to those finishing in the golden hour is akin to winning the race and I would one day love to participate. Congratulations to all who have ever undertaken this incredible feat and thank you Austin for this film.
Ryan, thank you so much for watching the film and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment. I am so grateful for this and am so happy that you were inspired by all these Golden Hour heroes!
Amazing video! In this time were there are no races (at least here in Europe) it is great to see these WS100 images. I loved the quality of shots and the overall story.
Fingers crossed to win a place in the lottery one day!
Thank you for watching and leaving a comment Ferraro! I really appreciate it. Hope that you score a lottery ticket one day as well! Maybe I will be filming you one day :)
Such a GOOD Film! Good job everybody!
thank you for watching!
Great film Austin! As a fellow Stanford alum (class of '92), I'm really proud of your work and wish you all the best as your career unfolds. I'm also a road runner transitioning to the trails and training for my first 50K this fall, so the film was particularly timely and inspiring. Keep up the good work!
Hey Matthew! So great to hear from a fellow Stanford alum! How are things going? Also great to hear that another road runner is transitioning to the trails :) Keep me posted on how that 50k goes. Hope this film can keep inspiring you on your journey!
Great work Austin! Loved the part about becoming familiar with the uncomfortable. Pain and discomfort, whether physical or emotional, are indeed great teachers.
I agree Johan! Thank you so much for watching!
So beautifully captured!!
Thank you, Laura!
Soooo Good Austin 👏👏 Got goosebumps watching this 🙏
thank you for watching, Allan! So glad you enjoyed
Beautiful. So glad I was able to run today. Very well edited film. Thank you. Also, good job to all those amazing runners!
Thank you for watching, Jason!
"Fuk it just run." -GREAT mantra!!
Fantastic video from a very unique perspective! Definitely just earned yourself a subscriber. Keep up the great work man!
Thank you so much, Niklaus! I really appreciate it so much
Beautiful video!! Teared up a couple of times...So inspiring 🏃.
Thank you, Mike! So happy that the film resonated with you. Hope you are having a fantastic day!
Austin Meyer Videos like this one, really helps with motivation, etc... love watching any trail running videos, trail running movies, etc. My day was a good day. I Always give thanks to God for giving me another day of life to wake up to. I hope your day was awesome.... you deserve it 😀👍.
This was amazing and a great capture of the human spirit. Thanks for putting into film the answer to "why" with a confused look that most people give to stating you run crazy miles for fun.
Hahah, I love it. Thank you Tracey!
Great work Austin!!! Loved it
Thank yoU!!
This is why I love ultrarunning!
Me too
heck yeah!! Awesome work Austin! Shared the film with a few ultrarunner friends of mine- all are raving!! Bravo !
Thank you, Maya! Based on our conversation on Insta, I think you may be lining up at WS100 one day!
Grateful for all who shared their story.
Amen! Me too!
Reminder set! Can't wait to watch this.
Woo! Hope you enjoy it, Tom!
I was a golden hour finisher back in 1999. Finished in 29:05 . Watching this video brings back memories.
Ahh, I love that. Congratulations on your Golden Hour Finish, David!
@@austinmeyerfilms thank you
That's a nice film.
I just found your channel. The running content is excellent, I hope there’s more to come. Thank you.
Thank you Paul! I really appreciate it. I hope to do more as well :) I have a backpacking video coming to the channel tomorrow, so keep an eye out for it!
Fantastic film Austin, think I got a bit of dirt in my eye at the end there! Great to see the determination of the Golden Hour finishers and what it means to them. Fingers crossed for 2022.
Haha, Thank you Philip! Are you in the lottery? I hope to be next to you on that 2022 starting line!
The BEST running short film i've seen!....(look..squirrel)
Thanks!
Thank you, Mangai!
Wow!! incredibly moving and inspiring! Fantastic film, many thanks!
Thank you for watching, Karl. It means the world to me!
Thank You for sharing this...
i will be there i dont when but i will be in the western 100.....
You got this Maiong! I hope to see you there one day :)
Incredible stuff. Please make more like this 😀
Will do! thanks for watching :)
Absolutely excellent!
Thank you Meredith!
Wow! How inspirational. Thank you for this beautiful piece of work! 🙏❤
Thank you for watching, Alex!
"Fuck it, just run". Best quote ever.
Excellent video, very inspiring, thank you - Subscribed.
Thank you so much, Rob!
Incredible work, Austin! What an amazing film!! Thank you :-)
Thank you so much, Alastair!
This gave me chills, man! Unbelievably inspiring
Thank you for watching, Tyler! so glad you found it compelling!
Awesome work Austin! I'd love to pick your brain about the production of this video. Loved it!
Thank you Chase the Summit! I really appreciate it! I was recently on the Ginger Runner Live show and we talked about some of the behind the scenes of production :) That's a good interview. Also feel free to reach out if you have questions. My contact info is in the description!
@@austinmeyerfilms oh cool! I'll check that out. I have a similar channel based around ultra running/adventures. Always good to keep learning!
Thank you! Much love for making something so damn motivating!
Thank you!! I really appreciate it!
Awesome film.
Thank you, John!
Austin, THANK YOU for this video! It’s the obvious fun to see the pros, but this is the real gem. I’ve got the bug for ultras and this is the kind of video I’ll come back to to keep my fire lit. So fantastic.
Kate, thank you for watching!! I'm so happy that this video can inspire your ultra pursuits :) That means the world to me
Wow, that was amazing
Beautiful!
thank you!!
Excellent!
thank you!
All of them are badass rockstars!
That's the truth right there!
Best birthday present ever!! Can't wait to watch
Thank you Keegan! Wishing you the happiest of Golden Hour birthdays!
chills
One day, man, one day... Awesome movie. Thanks for sharing.
You'll be there Pablo!
So much emotion ! Thanks !
Thank you, Eclipse!
Thank you for this!! So inspiring. 🙏
Thank you for watching :) So glad it inspired you!
Inspirational...some day this will be my Golden Hour regards from México City
Thanks for watching Sergio! So glad you liked it :)
OMG I LOVE THSI
So cool!!! Made me cry!!