FILM REVIEW

Tony Dodero

Why?

That’s the question you’re asking yourself as you watch the

documentary “Running on the Sun” and learn of the Badwater 135.

Why would anyone do this?

Why do men and women of all ages, even amputees, race 135 miles

through scorching heat in the middle of California’s Death Valley, up

mountains and grades and through thunderstorms and all the way to the top

of 14,000-foot Mt. Whitney.

“I don’t think there is a thing about this that’s good for the body,”

says one 60ish and sweating Badwater participant as he glares into the

camera.

Now there’s an understatement.

Participants suffer heat exhaustion, vomiting, an inability to eat or

perform other bodily functions, blisters, skin lesions, delirium and most

of all, extreme agony.

And the squeamish of stomach should be forewarned that this film

spares no gore in graphically demonstrating the toll this takes.

But believe it or not, “Running on the Sun” is alluring. It’s not just

the warm, red and brown hues of the desert that draw you in.

It has more to do with the deep focus on the human spirit and the

reality of the harsh elements that have no forgiveness or qualms about

snuffing out life.

Through close-ups and panoramic photography, the movie gives you a

glimpse into the psyche of those tortured souls who yearn to punish

themselves for the sake of saying, “I did it.”

And somehow, you’re not asking why anymore. You’re thinking that if a

man who had is right foot blown off in Vietnam can tackle this, so can

you.

You’re thinking if a 68-year-old corporate driver from London and,

yes, even a New York Times reporter can bear the heat and blisters, so

can you. In fact, a full two-thirds finish this grueling race, while the

other third drops out from the aforementioned maladies.

But you know deep down if it were you, you wouldn’t be undone, you

wouldn’t be denied.

“I’ve become so much richer,” says one participant after finishing the

race.

And somehow, you know exactly what he means.

* “Running on the Sun” will screen 9 p.m. Tuesday at Edwards Island 7

Cinemas.