The Ultramarathon Inspired by a Cult 1979 Gang Movie

Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Runners convene at Tortoise & Hare bar in the South Bronx to meet, stock supplies, refresh costumes, and trade war stories before the race
- The ultramarathon covers 28 miles, a distance the source frames as short for the participant pool
- Many entrants are veteran ultrarunners accustomed to 50- and 100-mile races rather than the 28-mile distance offered
- One runner recently finished the Moab 240, a 240-mile race he completed in five days
Why it matters: The race's draw is cultural, not athletic—its 28-mile distance is a warm-up for many participants, including a finisher of the 240-mile Moab race completed in five days, making the movie-themed atmosphere the real attraction.




