Last Annual Vol State Race - Documentary

Over the past 12 days, our crew has worked tirelessly to document the incredible ecosystem that is the Vol State 500k. One July 10th, 129 people boarded the ferry from Hickman, Kentucky to Dorena Landing, MO where race director Gary Cantrell aka Lazarus Lake lit a cigarette starting the clock on the next 10 days.

While some completed the 314 mile journey in 4 days, others took up to the very last moments of the 10 days. Some decided that the variables were overwhelming and dropped out on the road.

This story is not only of the runners, however. While these runners are not allowed to bring a personal crew along with them for support along the course, local Tennessee residents set up sanctuaries for the participants. Whether it’s simply a cooler on the side of the road of waters or air conditioned tents with mattresses and medical supplies, these ‘road angels’ dedicate their own time and money to support these runners in their time of need.

The Vol State 500k is more than a test of endurance—it is a journey of resilience and community. This documentary delves into what drives people to undertake such an immense challenge, running across the heart of the American South with nothing but their own willpower and the kindness of strangers to sustain them. While the race’s physical demands are undeniable, our focus is on something even greater: the human connections that form along the way and the deep meaning they bring to both runners and the communities they pass through.

Set against the backdrop of rural America, the race unfolds through small towns that have become integral to its success. These road angels and small towns offer more than just water and shelter—they provide encouragement, camaraderie, and an irreplaceable sense of belonging. Our film captures both the struggle of the runners and the generosity of the communities that embrace them, highlighting the race as a deeply connective, human experience rather than just an athletic feat.

Many runners return year after year, suggesting that the experience changes them in ways they cannot find elsewhere. For the towns along the route, the race is an annual tradition that allows them to uplift and connect with complete strangers. Their role in the race is as essential as the runners themselves, making this a story of mutual reliance and unexpected kinship.

At a time when people are feeling increasingly isolated, this film serves as a powerful reminder of human connection. While the race is largely solitary, it is the moments of generosity and support from road angels and pit stops in small towns along the way that transform it into something far greater. We explore how these towns view their role in the race, how their participation has evolved, and what it means to them to be part of this enduring tradition.

Created with a passion for magnifying the beauty of the everyday, our documentary is both a tribute to the runners and a love letter to the communities that sustain them. It tells a story of pain, perseverance, and the quiet, everyday kindness that makes the impossible possible.

Our filmmaking approach embraces a highly verité style. We aim to create an immersive experience, using high-energy pacing to highlight the intensity of the race, while slowing down in intimate moments to underscore the heart of this story—the beautiful humanity of everyone involved.

We need your support to finish bringing this vision to life. Your donation will help us cover production costs, travel expenses, and post-production, ensuring that we can tell this incredible story with the depth and authenticity it deserves. By contributing, you become part of this journey, helping us share a film that celebrates endurance, community, and the profound connections forged in the most unexpected places.

With your support, we can fully capture the spirit of this race and the powerful human connections it fosters. Every contribution—big or small—helps make this documentary possible!

Please consider donating today to bring the stories of these ordinary people achieving the extraordinary.