The Mancos Public Library presents a double feature sure to inspire the inner runner in everyone.First up is the short documentary “Kissing The Rock,” which examines The Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run, which takes place each July since 1992. The Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run entails a 100-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains starting and finishing in Silverton and passing through Ouray, Telluride and the ghost town of Sherman. The run alternates directions each year and has 34,000 feet of climbing at an average elevation of 11,000 feet over old mining trails and dirt roads. Runners cross 13 major passes over 12,000 feet and summit Handies Peak at 14,048 feet before completing the race. Instead of crossing a finish line, runners are required to “Kiss the Rock” to finish. Winners typically finish around 23 hours. and the final finisher cut-off is 48 hours. The average time to finish this grueling race is 41 hours. A conversation with the director and producer Matt Trappe (via Skype) will follow the screening.Next up is the live action sports drama, “McFarland USA,” based on a true story of a high school track team from McFarland, California.The film stars Kevin Costner as Jim White, a high school coach whose job-hopping leads him to McFarland High School, located in an predominately Latino agricultural community in California’s farm-rich San Joaquin Valley. Jim knows he has to make this school his last stop – he’s out of options, with both his career and his family and finds himself in a diverse, economically-challenged community that feels worlds apart from his previous hometowns. Admittedly, the White family and the students have a lot to learn from each other – but when coach White notices the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts impresses White – the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another, and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, coach White’s unlikely band of runners eventually overcome the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team, but an endearing legacy as well. Along the way, Jim and his family realize that they finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.Organizers of the Mancos Half Marathon, 5K, and Fun Run taking place on Saturday, June 25 will share details about the upcoming event and provide information about registering for the half marathon or 5K and opportunities to volunteer for the event. Proceeds from this event benefit Mancos Public Library. Registration and course information is available at www.mancoshalfmarathon.com. For more information about the film screenings please visit www.mancoslibrary.org or contact Shaine Gans at 533-7600 ext. 202 or sgans@mancoslibrary.org.
