Running over 200 miles is never a small feat. Today, we are proud to highlight a recent documentary produced by Jacob Schmiedicke focusing on one man, who has made it his goal to choose the path less traveled, and in doing so, inspire a generation of young men behind to discover their God-given purpose.
Run So As To Win is not just an entertaining short film but a riveting journey. It’s the raw story of Jonathan Kuplack, a recent upstart in ultramarathons (we’re talking 50+ mile races) and a passionate advocate for young men living up to their God-given potential. In 2025, Jonathan ran “the MAMMOTH,” one of the largest and highest-altitude 200-mile trail races of its kind in the world, through the mountains of northern California.
$20,000 in prize money is awarded at the Mammoth. But Jonathan wasn’t running for cash or glory. As the camera tracks Jonathan and his crew (his wife and a Catholic priest) over the three-day race, you get to feel his motivation up close: radical trust in God. It’s a foreign concept to most audiences, pushing oneself physically to grow spiritually, but this documentary may challenge your concept of body-soul unity.
The film feels dramatic at points but never over-the-top. The storytelling is genuine and will keep even your children on the edge of their seats. But viewer, be warned: you may find yourself lacing up those old running shoes the next day.
Interesting, especially since my archdiocese here in Cincinnati just put out a short video on YouTube called Running Through Faith about 2 friends, one of them a seminarian, preparing for a race. A heavenly coincidence!