Breaking2 (2017)
Story overview
Breaking2 is a 2017 documentary that follows three elite marathon runners—Eliud Kipchoge, Zersenay Tadese, and Lelisa Desisa—as they attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier. The film documents their six-month journey, showcasing advanced scientific training in wind tunnels and labs in the United States, their daily lives in eastern Africa, and culminating in a high-stakes race in Italy. It highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and human potential.
Parent Guide
Breaking2 is a family-friendly documentary with positive messages about determination and science. It has no concerning content, making it appropriate for viewers aged 8 and up, though younger children might find the race intensity less engaging.
Content breakdown
No violence or perilous situations; the focus is on athletic training and competition without physical conflict.
Nothing scary or disturbing; the film is uplifting and inspirational throughout.
No offensive or strong language; dialogue is clean and focused on sports commentary and personal reflections.
No sexual content or nudity; athletes are shown in appropriate athletic attire during training and races.
No depiction of substance use; the emphasis is on healthy training and nutrition.
Mild emotional intensity during race scenes and moments of personal struggle, but overall positive and motivating.
Parent tips
This documentary is suitable for most children, focusing on athletic achievement and determination. It contains no violence, strong language, or inappropriate content. However, the intense race scenes and emotional moments may be overwhelming for very young viewers. Consider watching together to discuss the athletes' dedication and the science behind their training.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What was your favorite part of the race?
- How do you think the runners felt when they finished?
- Can you run fast like the athletes in the movie?
- Why do you think breaking the two-hour marathon is so hard?
- How did the scientists help the runners train?
- What does it mean to 'never give up' like these athletes?
- What role does technology play in modern sports, as shown in the documentary?
- How do cultural differences affect the runners' training approaches?
- What qualities make these athletes successful beyond just physical ability?
- Discuss the ethical implications of using advanced science to break athletic records.
- How does this documentary challenge traditional views of human limitations?
- What broader lessons about perseverance and innovation can be applied outside of sports?
🎭 Story Kernel
Breaking2 isn't really about whether three elite runners can break the two-hour marathon barrier—it's about the psychology of attempting the impossible within a controlled corporate experiment. The film explores how Nike's scientific approach (perfect pacing, optimal conditions, shoe technology) clashes with the raw, unpredictable human element. Eliud Kipchoge's serene focus, Lelisa Desisa's emotional vulnerability, and Zersenay Tadese's quiet determination reveal different facets of athletic grace under pressure. The documentary subtly questions whether such manufactured attempts dilute the purity of sport, even as it celebrates human achievement.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a clinical, almost sterile visual language that mirrors its scientific approach—clean compositions, steady tracking shots of runners against the Monza racetrack's geometric lines. Color is deliberately muted except for the vibrant neon of the pacing car's lights, creating visual tension between human effort and technological aid. Slow-motion sequences capture the poetry of movement in exhausting detail, while aerial shots emphasize the runners' isolation. The camera lingers on faces—not during triumph, but during moments of doubt and pain—making this a psychological portrait disguised as a sports documentary.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The attempt took place on the Monza Formula 1 racetrack in Italy, chosen for its flat, predictable surface and controlled environment. Nike spent years developing the Zoom Vaporfly Elite shoes specifically for this attempt, featuring a carbon fiber plate that became controversial in running circles. The pacing team of elite runners rotated in precise formations that were choreographed like a military operation. Interestingly, the documentary crew had to film while running alongside the athletes at marathon pace for extended periods, requiring cinematographers who were also competitive runners.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Disney Plus
- Fandango At Home
