Run Again is a French documentary running 1 hour and 5 minutes, directed by Alexis Berg. It combines sport, music and adventure, recounting a story of personal rebirth through one of the world's toughest ultratrail races.
The documentary follows Dave Pen, singer of the longstanding English rock band Archive, who has performed on Europe's major stages for more than thirty years. After four years of enforced silence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave—a 45-year-old family man from Southampton—seeks new meaning in his existence. He decides to take part in the Spine Race, an extreme 268-mile (more than 430 km) winter running race considered one of the United Kingdom's most demanding.
Dave Pen plays himself, bringing his transition from artist to ultramarathon runner to the screen. The film documents his physical and emotional journey through rugged landscapes, extreme fatigue and introspection, offering an authentic look at ultradistance running and at overcoming mental and bodily limits.
The documentary's thematic core is the search for a new balance, the possibility of “running again” to rediscover an inner voice. Through the sporting ordeal, it reflects on the human need for rebirth and transformation, especially in times of crisis.
Run Again is a mature, non-student work and not the director's first film. Alexis Berg and Aurélien Delfosse collaborated on production, with a screenplay by Berg and Patricia Oudit. The documentary was completed on 1 April 2025 and filmed in the United Kingdom.
Film Details
Title: Run Again
Original title: Run Again
Director: Alexis Berg
Production: Alexis Berg, Aurélien Delfosse
Country: France
Language: English
Running time: 65 minutes
Genre: Documentary, Sports, Adventure, Music
Sport featured: Ultratrail
Protagonist(s): Dave Pen
Completion date: 1 April 2025
Premiere: [Not specified]
Distributor: [Not specified]
Shooting format: Digital, 16:9, colour
Director's first film: No
Student project: No