Judith Som became the oldest woman to finish the 2024 New York City Marathon at 82 years old. This short documentary follows her journey to the starting line; centered on her training in Central Park, where she has run for decades, and through race day as she attempts the 2025 New York City Marathon. Along the way, the film traces the growth of women’s running over the decades and reflects on how the sport has shaped Jude's life.
Working with Jude was such a joy. After cheering on the tens of thousands of race participants in previous years, it became a dream to showcase what it means to complete the NYC Marathon as an older runner. When we started talking with Jude, it became clear that she epitomized the resiliency and attitude it takes to not just run this race once, but to be a lifelong marathoner attempting her 23rd go. Jude may be the oldest woman to run the race in 2024, but you wouldn't know that at a glance or by chatting with her. Her light shines bright, and we all have a lot to learn when it comes to going after what you believe in and trying your best despite the challenges along the way. It was a pleasure to cheer Jude on and share some of her story in Running Home.
Of course, this project would not be possible without the help and support of many friends and colleagues along the way. Thanks to those who cheered Jude on during her race and sent in phone clips to be used in this doc. Thanks to the filming and editing support from my group of talented friends throughout the city. Thank you to New York Road Runners for allowing us to get a behind-the-scenes look at marathon day. And thanks to Jude and her friends for continuing to put one foot in front of the other for all these years, and inspiring us all to keep going. People run this race through disability, illness, hardship, or whatever life might have thrown their way. This year, I urge you all to cheer on everyone running towards this amazing accomplishment – the marathon is a powerful reminder to spread love, support your neighbor, and come together as New Yorkers and as human beings.
CREDITS
Gabi Freeda Producer
Patrick Sheils Producer
Judith Som Key Cast
Patrick Sheils Director of Photography
Patrick Sheils Director
Gabi Freeda Director
Evelyn Gonzalez Supporting Cast
Diana DiMeo Supporting Cast
Ben Delaney Supporting Cast
Nolan Foster Additional Filming
Shai Yuval Original Music
Ben Van Cleave Graphic Design
Renzo Olivieri Production Assistant
Henry Spritz Marathon Day Cinematography
Robby Sheils Marathon Day Cinematography
Spenser Sisselman Marathon Day Cinematography
Brady Perron Marathon Day Cinematography
Dillon Puswald Marathon Day Cinematography
Tatum Robinson Marathon Course Footage
Paulie Ippolito Marathon Course Footage
Lucie Swan Marathon Course Footage
Noah Swan Marathon Course Footage
Lucy Yellen Marathon Course Footage
Corinne Gaccione Marathon Course Footage
Noah Zussman Marathon Course Footage
Maija Bradley Marathon Course Footage
Sawa Yamakawa Marathon Course Footage
Alex Rose Marathon Course Footage
Jordan Lucero Marathon Course Footage