We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Play

00:00

/

00:00

Full screen
Video quality

Low 0 MB

High 0 MB

HD 0 MB

Captions
Volume
Volume
Hero image for The Greatest Run on Earth

The Greatest Run on Earth

Television (Full Length) – 1980

This film documents Auckland's Round the Bays run. In 1980 jogging was booming, with coach Arthur Lydiard and a band of Olympic champs (Snell, Walker, etc) inspiring the way. Here, participants run and reflect, from a blind runner, to children and an army squad. Slo-mo sweat, sinew and samba shots frame the 70,000 runners as members of an infectious cult chasing the piper around the waterfront. Adidas, terry towelling and facial hair make the film a relaxed 70s update on Olympiad; directed by Sam Pillsbury it won awards at Chicago and Torino festivals.

Running gives me something ‘spiritual’ — which sounds a bit silly — but there’s something spiritual about it. There’s something about running that makes you feel part of ‘what is’ on the earth ... and I suppose Round the Bays is a celebration of that.
– Bill Taylor, running philosopher and ex-arthritis sufferer

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Sam Pillsbury

Sam Pillsbury

Writer, Producer, Director

Generic Profile image for D.O.C. Williams

D.O.C. Williams

Associate Producer

Profile image for Morton Wilson

Morton Wilson

Composer

Profile image for Waka Attewell

Waka Attewell

Additional Camera

Generic Profile image for David Caldwell

David Caldwell

Additional Camera

Generic Profile image for Ian Paul

Ian Paul

Additional Camera

See all 28 credits

Produced by

  • TVNZ

  • Pillsbury Films

Music

 


‘Round the Bays’ song by Roger Brittenden, Murray Grindla


 

Categories