From the outside, it may seem like ultrarunning is an individual sport, but anyone who has ever had someone crew them at a race — or has been part of a crew — knows it is actually a team sport.
“Crewing” is a new film following professional runners and partners Martina Valmassoi and Dakota Jones as they swap roles between racing and then crewing for each other this past summer. It highlights just how important crews can be and offers sage advice for being a good crew member. The added fun of this film comes from the fact that Valmassoi and Jones are lighthearted, fun, and clearly able to enjoy their racing and their time with each other.
[Editor’s Note: Click here to watch the film on YouTube.]
Both sponsored runners who live together in the Dolomites of Italy, the pair shares insights into what it is like to crew and support each other, first as Valmassoi tackles the Lavaredo Ultra Trail, her hometown race, as Jones crews, and then as Jones runs the Val d’Aran 100k in the Pyrenees, as Valmassoi crews. As the two race and crew, the film walks us through eight “golden rules” of crewing, including those that anyone who has crewed can well relate to, like “survive the wait.” The cinematography keeps it personal and real while capturing the often hectic nature of crewing at big races.
Jones, originally from the U.S., is no stranger to ultrarunning and broke onto the scene at the very young age of 17. Throughout the film, he offers words of wisdom on how to manage your mood when things go sideways in a race — both as a racer and crew member. He’s more than happy to talk about how running mirrors life.
Dakota Jones and Martina Valmassoi plan their crewing strategy ahead of the races. All photos are screenshots from the film “Crewing.”
Meanwhile, Valmassoi, originally from Pieve di Cadore, Italy, and an accomplished runner and ski mountaineer, gets playfully exasperated when he’s not listening to her. The interactions between Jones and Valmassoi are endearing and familiar. The two never seem to take themselves or life too seriously. Their vibe is refreshing, and they feel approachable and grounded. Maybe as the biggest lesson they can teach through this film, they tackle their less-than-ideal races with grace and stoicism.
Much of the humor arrives in the preparation. As all good crew and runner combos do, they review their gear and plans for the race ahead. “My goal is 80, 90 grams of carbs an hour without shitting my pants,” states Valmassoi. Jones doesn’t bat an eyelash. This moment bridges the gap between the elite and average ultrarunner. Aren’t we all just out there trying not to soil our pants?
Similarly, you can see the excitement and nerves in Jones’ eyes as Valmassoi heads off into the night at the start of the race. When Valmassoi’s race doesn’t go as planned, they move on, following another one of their golden rules: “respect red flags.”
Talking through the plan before Valmassoi heads out on the Lavaredo Ultra Trail.
When it’s Jones’ turn to race, he says, “I think racing is just trusting in yourself, no matter what you are doing, whether you are racing well or poorly.” While neither of their races goes as hoped, the quirky and candid moments between the pair and their perspective and silliness provide the example of what it means to show up — or in this case, to crew — for your people.
Their final golden rule might be the most important of all: “celebrate together.”
Valmassoi celebrates getting pizza between races.
Call for Comments
- Do you have a favorite crewing experience?
- Do you swap crewing and racing duties with your friends?
