The runner

THE RUNNER, 2002. Documentary 41 min.

"For christ sake, I just want to eat oatmeal and run and avoid hassle, no idiotstuff."

Markus Torgeby have chosen to go his own way in life. Free from the worlds distractions, he lives deep in the forest of northern Sweden. Everything he owns is in the teepee he lives in, and most of it fits in is his backpack. Life seems easier when the days is about simple things like what to eat, where to sleep and how to keep warm. But in his loneliness, doubtful thoughts gets on his mind. Is the hermit life taking hold of him? Is he becoming a recluse?

At the same time, the film follows Markus´s hard road to secure a national team spot in running. Through cold vinters, bright summer nights and during a six-month stay with high-altitude-training in Tanzania, we follow Markus´s development as a runner, how he forces himself to run even when his body aches.

The film follow him for over two years.


A part of Markus life can also be seen in the movie SWEDEN TODAY. Markus has written the books "The Runner" (Löparens hjärta), and "Under the open skies" (Sova ute).

The sequel WAY OF THE RUNNER is in postproduction and will be shown by autumn 2021.