FILM - Lazarus Lake - The Hillbilly Scientist
Discover the only official documentary about Lazarus Lake
Directed by Paul Mellor and Luke Jarmey (Mellor&Smith), The Hillbilly Scientist is the only authorized documentary about Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell.
For more than a year, the film crew had unprecedented access to Laz’s world: more than 20 days of filming at the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra, in his home alongside Sandra, and during his crossing of the Nevada desert on the legendary Highway 50.
An exceptional immersion into the man behind trail running’s most legendary races.
Beyond the Barkley
More than just a film about trail running, The Hillbilly Scientist explores Laz’s personality, journey, philosophy, and unique approach to effort.
The documentary also explores his childhood, the most significant moments of his life, the controversies that shaped his journey, and the birth of races that have become legendary.
A captivating reflection on resilience, the meaning of failure, freedom, and human limits.
Exceptional stories
The documentary also features several major figures from trail running and ultra-endurance:
- Jasmin Paris, first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons
- Rich Roll, author and host of the Rich Roll Podcast
- John Kelly, multiple Barkley finisher
- Mathieu Blanchard, UTMB podium finisher and 2026 Barkley participant
- David Horton, member of the Ultra Running Hall of Fame
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Rachel Entrekin, winner of Cocodona 250
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Damian Hall, multiple Barkley participant
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Abby Levene, senior editor at Outside Magazine
A world premiere in Chamonix
For UTMB, Raidlight is hosting the world premiere of The Hillbilly Scientist.
Please note: no physical ticket will be sent.
