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ONE STEP AT A TIME - A 2026 WESTERN STATES TALE

Francesco Puppi

9,894 views

How do you run 100 miles and 18.000 ft of vert in under 14 hours? The answer is oddly simple: one step at a time.

This story isn't about how I ran Western States in 13:51, becoming the second man to ever go under 14h.

This story is about relationships and identity, pain and joy, doubts and hope, discomfort and confidence. It's about my reality as an athlete and as a person, a reality that is messy and difficult and doesn't always look good, but that I am learning to appreciate and to accept for who I am.

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this film, please share it with the people you love.
Your support means a lot!

ONE STEP A TIME

Directed by:
Damiano Levati

A film by:
Damiano Levati
Daniele Molineris
Francesco Puppi
Filippo Solaro del Borgo

Production:
The Moth Orchestra

Cinematography by:
Damiano Ballarin
Filippo Solaro del Borgo
Damiano Levati
Gloria Rita Giudici
Daniele Molineris
Francesco Puppi

Additional footage courtesy of:
Western States Endurance Run
Mountain Outpost/Aravaipa Running
Nico Carste

Live race commentary:
Dylan Bowman
Corrine Malcolm

Race Crew:
Gloria Rita Giudici
Tito Tiberti
Leo Pershall
Laurel Pershall

Presented by:
Hoka

Supported by:
Coros
Enervit
Vibram

Subscribe: ‪@francesco_puppi

Follow me!

Instagram: Instagram: francesco.puppi
Substack: https://substack.com/@francescopuppi
Strava: Strava: strava
Any Surface Available: https://open.spotify.com/show/5b5O1KK...

#runthedistance #trailrunning #ultrarunning #anysurfaceavailable #westernstates

20 Comments

@DubRunner 14 hours ago

Honestly Francesco, that was such a wonderfully human story of ambition, doubt, effort and love. Your honesty about the race and your concerns about racing that distance resonate with us all; and the support from Rita, Tito and the rest of your crew is a joy to watch. Well done to all concerned.

@ContentsMayDiffer 12 hours ago

A refreshingly sober and insightful look at an insane effort. Thank you for bringing us along.

@partyonwayne2026 10 hours ago

most epic 100-mile debut ever!

@alberto_aguirre 14 hours ago (edited)

Bravo Francesco! I loved how you showed people that running such a distance at that speed will hurt and that it will affect you emotionally. Vincent won, you did too.

@LunaPanis 1 day ago

Ever since I heard in the OCC pre-race interview that this was coming out, I’ve been counting down the days! 🔥🧯🚒

Greetings from Pembrokeshire in West Wales! We’ll be watching the documentary with the kids, and then heading out for a family run together in the morning. 🏃🏻‍♀️🌊

@giacomospinelli9456 17 hours ago

Fa effetto pensare a quanto una frase così semplice possa essere efficace in situazioni completamente diverse. Sto attraversando un infortunio che, ormai da 10 mesi, mi tiene lontano da ciò che amo fare, e la frase “un passo alla volta” mi accompagna ogni giorno, soprattutto in quei momenti in cui faccio fatica a vedere dei progressi.

È bello pensare che quelle stesse identiche parole possano avere un significato così forte anche per chi, al contrario, sta cercando di correre 100 miglia il più velocemente possibile.

Grazie per il bel messaggio!

@topogelido 4 hours ago

Madonna che contenuto Fra, meraviglioso. E complimenti per tutto, sei uno degli atleti italiani migliori al mondo al momento. Meriteresti tutt'altra visibilità.

@albertoteruzzi61 7 hours ago

I never comment under YT videos, but WOW
Fra, emozione pura.

It may seem tough if you don’t run, but as a runner, you understand the pain and resilience you’ve endured.
Truly inspirational!
<3

@barclayyonks4390 15 hours ago

Wow that was emotional at times. Fantastic insight into your experiences during and before the race. I hope this gets the exposure it deserves. Hans and Puppi fan here

@Highnoonshred 11 hours ago (edited)

One of the most legendary runners I look up to!!! Not because of your accomplishments, but for your humbleness, passion, deadication and ability to find the love for the process!!!

This video will be going into my "Why I run" folder. This video will remind my self as a person with cerebral palsy and is an adaptive athlete/coach it is about the journey! I am getting emotional just writing this.

I know, I just know slices of who you are through podcast interviews and these videos, however, I look up to you brother! Gratitude!! Much ❤!

Carry the spirit of adventure with you and remember there are many who believe in you! You inspire me!
❤🌊☯️❄️❤️

@maurilocci84 2 hours ago

Che Viaggio!!!!
Che ATLETA!!!!
Che TEAM!!!!!
Fantastico

@braccrosina 2 hours ago

Sto scrivendo queste righe con il groppo in gola. Un film stupendo. Le parole di Tito ai rifornimenti, le urla e gli incitamenti di Rita, la tua fatica, il tuo successo, il vostro successo. Ho iniziato ad ascoltare il tuo podcast anni fa senza sapere chi fossi. Mi piaceva la tua voce e la tua narrazione ritrovandomi in molte delle tue riflessioni. Lo ascoltavo per curiosità perchè io non ho mai corso se non per ritornare "uomo" ad ogni settembre, dopo stagioni passate a pedalare. Ora per una serie di coincidenze corricchio, ci provo, nonostante le mille magagne, ma questo non cambia la percezione dell'umiltà del tuo muoverti ai massimi livelli nello sport. Bello tutto, fotografia, regia...tutto! Grazie.

@zeroh_chill2966 12 hours ago

Bear watch 2026 making the WS debut!! WE ARE SO BACK!! Let’s GOOOOOOO! What an amazing film Francesco. Catching all the best moments of the build up, friends, competitors, family… Amazing watching you this year ❤

@partyonwayne2026 11 hours ago

positive and resilient. very powerful combination

@MarcoRCArena 3 hours ago

Grande Francesco!!!! grazie ragazzi!

@danielebeghelli4217 14 hours ago

Meraviglioso. You are so back!!

@robertobrambillasca9924 3 hours ago

Emozionante, complimenti Francesco

@k_nornis 12 hours ago

You’re such an incredible and natural runner…but to run through such pain is truly incredible. So impressive.

@ellenvoyage594 14 hours ago

Fran you are such an artistic runner and as a painter, who likes to follow the sport from her studio, I can’t help but be a huge fan. What a moving film! So beautiful and powerful!