A RUNNER’S HIGH: DAY ONE
WHY KALLUP MCCOY II?
I found this story “A Runner’s High” by accident 3 years ago. While searching for a story to film and share, I found Kallup McCoy II, a Cherokee Native American who is an endurance athlete. I knew he ran ultra marathons and races all the time and that was initially my focus and reason for contacting him. However; on my first phone call with him, I learned His story was much deeper than just an athlete and a sport.
When I first heard his story, it sounded unbelievable and straight out of a movie. But after talking to members of his community from his former high school coaches, the county Sheriff, Cherokee Chief, and family, I learned every single bit was true and that this story had to be shared through the screen.This story follows a man as he recalls the darkest time of his life, the turmoil and destruction in his wake, and eventually sees him find redemption and purpose. I want people to watch this film and to feel inspired, inspired to achieve their goals, kill the demons that haunt them, and to leave knowing redemption is a road that takes just a step to start.
PRODUCTION
Production for this project took a few years to get off the ground. Between graduating college, moving for a job, to then moving back to NC, we were FINALLY able to get “A Runner’s High” rolling. We began shooting in August of 2023 in Swain County NC. Me and the other half of Dialed, Alan Imber began shooting b-roll and the main interview for the film. Later that month we returned to the Cherokee region to begin retracing Kallup’s incredible journey on the Trail of Tears.
Before we kicked off the journey, Pat McGrady met up with us in Cherokee NC. Pat captured all of the beautiful behind the scenes footage/pictures that are seen in this post. He is creating a Documentary following me and Alan as we ourselves go through the process of producing this documentary. With the team assembled and a good night sleep under our belts we woke up Monday August 28th ready to rock and roll.
THE JOURNEY: DAY 1
The first day took us from Kituwah Mound (the mother-town of the Cherokee), all the way to the Mississippi River near Paducah Kentucky. During that drive I got a pinched nerve in my back which made the multi day, multi thousand mile journey very tough for me. However through the pain, we were able to captured what became one of my favorite scenes in the story. During Kallup’s Journey, he experienced many highs and many lows. As he approached the Mississippi River, he was at his lowest and didn't know what to do. With his wife Katelynn by his side, they walked hand in hand into the river and partook in a ceremonial wash. As Kallup states, the purpose is to wash off negative energy/spirits, replenish the mind and soul and to connect with the ancestors of Cherokee past, Ancestors which many of whom drowned trying to cross during the TOT in the very river Kallup was standing in. We were able to recreate this scene, and not only was it a beautiful sunset, but the weight of the setting and the purpose behind the ceremony just helped me realize why we were doing this documentary.
