For months, the Meta Endurance team set out on a singular mission. This was to capture the life of Koen Naert as he trained towards the Tokyo World Championships. Message on a Bottle is a look at Naert’s love for running along with the work and sacrifices it takes to make it to the top. The 2018 European marathon champion gave the team access to all areas. In it, they capture a portrait of his life, training and philosophy on running.
A Peek Behind The Curtain
Message on a Bottle is a multi-month and multiple country quest to capture the trials and tribulations of making it at the highest level. We get insight into the things which he can control in his training. Then into those which are beyond even the most perfect preparation. These include the Tokyo weather and the World Athletics rules which conspire against all the Messages on a Bottle making it through.
Along with the story, we receive a visual feast as we follow Naert from Europe to America and his final destination of Tokyo. Produced in association ASICS and Belgian Athletics the documentary demonstrates the support he receives from both groups as he strives to challenge the best in the world. Furthermore, we have a unique look at the support offered by his family both on the road and from afar.
Director Julius Proost: “The process of working with Koen was excellent. It helped me understand the meticulous preparation that goes into elite level running. This is handy as it is also exactly what documentary filming requires. The two worlds gelled well.”
Where Next For On The Journey?
As a scoop at the end of the film, we learn that Naert is not done with his journey. The next couple of years will be dedicated to training towards LA ‘28. On this path, Naert hopes to lower his current PB of 2:06:56 to 2:05 although he is keeping his target race under wraps at the moment. Although, with his studies in the medical field completed for now, he will be able to focus his entire life towards the goal. Keep focussed on the Meta Endurance channels across the internet to see how his march for glory goes.
Following the premier of the film last Wednesday, it is now available to watch on YouTube where you can find out exactly how the Messages on a Bottle power Naert towards the top in each race.
