Ultra-marathon couple Jim Walmsley and Jess Brazeau have made running their primary focus, a decision that has shaped both their professional lives and their relationship. The duo is featured in the new documentary “Learning to Fly,” directed by Max Lowe, which explores their lives as elite athletes and as a married couple. The film premiered in select cinemas on 21 August and will be available for streaming on Prime Video from September.
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Since their wedding in May 2022, Walmsley and Brazeau have yet to embark on a traditional honeymoon. Instead of indulging in a holiday, the couple has dedicated their time to training for ultra-marathons, travelling between their homes in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the French Alps. This unconventional approach to their newlywed years has not dampened their happiness. In a recent interview, 35-year-old Brazeau expressed gratitude for their unique lifestyle, stating, “We get to do what we love for our jobs, and that takes us to so many cool places that it almost feels like you’re on a perpetual vacation.”
Their commitment to ultra-marathon running is evident in Walmsley’s aspirations for 2024. He aimed to become the first American male to win both the Western States Endurance Run and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in the same year, a monumental challenge as both races cover 100 miles and are held within a two-month span on opposite sides of the globe. This audacious goal was a major reason behind the documentary, as Walmsley wanted to showcase the intensity and dedication required in the niche world of ultra-running.
Reflecting on his career, Walmsley mentioned the significance of the Western States race, highlighting it as a pivotal point in his running journey. After extensive preparation, he managed to win the Western States event in 2024, achieving a commendable second-fastest time on the course. However, the victory took a toll on his body, resulting in injuries that made the prospect of competing at UTMB uncertain. “I had some pains, including an Achilles issue and a tear in my quadricep,” Walmsley remarked during the documentary, noting the physical challenges athletes often face.
As Walmsley geared up for the UTMB, he faced doubts about his condition and performance potential. “I really wanted to take the start line because I got to wear a bib as the defending champion,” he shared, having previously won the event in 2023. Nonetheless, he admitted to experiencing a lack of confidence which weighed heavily on his mind before the race began.
Brazeau, who plays a significant role in his support network, conveyed her concerns as she awaited Walmsley’s arrival at the Courmayeur crew station in northern Italy. Her anxious thoughts focused on her husband’s safety and performance, revealing the emotional stakes involved in ultra-marathon running. When Walmsley arrived, he had to make a tough decision based on his physical condition, following their pre-established plan to reconsider participation during the race.
Despite the challenges, Walmsley ultimately witnessed his friend Vincent Bouillard finish in first place at the UTMB, a moment he described as “pretty spectacular.” While Walmsley may not have achieved his ambitious two-race goal, the experience underscored the importance of community within the ultra-running world—a sentiment echoed by both athletes.
Running, Walmsley believes, has fostered countless connections in his life, including his bond with Brazeau. They initially met at the San Francisco 50-mile race in 2016, though an injury forced Brazeau to the sidelines. Their shared passion for running solidified their partnership, which has grown stronger over the years.
As they look towards their future, neither Walmsley nor Brazeau shows signs of slowing down. Recently, Brazeau claimed victory in the Trails des Hauts Forts, a 32.3-mile event in the French Alps, as she prepares for another critical race in September. Meanwhile, Walmsley has set his sights on the UTMB in 2026. He revealed ongoing concerns regarding his knee but remains hopeful about his ability to compete.
In a light-hearted moment, Brazeau commented on their postponed honeymoon, suggesting the Himalayas as a potential destination. For now, their focus remains on their respective training and races, while viewers can delve into their story through “Learning to Fly.” The film not only captures their athletic journey but also offers an insightful look into what it means to pursue one’s passions alongside a life partner in the demanding world of ultra-marathon running.