The Monarch Ultra

Deeply concerned about the steep decline of insect pollinators due to devastating environmental impacts, a group of runners trace the migration path of the monarch butterflies from Peterborough, Ontario to Central Mexico as they organized a 4,300 kilometre relay run, aiming to raise awareness for pollinator conservation. Their vision was to connect communities across North America with a common goal of protecting monarchs. The film covers the cross-continental event witnessing the grit and determination of the forty-six ultra-runners who each ran one 50-100 km leg of the relay run as an ode to monarch butterflies. The film covers the story and experiences of runners, the organizing team, scientists, and environmentalists. Interviews reveal in-depth information about insect pollinators, how environmental decline is affecting pollinator populations, community conservation movements, as well as ultra marathon distances and how this activity connects with environmental activism.