Film Chronicles Ultra Runner Relay Race Across North America, Following the Migration Path of Monarch Butterflies

One Thousand Trees, a local publishing company based in Guelph, continues its “All Creatures Great and Small” event series with a special screening of the Monarch Ultra documentary on June 5. This timely film tells the remarkable story of an ultra marathon relay race tracing the migration of monarch butterflies across North America.

Founded by Lisa Browning, One Thousand Trees is more than just a publishing house. “I am happy to help you get your books out into the world. It’s important work,” Browning said. “But my passion lies in helping you share your story, to speak your truth. That is where true power lies—to change your life and the lives of those around you.”

Browning’s love for nature and wildlife has shaped the company’s annual event series, which runs from spring through fall. This year’s focus is on the endangered monarch butterfly, whose dramatic population decline has become a serious environmental concern. Browning was deeply moved by the plight of these incredible creatures, a sentiment shared by the creators of the Monarch Ultra race and documentary.

The Monarch Ultra project was co-founded by Carlotta James and Rodney Fuentes. James, reflecting on her inspiration, said, “The dream of running with monarch butterflies on their journey came to me while running on forest trails in Peterborough, Ontario, in 2016.” In January 2018, she approached Fuentes with the idea of running from Peterborough to Mexico, retracing the monarchs’ incredible migratory route. Fuentes, a filmmaker, was immediately captivated by the concept. “This project was love at first sight for me!” he said. Together, they set out to capture this unique journey through a documentary film.

The Monarch Ultra documentary chronicles a team of ultra runners and environmentalists as they run 4,300 km (2,671 miles) from southern Ontario to central Mexico in 2019, retracing the flight path of the monarch butterfly. “This was the first attempt to run across North America to raise awareness of the monarchs, whose populations are rapidly declining,” said James.

Fuentes, as the film’s director, saw an opportunity to weave together the parallel stories of the runners and the monarch butterflies. “During the 2019 relay, the runners not only followed the monarchs’ migration route, but also experienced some of the same challenges the butterflies face in their annual journey,” he explained. “The film highlights the planning and execution of the relay while connecting the runners’ adventure to environmental activism.”

Browning is excited to bring this deeply impactful film to the Guelph community. “I’m thrilled to offer this beautiful and moving documentary to our audience,” she said. “I hope everyone will join us at The Bookshelf on June 5 for this insightful film. We’ll have an introduction and a Q&A with race director Clay Williams as well.”

The screening promises to be a thought-provoking evening that not only celebrates the spirit of endurance but also raises awareness for the urgent need to protect the monarch butterfly and its migratory journey.