Marathon Mom - Hartford Jewish Film Fest

In this deeply inspiring documentary, we follow Beatie Deutsch — an ultra-Orthodox Jewish mother of five — as she dares to chase the ultimate dream: qualifying for the Olympic marathon. Her journey takes her from the streets of Jerusalem to races in Berlin, Seville and Kenya, navigating injuries, societal expectations and the relentless stopwatch. What emerges is more than a sporting story — it’s a portrait of courage, identity and reinvention. Refusing to choose between devotion and ambition, Beatie trains while keeping kosher, parenting while pacing the pavement, and claiming her place on the start line despite invisible barriers. Her mantra – “The only thing I’m going to take with me is the choices I make to expand my soul” – serves as a rallying cry for anyone balancing faith, family and the fierce pursuit of a dream.

Marathon Mom was named an Official Selection of the 2025 Miami Jewish Film Festival and is quickly gaining momentum among several major Jewish film festivals in 2026.

Followed by a Reel Talk moderated by Ronni Newton, Editor of We-Ha.com, with Fernanda Jacobs, Fleet Feet owner; Rachel Leventhal-Weiner, JCC member and avid runner; and JCC fitness instructors Jessica Macdonald and Laura Barash.