Odekta Naibaho
The Race Against Oneself

Long-distance running is a lonely pursuit — a test of endurance, strategy, and persistence.

This film enters the inner world of a marathon, where the body eventually gives up and the mind must take over. It follows the journey of Odekta Naibaho, who grew up in a family of humble means, shaped by hardship that once led her to ask herself: “Is this the life I want to live?” She dared to dream bigger.

Leaving her village, Odekta began a new life in Jakarta — training as an athlete, graduating from university, and supporting her sisters’ education along the way. Years later, she stands as a national gold medalist. What remains unseen are the countless setbacks, doubts, and failures that forged her resilience.

In her native Batak language, there is a saying: ““Sassittongna, molo dipahabisho jatah gagalmu, olo dang olo ho ikkon hasea” which translates to: “When you used up your share of failures, there is only success in the end”.

Life would benefit from the mindset of a long-distance runner.