Director Jennifer Steinman became interested in creating a film about the 4 Deserts series after meeting one of the participants at a nutrition conference.

Originally it was to focus on just one athlete, but expanded to four just before the first race when Steinman decided she wanted to add more storylines.

[2] From October 8 through November 8, 2011, the producers used the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to help finance the final portion of the film project.

Dennis Harvey from Variety states: "despite the sometimes excruciating, arguably foolhardy nature of these races...there’s an upbeat tenor to “Desert Runners” that develops real rooting value for the protags.

It's a bonding process, both for Steinman as a filmmaker, but more significant is the connection between the audience and those featured that cements a strong and genuine adoration and concern.