Inspired by the 1987 true story, the movie follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White, a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring...

After a teenager's best friends die in a tragic accident, he finds that running allows him to remember them perfectly. Running, however, also brings him a certain notoriety, and he soon finds himself caught between keeping the past alive and making new memories in the present.

Emilio and Sandy need to 'get out' before it is too late. Growing up working at his tyrannical stepfather's gas station, Emilio discovers that he has the ability to run fast. With the hope of a scholarship, he sees an opportunity to leave his hometown, along with his troubles, and take Sandy with him. But a tragic flaw, a violent streak he possesses, induced by exposure to gasoline vapors, will all but destroy his best-laid plans. Hope flows through...