Synopsis | Cast | Crew

To reach the goal you are running to, you must face what you are running from...

"Distance Runner" is the story of Shen, a young man who loses his brother in a car accident that nearly leaves him paralyzed. When his doctors tell him that he would never walk again, he proves them wrong by regaining control of his legs. He then takes up running to strengthen his body. More than that, running is the only time when he feels he has control over his life. Overwhelmed with guilt over his brother's death and trying desperately to live up to his parents' expectations, Shen slowly becomes disillusioned with life.

During his morning run, Shen meets Scotty, a talented young American runner on the verge of burning out. Scotty's father is bent on his son's success at any cost and has hired the most aggressive coach to ensure that success. When Shen beats Scotty in a race, it captures that attention of Wendy, an American journalist who's convinced that Shen has a chance at competing in a harrowing 160 kilometer ultra-marathon through the mountainous terrains of Yunnan, China. To Shen, it's a chance to prove to himself that he can transcend the limitations of his body and accomplish what he sets his mind to.

Shen's father however, now left with only one son, is relying on Shen to take over the family tire business. He sees running as a waste of time. Shen is trapped, feeling like he owes his father his life if he is to take responsibility for what happened to his brother. After an argument where hurtful words are thrown around, Shen leaves and slowly begins to form a bond with Wendy.

When Wendy writes a piece on Shen for her paper, Shen becomes a national sensation. Now Shen must face the expectations of not only his family but also an entire nation who sees him as an inspiration. Unable to face the enormous pressure suddenly placed on his shoulders, Shen decides to quit. Meanwhile, Scotty is spiraling deep into steroid abuse, trying to keep up with the demands of his father and coach.

The night before the qualifying marathon, Wendy begs Shen to reconsider. Their love starts to grow. He sees her as the only person who believes in him. In her eyes, he sees hope. She convinces him to run the qualifying marathon and he leaves a letter for his father asking for forgiveness. Shen ends up finishing only second to Matsuko, a celebrated Japanese runner whose arrogance suggests that humility is not his strongest trait.

Shen's win gets the attention of Fu, an wheelchair bound man who claims he can coach Shen. Fu used to be a runner, but his battles with inner demons destroyed any potential he had to be great. With Fu at his side, Shen begins to seriously train, adding technique to his natural talent. Fu's methods are strange but effective.

The runners arrive in Yunnan and Shen finds Scotty in the bathroom, shooting up. Scotty makes promises to clean up but Shen sees the desperation in his eyes.
At dinner, Wendy tells Shen that her boss wants her to go back to the states. With Wendy leaving, Shen begins to lose his confidence. He starts overtraining, against the advice of Fu, and hurts his knee, landing back in the hospital. The doctor advises him to stay off his feet. He will need to forfeit the marathon. His dreams are crushed and his heart, broken to pieces. When Shen refuses to give up, Wendy refuses to see him hurt once again. His parents hear this and they also beg him to stop.

On the day of the marathon, Shen's at the starting line, doubts racing through his mind. Wendy's about to board her flight back and at the last second, races back to support Shen. As Shen sees her in the crowd, his self-doubt completely disappears. Over the next dozen hours, Shen races his heart out, ignoring the signs his body gives him to stop. His father is watching the event on the television, and halfway through the race, Shen is in the lead. His father, still clutching Shen's letter in his hands, rushes out the door and flies to Yunnan to see him. The final stretch. Scotty overtakes Matsuko and is sprinting towards the finish. He looks back at Shen, who's has completely collapsed. Scotty runs back and carries Shen to the finish. Matsuko ends up winning, but Shen goes the distance. His father meets him at the finish, apologizing for everything. Even Scotty's father is proud he went back for his friend. Shen searches the crowd for Wendy and when he finds her, they kiss passionately. The crowd cheers.