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Run the Race

Run the Race

The weight of the world. The love of a brother.

2018101 minPGMidcredits score: 54th percentile of all films
Director
Chris Dowling
Starring
Tanner Stine, Evan Hofer, Kristoffer Polaha, Frances Fisher

Reeling from his mother’s death and his father’s abandonment, Zach, an All-State athlete, finds glory on the football field, working to earn a college scholarship and the brothers’ ticket out of town. When a devastating injury puts Zach—and his dreams—on the sidelines, David laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and point Zach toward hope.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Run the Race?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Run the Race streaming on Tubi (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Run the Race?

Run the Race earns 7 badges, led by Cult Classic and Guilty pleasure.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Run the Race worth watching?

Run the Race's Midcredits score is the 54th percentile of all films, from 2.9K ratings across 6 sources. 54% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

54th percentile

Better received than 54% of films

53rd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)48th
Approval (how many liked it)58th

61 /100

48th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama49th percentile among 2010s

Critics 35 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

54% liked it

58th percentile of all films

57th percentile among Drama58th percentile among 2010s
54% rated it 7–1046% rated it 1–6

Critics 44% · Audience 82%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

68th percentile

2.9K ratings across platforms

70th percentile among Drama71st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 16% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$2.5M
Opening weekend$2.2M
Domestic gross$6.4M
Worldwide gross$6.4M

Returned 2.6× its budget — 81st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a faith-based family sports drama that blends inspirational themes with athletic competition.

Fans praised

  • Inspirational story of love, forgiveness, and faith
  • Decent acting and relatable characters, especially the lead
  • Good sports sequences and a heartfelt family dynamic

Detractors panned

  • Heavy-handed religious messaging that overshadows the story
  • Unrealistic plot points and unclear character motivations
  • Formulaic and predictable narrative with weak character development

What stands out

Cinematography65

Some praised the visual style, especially sports scenes

ActingDivisive60

Generally considered decent, with some critics noting strong lead performances

Emotional impactDivisive60

Heartfelt for fans, but manipulative for detractors

Dialogue50

Sometimes familiar or on-the-nose with faith-based messages

Pacing45

Slow pacing in parts, especially in the middle

Plot and story40

Formulaic with story holes and rushed subplots

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 24 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 46 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Run the Race like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulWarmContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters' struggles with earnest gravity and affection.
The rideThe film builds through conflict toward a strengthening of bonds, with the most emotional weight falling on the resolution.
StructureThe story follows a conventional linear narrative.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulCathartic · 6% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's emphasis on faith and family leaves an uplifting yet emotionally resolved impression.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeTwo brothers face personal and relational challenges during high school, culminating in a strengthened bond.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% (this title) · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsFaith · 3% of filmsForgiveness · 1% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on two brothers whose relationship is tested and ultimately deepened by their differing worldviews, with Christian faith and forgiveness as underlying forces.
StanceThe film affirms family bonds and faith as sources of strength and reconciliation, without critical distance.

The world

ContemporaryRuralInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkSupportive music · original score · Paul Mills
Settinga small Southern town centered on high-school football and track
MusicThe score likely supports the inspirational and emotional beats of the sports and family drama.

Content guide

Is Run the Race okay for kids?

PG

Run the Race is rated PG: “Rated PG for thematic content and some teen partying” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (39/100), sexual content at mild (29/100), language at minimal (11/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany12
  • Russia16+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (29 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Run the Race have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Run the Race?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Tanner Stine
as Zach Truett
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Evan Hofer
as Dave Truett
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Kristoffer Polaha
as Michael Truett
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Frances Fisher
as Louise
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mykelti Williamson
as Coach Hailey
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kelsey Reinhardt
as Ginger
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mario Van Peebles
as Pastor Bennet Baker
Caleb Castille
as Dexter
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Eddie George
as Tom
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tim Tebow
as Tim Tebow
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Run the Race?

The closest match to Run the Race is Where Hope Grows (2014); both are films by Chris Dowling.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Run the Race?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: teen drama. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.