A young track athlete, Drew Jacobs (Kelly Blatz), faces immense challenges both on the track and at home. Struggling to maintain his focus, he finds solace in an unexpected alliance with his enigmatic neighbor, Coleman (Richard Jenkins), who offers to guide him through his tumultuous life. 4 Minute Mile narrates the compelling journey of Drew, a high school student trapped by his environment while battling personal demons.
In a family dynamic burdened by a neglectful older brother, Wes, who exploits Drew's loyalty for illicit gain, and a single mother overwhelmed by their circumstances, Drew feels lost. Wes, a recently paroled criminal, pressures Drew into running drug payments to a local dealer named Eli. As Drew spirals deeper into trouble, he discovers that his brother has stolen a package from Eli, who now demands immediate payment.
Drew seeks escape on the track, but just when he needs it most, he faces exclusion from the school team due to his rebellious clashes with both teammates and the coach. Amid the chaos, he yearns for the affection of Lisa, a girl at school who provides a glimmer of hope, yet he struggles to redirect his life.
In a pivotal moment, Coleman, an ex-track coach haunted by his own past—a tragic event involving his talented son who died in a car accident—recognizes Drew's potential and decides to mentor him. Their training sessions forge a bond that empowers Drew to aspire for greater achievements, pushing him beyond his previous limits. Coleman believes in Drew’s ability to run the mile, despite Drew's goal initially being the 400m race.
As Drew navigates the dangerous life orchestrated by Wes, the stakes heighten. Wes's manipulation forces Drew into a precarious position with Eli, who attempts to draw them further into crime, wanting them to work for him permanently. To fuel Drew's ambition to excel as a miler, Coleman challenges him via a wager: if Drew can beat the school champion in the 400m, he can pursue his original goal. However, after losing the bet, Drew reluctantly agrees to focus on the mile under Coleman's guidance, hoping to secure a college scholarship.
With Coleman's advice, Drew reestablishes his connection with Lisa and watches the current mile champion, Charles St. James, who runs the distance effortlessly. Determined to beat Charles at regionals for a chance to prove himself, Drew's journey is soon disrupted by a personal tragedy that sets him back just before his most important race.
The night before the regional meet, Wes coerces Drew to deliver inadequate funds to Eli, leading to a confrontation that leaves Drew frustrated and vulnerable. After suffering a loss to Charles, Drew realizes Wes's detrimental influence on his life, prompting him to stand up to his brother and reclaim his aspirations. Seeking Coleman's mentorship once more, he commits fully to the path of dedication.
Tragedy strikes again when a violent encounter with Eli results in Coleman's death, leaving Drew devastated yet resolute. On the day of the state championship, he chooses to honor Coleman's memory by running alone on his favorite practice track. With unwavering determination, Drew completes the mile in an impressive 3:57, securing a letter of recommendation that grants him admission to UC Berkeley, where he dreams of competing at the collegiate level.
