Iron Will

In 1917, 17-year-old Will Stoneman lives in the South Dakota plains, where he juggles the responsibilities of a mail-runner and an apprentice carpenter. His father, Jack, guides him in these challenging times, instilling a sense of hope and duty.

Will receives an acceptance letter from his dream college, sparking both excitement and apprehension within him. While it represents a light at the end of the tunnel, he worries about leaving his family to fend for themselves in their ongoing struggles.

Tragedy strikes when Will's father dies in a lumber run accident, leaving Will with the immense weight of running the family farm alone. With his mother Maggie overwhelmed by grief, Will vows to uphold his father's legacy and find solutions to their financial woes.

In the wake of his father’s death, Will contemplates entering an international dog-sled race that offers a substantial cash prize. He views this opportunity as a potential lifeline to save his struggling family from financial ruin.

With the guidance of Ned Dodd, a wise Native American farmhand, Will begins an intense training regimen for the upcoming race. This preparation is physically demanding but crucial in equipping him for the challenges that lie ahead.

Will travels to Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the renowned dog-sled race but faces an immediate setback. The primary sponsor, railroad tycoon J.W. Harper, denies his entry due to tight registration deadlines, placing Will's plans in jeopardy.

American journalist Harry Kingsley recognizes the potential story in Will's journey and intervenes, providing the necessary funds for late registration. This unexpected support reignites Will's hopes of competing and potentially saving his family.

As Will engages in the competitive dog-sledding environment, his determination earns him respect from experienced rivals. Despite being a newcomer, he becomes known as 'Iron Will,' gaining attention through Kingsley's enthusiastic articles about his courage and resolve.

During the race, Will demonstrates true character by sacrificing his lead to assist an Icelandic competitor suffering from influenza. This act of kindness highlights Will’s integrity and dedication to sportsmanship amidst fierce competition.

Angus McTeague, a co-sponsor, employs tarnished tactics to undermine Will's success by working with his rival Borg Guillarson. Will remains steadfast despite the pressure, demonstrating his commitment to the race and his father's ideals.

Kingsley, recognizing the unfair treatment towards Will, confronts McTeague and successfully defends Will’s position in the competition. This pivotal act highlights the complexities of relationships and motivations within the race's competitive atmosphere.

As the final day of the Iditarod approaches, Will's health deteriorates and Kingsley urges him to withdraw. Will refuses to back down, determined to finish the grueling race and fulfill his father's legacy, illustrating his resilience.

In a bold move, Will takes a dangerous shortcut on the route, bringing him perilously close to a river that claimed his father's life. He hears his father's guiding words, urging him to rely on his loyalty and training with his dogs.

As Will struggles towards the finish line, exhaustion fully sets in, and his sled tips over. In a moment of desperation, Ned's call to their beloved dog Gus motivates Will to rise and push through to victory against all odds.

Will ultimately claims victory as he crosses the finish line, collapsing from exhaustion yet celebrated by the crowd. Embraced by his mother amidst the cheers, this victory signifies not just personal achievement but a hopeful future for his family.