Running

Running

Year: 1979

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: Steven Hilliard Stern

Drama

An Olympic‑hopeful marathon runner believes that winning will heal his troubled marriage and resolve personal issues. As he trains for the big race, he must find the courage to stay true to himself, confronting the pressures of competition and the strain on his relationships, learning that true success lies in authenticity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Running (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Running (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1976

The story takes place in the mid-1970s, culminating with the Montreal Summer Olympics. It follows the lead-up to the Games, focusing on Olympic-level training, qualification, and the pressure to perform. Although anchored in 1976, the film emphasizes the era's competitive spirit and athletic ambition.

Location

Montreal, Canada

Set in Montreal, Canada, during the 1976 Summer Olympics, the film follows the marathon as a test of endurance. The race takes place on city streets that lead to the Olympic Stadium, where the finish line is celebrated. Roads are reopened after earlier races, allowing the final legs to unfold and a dramatic close to the competition.

🏟️ City 🗺️ North America 🏃‍♂️ Marathon

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:42

Main Characters – Running (1979)

Meet the key characters of Running (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michael Andropolis (Michael Douglas)

A US hopeful for the 1976 Montreal Olympics who starts races with great energy but struggles to manage his stamina and avoid early exhaustion. His unwavering ambition is tempered by personal turmoil, including a fraught marriage and unemployment. He embodies resilience, pushing through injuries to reach the finish line.

🏃‍♂️ Ambition 🧭 Focus 💪 Resilience

Susan Andropolis (Jennifer McKinney)

Michael's wife who wants a divorce, adding emotional strain to his Olympic quest. She travels to Montreal to watch him compete and promises to come home with him regardless of the outcome. Her presence highlights the personal costs of pursuit and the possibility of reconciliation.

💔 Strain 🧭 Support 💬 Relationship

Andrea Andropolis (Lesleh Donaldson)

One of Michael's two daughters who watches the events unfold, embodying the family stakes of the marathon. Her perspective from the stands or screens mirrors the audience's emotional investment in his success. She represents hope and the next generation rooting for perseverance.

👧 Family 🧵 Hope 📺 Viewer

Coach Walker (Lawrence Dane)

Michael's coach who is initially reluctant to endorse him for the Games. He embodies the tension between belief and doubt, yet ultimately supports the athlete's grit. His skepticism contrasts with moments of pride as Michael perseveres.

🎯 Coaching 🧭 Skepticism 🏁 Mentorship

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:42

Major Themes – Running (1979)

Explore the central themes of Running (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏃‍♂️ Perseverance

The film centers on Michael's relentless drive to compete, balancing personal turmoil with training. He battles fatigue and injuries, learning to pace himself rather than sprinting to victory. His stubborn resolve becomes the engine that sustains him through the race's hardest moments.

💔 Family Struggle

A crumbling marriage and unemployment frame the stakes off the track. The protagonist's home life creates emotional pressure that mirrors the physical strain of the marathon. The pursuit of Olympic glory collides with the need for stability and reconciliation.

🏁 Finish Line

The climax centers on crossing the line, not just winning but proving something to himself and his family. The finish becomes a symbol of endurance, grit, and the possibility of redemption. The crowd's cheers and the support of loved ones underscore the meaning of completing the task.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:42

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Unlock the Full Story of Running

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Running Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Running, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Running Summary

Running Timeline

Track the full timeline of Running with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Running Timeline

More About Running

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More About Running