-Athlete Chris Cooper collapses during a 100 metre race after collapsing in front of his best friend, Tony Speed. Devastated, Tony decides to fulfill his late friend's request: to dump his ashes in the lake of their childhood and go there in the only honorable way possible: RUNNING. The tribute attracts the attention of tobacco magnate Joe Blackburn, who sees a golden opportunity and decides to sponsor the star on his journey - not without some jealousy.