Writer-Director Dave Christiano ran cross-country in high school and college, and has coached two different high-school cross-country teams.
Actor Cory Holland had the option of auditioning for his choice of the four rival-school coaches in the film. To ensure his casting, he decided to audition for all of them. Having no reader during this time, he noted where each of the four coaches would sit in the scene, set up his son's Elmo doll for an eyeline, donned four different shirts, and filmed his audition. Afterward, Cory edited the entire scene into one video to send to director Dave Christiano. His email stated that though he'd be happy with any of the four roles, he really wanted the FRA Glenwood Coach role. Cory got the part.
Margaret Tant is the only real-life cross-country runner. At the time of the filming she ran cross-country for her high-school team.
Lead actress Allee-Sutton Hethcoat won Miss Tennessee USA 2017 and finished in the top 10 in the 2017 Miss USA pageant.
Abby Glover's debut.