Running Free

Two runners. Separate struggles. One track that teaches them they don't have to carry the weight alone.

Growing up in the small town of Harrison, Kansas, Dylan Stiles has always been quiet, and his stutter and social anxiety often make interacting with others difficult. In high school, he finds solace in running and dreams of qualifying for the State Track meet as part of the 3,200-meter relay team.

Enter Jake Ross, an outgoing and popular transfer student and elite runner who jeopardizes Dylan's chances of making the relay team. Dylan grows increasingly envious of Jake's abilities and achievements, both on and off the track. But as time goes on, Dylan begins to realize that Jake's life may not be as perfect as he thought, and some of the problems Jake faces could even be more troubling than his own.

Told from alternating perspectives, Running Free is a moving story about finding empathy and how the race isn't about how fast you run, but who you run it with and discovering who you are.