Running (released in theaters on October 30, 1979) surges onto the screen as an emotionally charged, uplifting sports drama that explores obsession, personal redemption, and the relentless pursuit of an impossible dream. Written and directed by Steven Hilliard Stern, the story centers on Michael Andropolis (Michael Douglas), a thirty-four-year-old chronic underachiever who has spent his entire life walking away when things get tough.
His inability to commit has destroyed his life: his marriage to his supportive ex-wife Janet (Susan Anspach) has dissolved, his daughters view him with disappointment, and he has quit yet another dead-end job.
Facing a total loss of self-respect, Michael decides to make one final, desperate stand by dedicating himself entirely to long-distance running, setting his sights on qualifying for the U.S. Olympic marathon team at the upcoming trials.
Michael’s obsessive training regimen places an immense toll on his health and finances, drawing skepticism from family and friends who view his sudden athletic ambition as another fleeting fantasy.
Despite the doubts, he finds crucial encouragement from his loyal friend Howard (Chuck Shamata) and supporters, including characters played by Eugene Levy, Gordon Clapp, and Lawrence Dane.
As Michael pushes his body through grueling miles of physical agony, his fierce determination begins to win back the respect of his children and rekindle warm feelings from Janet.
Against all odds, Michael earns a spot on the Olympic marathon team and travels to Montreal to compete on the world stage.
However, during the ultimate race, a brutal injury threatens to crush his dream mid-marathon.
Refusing to give up or quit as he always did in the past, a battered Michael forces himself back onto his feet, enduring agonizing pain to cross the finish line, reclaim his pride, and prove his worth to his family.
Giancarlo Esposito has an early appearance and ABC Sports’ Jim McKay has a cameo.
Michael Douglas in Running (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for Running
Running grossed $6 million in its theatrical run.
Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both gave Running a “No” on Sneak Previews.
Legacy
Running‘s legacy endures as a compelling, fondly remembered entry in the late-1970s sports drama renaissance, celebrated for showcasing an intense, early dramatic lead performance by Douglas.
Douglas brought raw physical vulnerability and emotional authenticity to the role, perfectly capturing the psychological toll of elite athletic endurance.
Stern delivered crisp, realistic race sequences that captured the spirit of the era’s running boom, bolstered by vibrant supporting work from Anspach, Shamata, Levy, Clapp, and Dane.
Retro sports film enthusiasts, marathon runners, and fans of late-70s cinema continue to value Running as an inspiring, realistic tribute to human resilience and self-redemption.
