Watch Running for Jim

Running for Jim is a documentary from 2013 directed by Dan Noyes. The film tells the story of Jim Tracy, a legendary high school track and cross-country coach from California who inspired his runners to achieve greatness both on and off the field. The documentary opens with footage of Tracy's early life, including his own experiences as a runner and his decision to become a coach. We see him at various points in his career, coaching at several high schools and building a reputation as an incredibly effective and dedicated coach.

The film emphasizes Tracy's philosophy of running as a metaphor for life, and highlights the lessons that he sought to instill in his runners. Throughout the film, we see interviews with many of his former athletes, who offer insights into Tracy's coaching style and the impact that he had on their lives.

One of the primary focuses of the film is the story of Tracy's last season coaching at the high school where he spent the bulk of his career, San Lorenzo Valley High School. During this season, Tracy was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, a degenerative neurological disorder that gradually causes the loss of muscle function.

Despite his diagnosis and the physical challenges that he faced, Tracy continued to coach his team with the same passion and intensity that had characterized his career. His runners rose to the challenge, dedicating their season to their coach and working harder than ever before.

The film follows the team through their season, culminating in the California State Cross Country Championships. As they compete against some of the best runners in the state, the team leans on Tracy's lessons and inspiration to push themselves to new heights.

Running for Jim is a powerful and emotional tribute to a man whose impact on his runners was truly remarkable. The film is expertly crafted, using interviews with Tracy's athletes, archival footage, and scenes from the final season to tell a moving story of perseverance, dedication, and the power of mentorship.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Running for Jim is its portrayal of Tracy himself. Through interviews with his former athletes and footage of him coaching, we get a sense of the man behind the legend. We see his unwavering commitment to his runners, as well as his sense of humor and his deep love for the sport of running.

At its heart, Running for Jim is a celebration of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find inspiration and hope in the most unexpected places. For anyone who has ever been touched by the power of a great coach or mentor, this film is a must-see.

Running for Jim is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.