After making a serious error in his news story, political newspaper reporter Youhei Iida grudgingly takes on an assignment for the sports section to write about the Takushoku University track and field team as they prepare for the annual Hakone relay road race after a 13 year absence. During the course of covering this team, disgruntled Youhei meets optimistic and promising runner Daisuke Sato who is determined to lead his university team to victory, and even has dreams of someday making it to the Olympics. As Youhei struggles to deal with his problem-laden work and personal life, he discovers that 23-yearold Daisuke has been diagnosedwith a life-threatening illness. Inspired by the youngrunner fighting back against the acute disease with the same determination he had while training for the relay race, Youhei makes an important promise to Daisuke. Will this heartbreaking yet heartwarming experience be enough to change Youhei's cynical perspective of life and finally give him courage?