Dennis (Simon Pegg) is a little on the hefty side. He also, foolishly, leaves his fiancé (Thandie Newton) at the alter on their wedding day. Several years later, he realizes he left the love of his life and becomes determined that the only way to win her back is to run a marathon, something he's not quite in shape for.


Five years ago, Dennis (comic genius Simon Pegg, who co-wrote the script with Black) ran out on his pregnant fiancée, Libby (Thandie Newton), at the altar, and it seems he hasn’t made a good decision since. He is now a clumsy security guard at a women’s clothing store, behind on his rent and an inept father. Arriving an hour late to visit his son, Jake (Matthew Fenton), one day, he is dismayed to discover that his ex is dating a posh American named Whit (Hank Azaria) – a “Peter Perfect” who is clearly his superior both financially and socially. Whit is also training intensively for an upcoming marathon, and Dennis gets it into his head that he could win back Libby’s heart if he ran it too, thereby showing her that he can change his lazy ways. Soon his gambling, bad-boy buddy Gordon (Dylan Moran) makes a hefty bet on him reaching the finish line and signs on as coach – assisted by spatulawielding landlord Mr. Goshdashtidar (Harish Patel) – and the trio sets out to finish the race. But does Dennis have the discipline and perseverance to pull it off, especially when Whit gets down on one knee at Libby’s swank birthday party?

Capably carrying the film on his shoulders, Pegg is a whirlwind of manic, dysfunctional energy. He pratfalls with the best of them, but skilfully holds his own in the dramatic scenes with Libby and Jake. Featuring cameos by David Walliams (as a difficult customer at Libby’s bakery) and The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant, Run, Fat Boy, Run. is a laugh-out-loud tale about the distances one average Joe will run for love. – Michèle Maheux :Toronto International Film Festival 2007
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