But Cici’s life takes an unexpected turn one fateful Saturday morning when she’s running late for work as a forbidden shortcut leads her to cross paths with Coach Z and his newest recruit, a fast-footed new student named Deke Encantador. Trying to avoid detention, Cici shows up for cross-country tryouts the next day. But before she can race toward a different future, Cici’s stepmother steps in to control her destiny with a wicked plot to keep Cici away from running, Deke, and any hope of a life of her own. With the announcement of the City of Castlewood’s first annual Pumpkin Run 5K, Cici realizes it might be the last chance she has to earn a spot on the cross-country team and see Deke again. With a little help from an unexpected friend, can Cici outmaneuver her stepmother and win the happy ending she deserves?