Five years later, Dennis discovers that Libby, who has their son, Jake, has started seeing successful but arrogant Whit and realises that he has truly lost her.

Meanwhile, Jake, who has formed a crush on a girl in his class, runs away upset when he discovers that she prefers another boy just because he has a ponytail.

Dennis, upon being informed by a frantic Libby, tracks him down and explains to him that he will find many things he does not like in his life and he should just stand up to them and face them, rather than running away.

A panting Dennis almost "hits the wall", but after an emotional epiphany, his goal to complete the race is restored.

A fed-up Libby puts the engagement ring on a table, telling Whit "nobody's perfect" and storms out with Jake.

Some time later, notably healthier and fully recovered from his injuries, Dennis calls at Libby's house to pick up Jake.

In the film's postscript, Gordon — on the bridge of a new yacht — tells the tale of the race to two attractive bikini-clad women, whom he invites aboard for a drink.

[9] Dennis Harvey of Variety had positive notices for actor turned director David Schwimmer, calling it the work of "a thoroughly competent mainstream craftsman who imposes no individual character on formulaic material.