The Race: an Allegory

If he'd been feverish and delirious, Chris Strider could never have imagined that he'd end up in jail, charged with assault, rape, and murder--crimes he hadn't actually committed. Sixteen months ago the race had seemed like a great idea--a way to honor his heritage, a welcome break from the strange uneasiness he'd felt upon learning that he'd been awarded a full scholarship for which he hadn't even applied. All 22-year-old Chris had to do was finish the 6,000-mile race sponsored by the world's wealthiest man, Doug Damour. The carrot? He'd inherit Damour's fortune. Just for finishing. And yet 16 months ago he'd had no idea that Stan Moden, the world's second wealthiest man, was determine to force him out of the race--to destroy him, really--using any means necessary. He'd been blissfully unaware of so many things then. Now it looked as though Moden was going to eliminate him after all. At the beginning of the race, however, Damour had sent his son, Josh, a legendary trainer, to coach Chris. Josh had saved him from Moden's nasty schemes multiple times, and Chris had learned to trust his coach implicitly. But trust certainly couldn't be enough to save him from a swift, sure death sentence. Or had Josh really meant what he said? "I'll do everything I can."