975 Days and Counting: Andy Wang on Running Streaks, Race Directing, and Community

Chris Detzel is the passionate host and creator of "DFW Running Talk," the premier podcast dedicated to showcasing the vibrant running community across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Since launching the show in October 2024, Chris has established himself as a central voice in North Texas running culture, conducting in-depth conversations with elite athletes, coaches, race directors, and inspiring everyday runners who define the region's diverse running scene. As both interviewer and active participant in the DFW running community, Chris brings an authentic perspective shaped by years of personal running experience. While he describes himself as primarily a half marathon runner rather than a marathoner - citing the extensive training commitment and unpredictability of marathon race day - his deep knowledge of running culture spans the full spectrum from 5Ks to ultramarathons. His preference for half marathons stems from their balance of challenge and accessibility, allowing him to race monthly without the intensive training demands of longer distances. Chris's connection to elite running runs through his family - his wife Lea Ivy is an accomplished marathoner who has completed the Boston Marathon 12 times consecutively, achieving a personal best of 3:14 at age 45. This personal connection to high-level competition, combined with his own running journey, gives Chris unique insight into both the elite and recreational sides of the sport. He often travels to Boston to support Lea's racing and has become part of the broader running community that gathers around major events like the Boston Marathon. Through DFW Running Talk, Chris has created more than just a podcast - he's built a platform that celebrates the depth and diversity of North Texas running talent. His interviews reveal the stories behind local legends, from sub-3:00 marathoners to innovative coaches, from race directors creating memorable experiences to everyday runners achieving extraordinary personal transformations. The show has featured conversations with accomplished athletes like Shantel Cloud (sub-3:00 marathoner), Travis Dowd (Dallas Marathon winner), and Mimi Smith (Olympic Trials competitor), alongside community builders and running industry professionals. What sets Chris apart as a host is his ability to connect with guests on multiple levels - as a fellow runner who understands training cycles and race strategy, as a community member invested in the local running scene, and as a skilled interviewer who draws out both technical insights and personal stories. His approach prioritizes authentic conversation over surface-level inspiration, resulting in episodes that offer genuine value to runners of all levels. Based in the Dallas area, Chris continues to grow DFW Running Talk's reach across multiple platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube, while maintaining strong connections to local running organizations like Dallas Running Club and participating in the broader Texas running community. His work documents and celebrates a running culture that he believes is "way more badass than it has any right to be."

Andy Wang is the Executive Race Director of the Fort Worth Marathon, bringing a wealth of running experience and community involvement to the role. His journey in the running world began around 2007 when he joined friends training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, initially focusing on triathlons before transitioning more toward running. With nearly 15 years of involvement with the Fort Worth Marathon organization, Andy stepped into the race director position in 2023 after years of volunteering and supporting the event in various capacities. His dedication to the running community extends beyond this single event - he also directs the Hell's Half Acre Marathon and Half Marathon, a unique night race in Trinity Park, as well as the Pi Day 5K. Andy's personal running accomplishments are impressive. At the time of the podcast recording, he was on day 975 of a consecutive running streak, averaging an extraordinary 10 miles per day and logging over 3,650 miles annually for the past four years. He's also an accomplished marathon runner who has completed four of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, with Tokyo and New York scheduled to complete his collection. Beyond his own running achievements, Andy is dedicated to supporting other runners as a regular pacer for approximately 15 races annually with Beast Pacing. His approach to running and race organization focuses on building community and creating positive experiences for participants of all levels. # About The Fort Worth Marathon The Fort Worth Marathon is a premier running event offering Half, Full, and 20 Mile distances! Participants enjoy numerous benefits including: - Supportive pace groups for achieving time goals - Free comprehensive training plans - Custom-designed finisher medals - Personalized race bibs - The region's best post-race celebration featuring delicious food, craft beer, live music, and prize drawings Under Andy Wang's leadership, the event has expanded to a two-day format, with 5K and 10K races added to the weekend lineup, creating more opportunities for runners of all abilities to participate in this celebrated community event.