Breaking Barriers: The First Black Runner to Complete Marathons on All Seven Continents with Tony Reed

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."

Tony Reed made history as the first Black person to complete marathons on all seven continents. Starting his running journey to manage a pre-diabetic condition diagnosed in childhood, he transformed into one of the most accomplished marathoners in the world, completing 132 marathons across the globe. A member of the elite Marathon Hat Trick club (completing 100+ marathons, running all seven continents, and all 50 states), Reed has logged over 50,000 miles since 1979, maintaining his goal of averaging 3 miles per day. His running adventures include tackling glaciers in Antarctica, racing the Great Wall Marathon in China, and finishing his continental quest in Kenya. Beyond his athletic achievements, Reed is an accomplished business executive, CPA, and author of six books. He's also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, directing "Breaking Three Hours" and "We Are Distance Runners," which highlight the untold stories of African American distance runners. His work earned recognition from Runner's World and multiple international film festivals. Currently serving on the Dallas Marathon advisory board, Reed continues to inspire the running community while preserving and sharing the history of African American distance runners through his creative works and community involvement. Notable Achievements: 132 marathons completed First Black person to run marathons on all 7 continents 50,000+ miles logged Marathon Hat Trick completion Multiple award-winning documentaries Author of six books Former Dallas Marathon board member