The 5:07 Mile That Almost Won Dallas Marathon: Casey Novelo's 2:24 Marathon Battle

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."

Casey Novelo is a 22-year-old elite marathoner based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who is quickly establishing himself as one of North Texas's most promising young distance runners. In December 2024, he ran 2:24:43 to finish second overall at the Dallas Marathon, announcing his arrival on the competitive marathon scene. Casey's running journey began as an unlikely one—starting cross country as a high school sophomore at Trinity High School in Euless, he finished second-to-last at his district meet with a 21+ minute 5K. Through dedication and consistent training, he dropped his 5K time to 16:20 by his senior year and ran 4:26 for the mile. He went on to compete at Texas A&M Commerce, starting as a preferred walk-on before earning a scholarship and becoming team captain. Now balancing full-time work with elite-level training, Casey regularly logs 100+ mile weeks and has his sights set on breaking 2:20 at the Jersey City Marathon in April 2026. With more than a decade before reaching his marathon prime, Casey represents the next generation of DFW runners raising the bar for the region's competitive running scene. Personal Bests: Marathon: 2:24:43 (Dallas Marathon, December 2024) 5K: 16:20 Mile: 4:26