Episode #561: Running for Life-Tony Reed on Health, Community, and Breaking Barriers in Distance Running

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Tony Reed—a longtime marathoner, accomplished CPA, grandfather, and passionate advocate for healthier communities. Tony shares his journey that initially began with a childhood diagnosis of pre-diabetes and grew into a lifelong commitment to fitness. He discusses how running not only changed his own life, helping him avoid diabetes, and chronic disease, but also inspired him to support others, particularly within the African American community, through education and community-building.

Tony details the beginning of the National Black Marathoners Association, the myths they aim to dispel, and the training and sustainability programs they've launched over the past 20 years. He also talked about the organization's impact—including producing documentaries and creating a nationwide network of running clubs—and offers solid advice for anyone looking to balance a demanding career with a purpose-driven mission. Whether you’re a runner, a club owner, or an advocate for healthier, more inclusive communities, Tony’s story and insights are absolutely worth your time!

When it comes to starting up clubs, Reed states, "We've encouraged our members to get their coaching certifications either through the Roadrunners Club of America or USA Track and Field. Then once they get their certifications, for example, they could partner with a health club, and within that health club, they can actually have a distance running club."

Key themes discussed

• Diabetes prevention and health through running.
• Overcoming myths about African Americans in distance running.
• Founding and mission of Black Marathoners Association.
• Importance of education, training, and sustainability.
• Partnerships with health clubs and coaches.
• Inspirational stories and role models in running.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Personal Health Journey as a Catalyst
Tony was pre-diabetic as a child and was told he’d likely need insulin as a teen. Instead, through consistent physical activity, inspired by mandatory sports in school and Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book "Aerobics," Tony committed to a lifelong goal—averaging three miles a day. Decades later, he's run over 51,000 miles and never needed insulin.

2. Turning Personal Motivation into Community Impact
Tony’s health transformation and running achievements led him to create a formal organization aimed at getting African Americans more involved in distance running. Sparked by community interest when he neared his 50th marathon, he turned his personal discipline into a mission and movement, focusing on education, training, and sustainability.

3. Dispelling Myths and Creating Representation
One of the association’s core pillars is education: Challenging the myths that African Americans are only sprinters and not suited to distance running. Tony and his organization have produced documentaries to showcase role models and share inspirational stories within the community.

4. Building Partnerships and Running Communities
The organization actively encourages members to get certified as running coaches and set up local running clubs—sometimes in partnership with health clubs. They provide role models, resource sharing, and opportunities to affiliate local clubs with the wider movement, enhancing retention and engagement in health clubs by helping members train toward collective race goals.

5. Impact and Legacy
Tony’s organization is a non-profit with free membership and has directly or indirectly influenced over a quarter million African Americans to get active. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the association continues to grow, foster community, and provide platforms (like their annual summit) for sharing ideas and expanding their impact.

Resources: 

• Tony Reed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreedcpa/ 
• National Black Marathoners Association: www.BlackMarathoners.org 
• Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com 
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com