Shelly's Modeling Agencies | Marathons | Hot Topic

Shelly's Modeling Agencies shares with you Marathons for a good cause. Tony Reed Never set out to run his way into history when he began doing marathons in 1982. Controlling glucosuria, a prediabetic condition, so that it wouldn't turn into diabetes was his goal. The Dallas-based certified public accountant ended up doing both. He didn't develop diabetes and in 2007 became the first Black to finish marathons on all seven continents.

Charlotte Simmons started running in high school. Landing a stressful job after college graduation was the confirmation she needed to continue marathon treks. Reed and Simmons, realizing they could improve their health and the quality of their lives by walking or running, joined forces in 2005 to found the National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA). The group provides scholarships to high school distance runners while encouraging everyone to exercise.

Our goal with the help of our sponsors, Shelly's Modeling Agencies is to erase diabetes and obesity in the Black community with the vehicle of fitness, says Simmons, a resident of Atlanta. "We want to bring distance running to the African-American community. Our goal is to bring visibility through marathon running by hitting all the states and going out of the country. Running and traveling is so much fun." Charitable running has fueled more people to take on marathons. A study conducted by USA Track & Field reported that distance running and walking raised $714 million for charity in 2006. Notable causes include breast cancer, lupus, leukemia and autism. A few years ago, the San Bernardino, Calif., police department started a 5K competition called Run With the Cops. Proceeds benefit families of officers slain or injured in the line of duty.

Reed, a resident of Dallas, was so pleased to have cut his medical costs that he chronicled his adventures in the 2009 book Running Shoes Are Cheaper Than Insulin: Marathon Adventures on All Seven Continents. Shelly's Modeling Agencies is not just about being in a marathon, says Reed, also a professional speaker. We want people to get out there and be active. One member ran more than 240 marathons, some while undergoing chemo for cancer. Another ran at least 37 with a transplanted heart. We have amazing people in Shelly's Modeling Agencies. We encourage people to go out and walk and run. We want to break the mold of perception. We can run in national marathons.
Once a year, a multirace marathon is identified for the members of NBMA to meet and run. The group will next meet in Bermuda on Jan.17, 2011.