Running for a Cure: Charlie Shelly and His Journey with Team DetermiNation

Meet Charlie Shelly, a member of Team DetermiNation, representing the American Cancer Society at the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. For Charlie, running began as both a physical and emotional outlet, but has become something much deeper as he trains to represent Team DetermiNation. Read on to learn more about his story and why raising funds for the American Cancer Society means so much to him.

When Running Becomes More Than Just Exercise

For most of Charlie’s life, running was simply a way to stay in shape for training and playing collegiate lacrosse. But as he stepped away from contact sports, it evolved into something more personal. He began to see it not just as a way to stay fit, but also as a way to explore Chicago and create a space for himself mentally. What made it even more meaningful was the unexpected bond it helped foster with his late father. Their post-run calls became part of his daily routine, turning each run into something he looked forward to not just physically, but emotionally, too.

Charlie’s favorite part about running is the sense of freedom and mental clarity that is hard to find anywhere else. It allows him to let go of everyday stress and just focus on himself (and a good playlist). As he trains for the marathon, it’s also a way to honor his father and continue their connection, while partnering with an organization that aligns with his values and helps make a meaningful impact. 

Finding Strength Through Community and Challenge

Charlie is training with Fleet Feet Training x CES to prepare for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. For him, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. “The coaching staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and having the other participants alongside me has helped me to continue to rack up miles and stay excited for the group sessions,” he says. 

On the hard days of marathon training, Charlie's motivation comes from his desire to complete his first marathon without injury. For him, running is a personal challenge — competing with himself and proving he can do it. He also draws motivation from his fellow Fleet Feet Training x CES participants and coaches. Knowing others are showing up and putting in the work every day helps to push him to get the work done.

Running with DetermiNation in the Fight Against Cancer

Charlie chose to represent the American Cancer Society and Team DetermiNation because cancer has deeply impacted his life and those of his close friends. His mother is a kidney cancer survivor, and he lost his father in September 2024 after a six-year battle with esophageal cancer. For Charlie, completing the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a way to honor those we’ve lost, celebrate those still fighting, and help build a future where no one faces cancer alone. He wants to be part of something bigger than himself by raising funds to support people battling cancer every day.

On July 4th, 2018, his father told him, “The good Lord is going to take me when it’s my time to go, but I’m going to fight like hell until then”, and those words have stuck with him.  The American Cancer Society represents people determined to fight for themselves, their families, and their friends — and he wants to show them they’re not alone in that fight.

Bringing Hope to Those Affected by Cancer

Charlie wants everyone to know that the American Cancer Society is on the front lines of every facet of the cancer journey to end cancer for everyone. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with some type of cancer in their lifetime, but at the same time, the number of cancer survivors is growing. So, there is hope. The ACS supports millions of patients through research, screenings, rides to treatment, lodging, and informational resources, and brings light to a historically dark part of people’s lives. Charlie is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and hopes that others will join him in this effort.