Kelcey Carlson: More Than an Anchor—The Marathon Runner Breaking News and Stereotypes

In the high-stakes world of Twin Cities media, Kelcey Carlson is an evening news anchor for KMSP Fox 9, a face known for delivering the day’s events with a blend of unwavering professionalism and genuine warmth.

Yet, to define her solely by her anchor desk is to miss the marathon-runner’s grit, the award-winning investigative reporter’s sharp focus, and the busy mother’s commitment to her family and community.

Carlson’s journey is a compelling case study in media longevity, demonstrating how a foundation in tenacious reporting and an ability to cover major events—from hurricanes and political scandals to the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombings—prepares a journalist for the enduring role of a nightly news anchor.

She’s been in the business for over 25 years, a tenure built on skill, dedication, and a “no-fuss” approach that has made her one of Minnesota’s most respected media figures.

If you’ve ever searched for Kelcey Carlson bio, you know she’s at the center of the Twin Cities evening news.

This profile dives deeper, exploring the personal drive, the career milestones, and the family life that inform her impact both on and off the air.

Hoosier Roots and a Global Vision: Kelcey Carlson’s Upbringing

Kelcey Carlson’s story begins far from the bustling Minneapolis newsroom, in the heart of the Midwest.

• Birth and Early Life: Carlson was born in Lafayette, Indiana. Her exact birth date is not widely publicized, but her media career indicates she was born sometime in the late 1960s/early 1970s. This places her Zodiac sign, and approximate Kelcey Carlson age, in a highly experienced tier of her profession. She is a U.S. citizen, with a family heritage tracing back to immigrants from England and Sweden who settled in Indiana in the late 1800s.

• Education: A native of Purdue territory, Carlson famously crossed state-rival lines to attend Indiana University (IU). She graduated with a major in Journalism, a concentration in Political Science, and a minor in French.

• Early Aspiration: Driven by a desire to “see what was beyond the borders,” Carlson initially harbored a goal of becoming an international correspondent, demonstrating a worldly curiosity that fueled her entry into journalism.

This Midwest upbringing instilled a core value of hard work and humility—traits that would later define her on-air persona and her reputation among colleagues.

The Baptism by Fire: Early Career and Reporting Grit

Fresh out of college, Carlson took a leap of faith, accepting a producer job in the Florence/Myrtle Beach market in South Carolina at CBS affiliate WBTW. This was no quiet start.

A Fast and Furious Start

Her first six weeks in the industry were a trial by fire:

• She helped cover the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800 in 1996, which included a local victim.

• She worked through two major storms, Hurricanes Bertha and Fran.

This intense introduction quickly forced her to develop the foundational knowledge and resilience needed for a long-term career. It wasn’t long before she transitioned from behind-the-scenes to on-camera work, becoming a “one-man band” reporter/photographer—shooting, editing, and reporting her own stories—a testament to her versatility and drive.

Investigative Reporter and Emmy Recognition

Her career continued to climb, taking her to WWMT-Ch. 3 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was here that Carlson began honing her investigative skills, famously earning awards for her reports on the Sex Offender Registry.

The bulk of her career’s reporting experience, however, was forged over more than a decade at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina.

• Key Stories Covered: She tackled high-profile, sensitive stories, including the infamous Duke Lacrosse case and the criminal case against presidential candidate John Edwards.

• Hurricane Coverage: Her experience with weather continued, anchoring and reporting on major storms like Hurricane Isabel.

• Awards: Her enterprise reporting on these complex stories earned her multiple Emmy nominations, and she secured an Emmy win for Best Weekend Newscast.

It’s clear from these career milestones that Kelcey Carlson is fundamentally a hard-news journalist, someone whose anchoring relies on deep experience in the field, not just TelePrompTer reading.

The Boston Marathon: A Personal and Professional Crisis

One event stands out, providing a poignant glimpse into the emotional toll of journalism: the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

An avid distance runner with 31 marathons under her belt—including seven Boston Marathons—Carlson was in the city that day, having just completed the race.

The sudden shift from personal achievement to professional crisis was immediate and visceral.

She was live on the air, reporting on a story that was unfolding in the very streets she had just run, all while juggling live shots and frantic messages from family and friends checking on her safety.

“Standing near Boylston Street after the bombings was one of the most emotional [assignments],” she recalled.

This moment highlights her enduring humanity—the ability to process the personal impact of a tragedy while still delivering the facts as a consummate professional. It’s a compelling anecdote of her inner strength.

The Move to Minneapolis and FOX 9 Anchor Role

In 2014, Kelcey Carlson and her family moved to Minnesota for a “great opportunity.”

It was a strategic, family-focused decision that brought her back to the Midwest and into the main anchor seat at KMSP Fox 9 (a station owned by the Fox Television Stations group).

Becoming the Evening News Anchor

Since arriving at Fox 9, she has anchored the main evening newscasts, currently co-anchoring with Randy Meier and others for the station’s vital 6 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. news programs.

• Major Minnesota Coverage: Her time in the Twin Cities has included leading coverage on seismic local and national stories:

  • She was the first reporter to arrive at Paisley Park on the morning of Prince’s death, fielding live coverage of the global event.

  • She field-anchored live after the tragic explosion at Minnehaha Academy.

  • She was on the ground covering both the Super Bowl in Houston and the one held in the Twin Cities.

• Still on FOX 9: As of today, Kelcey Carlson is still a fixture at KMSP Fox 9, where she is arguably the face of their hard-news evening block.

Her consistent presence and unflappable demeanor make her a trusted voice in a market that relies on stable, familiar personalities.

Behind the Scenes: Kelcey Carlson Husband and Family

The anchor desk and the marathon circuit only tell half the story. Carlson’s life is anchored by her family.

The anchor is married to Dave Kent, a media personality in his own right, known for his work in radio (KOOL 108). They have been married for over 20 years and have three children: two sons, Charlie and Kellen, and a daughter, Kathryn.

Theirs is a classic media marriage, navigating unconventional hours with a tag-team approach. Dave Kent has often taken on the primary childcare role in the evenings, as Kelcey’s night shift often keeps her working until after the kids’ bath and bedtime.

“We sync our Google calendars and note all our commitments on a ‘giant, massive calendar’ at our home,” she has shared about their organized, but often hectic, family life.

This balance speaks to a core truth about Carlson: she is low-maintenance, kind, and overwhelmingly devoted to her private life.

As one colleague described her, she is a “no-fuss Fox 9 anchor and a kind lunchbox lady,” referencing an early anecdote where she bought a co-worker a proper lunch cooler out of pure kindness.

Her personal life highlights her down-to-earth nature, contradicting the high-maintenance stereotype often associated with TV anchors.

The Runner’s Mentality: 31 Marathons and Counting

Running is more than a hobby for Kelcey Carlson; it is an integrated part of her disciplined life and is likely a major contributor to her focus and stamina in the newsroom.

• Marathon Accomplishments: She has completed 31 marathons as of 2025, including seven Boston Marathons, as well as races in Chicago and Berlin. A remarkable detail is that she has qualified for the Boston Marathon under the men’s timing standard three times—a high-level competitive achievement for any runner.

• The Power of Discipline: Running provides a crucial outlet and structure in her unpredictable life. She schedules her early morning long runs with a group she jokingly calls a “vampire running club” to ensure the activity doesn’t encroach on family time.

This runner’s mentality—the ability to set a distant, ambitious goal and work toward it day after day—perfectly mirrors her steady ascent in a competitive journalistic career.

Societal Contributions and Legacy

Carlson uses her platform to promote positive change, focusing on youth development and sportsmanship. She serves on the board of The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) in Minnesota.

• Podcast Host: She and her husband, Dave Kent, produce a podcast for PCA called “My Sports Life for PCA MN,” interviewing high-profile athletes like Lou Nanne and Matt Birk about their paths to success and how they overcame tough odds.

• Past Involvement: She previously served on the board for Girls on the Run in both Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Her commitment to mentorship and character development is a significant part of her legacy and impact beyond the anchor desk.

Kelcey Carlson: A Forward Look

Kelcey Carlson embodies the modern, multifaceted journalist: a tireless reporter, an Emmy-recognized professional, a dedicated anchor, and a devoted mother and athlete. She remains an indispensable part of the KMSP Fox 9 news team.

The current media climate rewards authenticity, and Carlson’s career longevity is a testament to her genuine nature.

She continues to be a trusted source for information, a familiar presence providing stability during chaotic times.

It’s safe to predict that this marathon runner has many more miles to go, both on and off the air.

Call-to-Action & Interaction

Question for Readers: What is your favorite local news story that Kelcey Carlson has covered since she arrived in the Twin Cities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources

1. Kelcey Carlson | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul (Official Station Bio)

2. EP10: Kelcey Carlson, Evening News Anchor at Fox 9 – Trissential Podcast Interview

3. Star Tribune: Anchor Kelcey Carlson is a no-fuss Fox 9 anchor…

4. Star Tribune: Anchor Kelcey Carlson raises profile with new duties at Fox 9 News

5. Bring Me The News: Carlson picked as new evening co-anchor at FOX 9

6. Jennifer Dare Kirby: Kelcey Carlson’s Juggling Act (Focus on WRAL/Dave Kent)

7. Star Tribune: C.J.: David Kent knows movie-style “anchors”… (Focus on family/marriage)

8. WRAL-TV Archives (for Emmy and reporting details)