SELF Magazine Mocks Local Runner with Brain Cancer; 'Tutu Gate' Erupts in Running World

Local San Diego runner Monika Allen was mocked by SELF Magazine for wearing a ballerina's tutu and Wonder Woman outfit during the Los Angeles Marathon, but it turns out Allen was battling brain cancer and sells those tutus, she makes herself, to support a nonprofit that empowers young girls.

SELF Magazine had reportedly asked Allen for permission to print the photo, but Allen was surprised to find it was used in a section of the publication called the "The BS Meter" with the caption:

"A racing tutu epidemic has struck NYC's Central Park, and it's all because people think these froufrou skirts make you run faster. Now, if you told us they made people run from you faster, maybe we would believe it."

KPBS, who called the incident "tutu gate," pointed out that there is a silver lining: The nonprofit has since raised thousands of dollars towards its cause. And SELF Magazine has since apologized for making fun of Allen.

Girls on the Run is an after school program for girls ages 8 to 13. There are currently more than 30 teams in training to run 5Ks in the San Diego area. In addition, Girls on the Run organized a tutu run at Torrey Pines on Saturday. See pics here.