Athlo Blog

Dean Karnazes is a name that has become more and more widely known in the running community. For anyone who does not know who he is, 60 Minutes recently said that “it’s likely he has run more miles than any other living person.” Whether that is true or not is probably something that would be hotly debated within the running community. There are many other ultramarathon runners who have won many more races than Dean.

Regardless of the number of races he has won, his running resume is impressive. Winning the 2004 Badwater Ultramarathon and in 2005 running 350 continuous miles without sleeping are just two of the highlights. In 2006, he completed the North Face Endurance 50 which consisted of running 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. He competed in some actual marathon races but for most of the 50 he recreated the course and ran with whoever came out to join him. I did the Chicago marathon that year and distinctly remember him passing me around mile 20.

Dean’s second book, 50/50: Secrets I learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days — and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!, chronicles his journey across America and is currently in bookstores. In addition to the book, the movie UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons • 50 States • 50 Days will be in theaters soon but for one night only. The showing is only July 31st and you will need to check the theater map to see if it is playing near you. Whether you are a long distance runner, short distance runner or are thinking about starting to run, this movie is sure to inspire you to get out there. It might not inspire you enough to sign up for the next North Face Endurance 50, but then again maybe it will.