By Tom Weber, KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-529971.mp3
St. Louis, MO – A California man who's a bit of a star in the running world started his next big challenge this weekend in St. Charles.
Dean Karnazes is what's call an "ultra-marathoner." He doesn't just run one marathon at a time, he runs a few. He once stayed up three days to ran 350 miles non-stop.
On Sunday, Karnazes ran the Lewis and Clark Marathon in St. Charles. It will be the first of 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.
Despite all the jokes of how crazy he is, Karnazes says he's trying to raise awareness in a land where people are less and less fit. "And I just want to show kids and show people that physical activity can be a priority in your life that is fun and is rewarding," he added.
Karnazes will also run the Chicago Marathon next month and finish November 5th in New York.
He says the biggest challenge won't necessarily be the running, but getting from city to city: "As long as I can finish the marathon quickly enough to get to the next state in time, but not too quickly that I can't recover the next morning, I think my body will react favorably."
Karnazes has also mountain biked for 24 straight hours and run a marathon to the South Pole.
KWMUs Tom Weber spoke with Karnazes this week about his next big challenge.
TO HEAR AN EXTENDED INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE.
Other links
NPR Story: To the Limit: Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes
NPR Story: Ultra-Marathoner Searches for the Breaking Point