Taking time out from his whirlwind schedule of travelling the world competing in one ultramarathon after the next, iconic uIltramarathon runner Dean Karnazes lead Sydney-siders in a 5km fun run for charity around the Sydney Botanical Gardens area today.
After conquering many-a harsh dessert, extreme temperatures and impossible terrain in the past, the gloomy, overcast day that turned into a downpour did not deter runners in the slightest, as they eagerly awaited a jog with the fittest man in the world!
Burning on roughly 4 hours sleep a night, and after back-to-back interviews Dean arrived in the Domain to greet a contingent of runners who were anything but perturbed by the weather, and who fell silent on his approach. Then after a quick pep-talk Dean lead the pack down to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, along the Opera House foreshore and back through the Botanical Gardens, finishing at The North Face store in Pitt Street, where he gave an inspirational talk to a shop overflowing with fans. Then with a quick Q & A session and book signing the Ultramarathon Man jogged back to his hotel and flew to New Zealand for his next exciting adventure.
All participants received a copy of Dean Karnazes' new book: 50 Marathons 50 Days - The Secrets to Super Endurance, with all proceeds going to the Starlight Childrens' Foundation, a charity that brightens the lives of seriously ill children.
In addition to running marathons across 5 of the harshest and most deadly desserts around the world, competing in a 24 hour treadmill ultramarathon at the world champs and other extreme and inhuman pursuits over the next year, Dean Karnazes will be back in Australia next May for 'The North Face 100' - Australia’s only 100km trail race! Registration opens from November.
* Dean’s first book, Ultramarathon man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner is a national best-seller and was the #7 best-selling sports book world-wide in 2005.
For further information, please contact Trease Clarke at: trease.clarke@truealliance.com.au
