We caught up with legendary ultra marathoner Dean Karnazes ahead of his first visit to Dubai for The Run Show this October. From running his first steps as a five-year-old to conquering 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, Dean has built a career on pushing the limits of human endurance, and the thrill of it hasn’t faded. In our chat, he opens up about what still excites him about running, the universal bond among runners, and why anyone, regardless of pace or experience, can be part of the running community.
You've been running for decades now, what still excites you about lacing up your trainers today?
So I first started running when I was a five year old boy and once I ran 50 marathons in all the 50 US states in 50 days and now I'm not so young and I still love it just as much today as I did when I first started.
What do runners from all around the world have in common?
You know runners are kindred spirits. No matter where you go, no matter what language you speak, the colour of your skin, the god you worship, your social economic level, runners are united so it's the one great thing humanity shares in common is our ability to run and you just feel this energy from another runner even if you don't speak the same language.
What excites you most about the running scene in Dubai?
You know I've never been to Dubai. People have asked me if I've ever been to Dubai and I haven't so I'm so looking forward to The Run Show this October and I'm looking forward most of all to running with people from Dubai so meeting the locals and sharing some footsteps together.
How can running in tough conditions like extreme heat build resiliance?
I think that which does not kill us makes us stronger so overcoming adversity gives you an inner resolve to overcome anything
What excites you most about speaking at events like The Run Show?
The most exciting thing about speaking in an event like this to me is the adrenaline, the endorphins I get, because I'm an introvert by nature so I'm not used to being in front of people, I'm very uncomfortable in front of people and to do something that really is challenging and puts you out of your comfort zone to me is like the greatest challenge ever.
What would you say to someone who wants to come along but doesn't consider themselves a "proper" runner?
You don't have to be an ultra Marathoner, you don't have to be a Marathoner, you don't have to be a runner, to come to the show and enjoy it. You get swept up in the energy. It doesn't even matter, you might just be a fast walker or even a slow walker, come experience this and you'll come back year after year.
What is one thing you hope people walk away with after hearing your session?
You know after hearing me speak, I hope people get energized to go out there and follow my footsteps a little bit. I mean, I hope I've given them permission to do some crazy shit!
You can catch Dean Karnazes in action speaking at The Run Show this October, where he’ll share insights, stories, and inspiration to get you moving.