HawkeTalk 147. Dean Karnazes: The Runner Who Conquered 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days
In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Dean Karnazes—ultramarathoner, bestselling author, and a man who redefined what’s possible when you follow your passion. Before becoming a household name in endurance sports, Dean lived a typical corporate life, complete with a six-figure salary and a marketing job at GlaxoSmithKline. But on his 30th birthday, something shifted. After a night out, he impulsively ran 30 miles—despite not having run in 15 years. That unplanned run reignited his love for movement and sparked a journey that would take him to the world’s toughest races.
Dean shares how he balanced his corporate job with grueling training, often sneaking out on lunch breaks for runs and prepping for ultramarathons through sleep deprivation and sauna sessions. He walks us through running 100-mile races, surviving 129°F in Death Valley, and eventually running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. His leap into full-time running came after the surprise success of his book Ultramarathon Man.
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In this episode:
- (00:00) Childhood memories of nonstop motion
- (02:00) Hiking Mount Whitney at age 11
- (12:45) The brutal 50-mile race and qualifying by accident
- (14:45) Western States 100 and early race training
- (27:00) The North Face, 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days
- (32:14) Dean’s advice: Stay curious
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About Our Guest
Dean Karnazes is a Greek-American ultramarathon runner, bestselling author, and endurance athlete known for pushing the boundaries of human potential. Once a marketing executive, Dean left the boardroom to become one of the world’s most recognized ultrarunners. He’s completed some of the most extreme races on Earth, including 135 miles through Death Valley and 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Today, he speaks globally, writes, and advocates for staying curious and uncomfortable.
Dean Karnazes
- Dean Karnazes Website
- Dean Karnazes on Instagram
- Dean Karnazes on Facebook
- Dean Karnazes on X
- Book: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
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