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Ultramarathoner Makes Marine Corps Marathon Stop 43 on Endurance 50

QUANTICO, VA - The Marine Corps Marathon announced today that author and ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes will participate in the October 29 event as his 43rd run of The Endurance 50, an attempt to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days.

"The awesome personal challenge of Dean Karnazes will inspire runners to test their limits, whether it is completing their first 10K or finishing a marathon," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "I am excited to welcome Dean to the MCM and offer him bib number 43 in honor of the 43rd run towards his goal."

On September 17, Dean Karnazes began The Endurance 50 in Missouri. By the end of The Endurance 50, Karnazes will have run 1,310 miles and burned over 150,000 calories. In the process, he will also be supporting running clubs and runners across the nation and raising funds for KARNO KIDS, the non-profit organization he founded to support, encourage and motivate youth to get outside and become more physically active. He hopes to make marathon running, the ultimate individual sport, a symbol of what people can achieve if they aspire to explore their personal limits.

"The mission of The Endurance 50 is to encourage, motivate and inspire people of all ages to become active, make physical wellness an essential and enjoyable priority in their lives, and promote healthy, active living across the country," said Karnazes, "All while reinforcing the aspect and idea of endurance running and the strength and stamina that go into this sport."

Labeled "the fittest man in the world" by Men's Fitness, Karnazes' past feats include running 350 continuous miles, mountain biking for 25 hours straight, swimming across the San Francisco Bay, and running a marathon to the South Pole.

For more information on The Endurance 50, check out www.endurance50.com.

Voted "Best Marathon for Families" by HerSports Magazine, the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 31st Marine Corps Marathon to be held on October 29, 2006 in Arlington, VA is presented by USAA, Brooks Sports, Inc., and Cisco Systems. Visit marinemarathon.com for more information.

For media information or to arrange an interview with Dean Karnazes, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or Elizabeth.Cline@usmc.mil. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.

www.marinemarathon.com

alan@newsblaze.com