We are excited to announce that Dean will be The Official Host for The San Francisco Marathon™!

Author of the bestselling book, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner, Dean Karnazes is an inspiration to anyone who has ever achieved a lifelong goal. After running 350 miles (at The Relay) without sleep, it's clear that Dean knows how to push the human body to its limit.

An advocate for fundraising and charitable causes, Dean has run The Relay, a 199-mile event to help promote organ donation. The Relay is the largest organ donation awareness event in the world. Normally, the 12-person relay is run from Calistoga to Santa Cruz. In 2003, Dean ran the 199-mile event plus 27.2 miles solo. He was running for Valerie Sanchez. Valerie was a month old infant waiting for a heart and because of Dean, she was able to stay alive.

If you have questions about the race, please visit our FAQs.

A message from Dean Karnazes:

Dear Runners -

I am so excited to be a part of The San Francisco Marathon™. As the host for the third year in a row and a San Franciscan, I feel privileged to be part of such a prestigous event.

On Friday, August 1, 2008 and Saturday, August 2, 2008, I will be in and around the RunSFM Expo. I will have two seminars throughout the weekend. Please check the seminar page for the most up to date information.

On Sunday, August 3, 2008, I will be out there running alongside you.

I look forward to seeing you Race Week.

- Dean