It can be argued that your accomplishments are eclipsed by the more famous ultramarathoners: Dean Karnazes and maybe Pam Reed come to mind. Dean Karnazes recently appeared on the cover of Outside magazine and was called, ‘America’s Greatest Runner.’ You haven’t been on the cover of that magazine, let alone Runner’s World. Do you feel like there’s an inconsistency there? Do you feel like you are in the shadows? Does this bother you?
I have tried to just ignore it. I think it’s a fad. I don’t view this sport in terms of fame. It’s definitely not about fortune [laughs]. I’m in this sport because I love it. If I have inspired people along the way, then that’s great. It’s not fueling my ego. I’m not trying to win Western States to make myself feel better. I’ve just tried to explore my own realm of possibilities and push out into that outer edge of what my body can do. If, along the way, I become well-known, I would obviously never feel comfortable going around touting myself as one of the best distance runners, because I feel that there are so many incredible athletes.

With all due respect to these individuals that seem to be going around and garnering a lot of press, I think it’s an example of how media works today. You know, why aren’t the best marathoners in this country getting a lot of press coverage in Runner’s World? For me to feel bad that I’m not getting that coverage, I have to look at all the other distance runners and not just ultramarathoners. A lot of guys like Karl Meltzer or Howard Nippert on the roads—there are some phenomenal ultramarathoners who aren’t getting even as much press as I am. Am I better than them? That’s the thing that I look at.

I think it hurts the elite athletes, if we can call ourselves that, or the top ultramarathoners. We are working our butts off and a lot of us are struggling to pay the bills while training like professional athletes and at the same time there’s someone who’s getting a lot of press for not turning out results, but rather stunts. It’s a little unnerving. I feel bad for a lot of other distance runners who aren’t getting any press. For some reason right now, it’s something that the press has latched onto, and I think it’s more of an issue with how the media works with advertisers and sponsors. I really think that the media should do a better job of not just following that money trail. It’s really about following people in this sport because they are interesting and [they shouldn't] overdo it. It’s all [gone] a little overboard.

Nah, Jealousy is definitly not my problem. Ultrarunning doen’t have those problems in Ireland, to say the least. I’ve never heard of any actual running achievements that DK has done, just seen a publicity machine in action. I’ve also heard plenty of stories from other (much better) ultra runners that lead me to conclude that he is, shall we say, not a good sport. Being a Corkman, I reckon that having Dean in Langerville couldn’t be more approprite. Sounds like he is ending up where he truely belongs.

Yup, agree with you about Scott Jurek… a true great ultra runner. Now thats a runner I’d like to share a tent with!

Jealousy may be our problem. DK has brought a great deal of attention to ultra running and it’s changed the atmosphere a bit at the events. Races have become larger, it’s harder to get into races, and the laid back atmosphere has evaporated some.

DK was entered in Western States 100 last year. He didn’t get in through the lottery so he ended up gaining entry through Fleet Feet Running Store. Fleet Feet sponsored one of the aid stations at the race. Each aid station sponsor gets an entry to the race. DK got caught up in a publicity stunt in Time Square NY trying to break a record for time and distance on a treadmill suspended in the air. He ended up not showing for WS100. Doing so cost the Fleet Feet running team their spot for a runner. One of their team did not get to make the run because DK chose to take the slot and then no-showed. NICE!

DK is a personable guy and I’m sure the Cork Village will have a good time together. Remember “It takes a Village to do the Gobi”.

My running idol is a local runner that goes by the name Scott Jurrek. DK only dreams of Scotts accomplishments in running. Scott is the Lance Armstrong of Ultra Running.

I hope they have a big tent to fit DK’s ego into. He’s not real popular with the US Ultra Running community.

I ran with DK for about 3 miles at the Big Sur Marathon. He seems fairly excited about Gobi. Remember, he’s not just running Gobi, he’s doing the entire series! Oh and don’t forget about his new book 50 Marathons in 50 Days that will soon be released. I snapped a couple of pictures of him as we ran. You can see them at http://journeytoacentum.blogspot.com/2008/04/big-sur-marathon-race-report-2008.html on the Smilebox Slideshow.

Eoin, you’re just jealous! ;)