DAY 1“Marathon Man” Begins Long Road HomeUltra Runner Dean Karnazes has described the first 60km of the North Face Summit to Sydney as ‘a spiritual experience’. After completing day one of his quest to run the 580km stretch from the summit of Mt Kosciusko to Sydney, Karnazes said he felt like he had really connected with the Australian countryside. “You know, I spent a year here as an exchange student in my teens, and I was so excited to come back and spend some time getting to know Australia again. Being able to begin this awesome event in the Snowy Mountains from the highest point in the land, was just awesome”. Over the next 5 days, Karnazes will wind his way from Snowy Mountains, traversing the Great Dividing Range to the Shoalhaven and up through the Royal national Park into Sydney. Averaging over almost 100km per day, Karnazes has partnered with major sponsor The North Face to try to raise funds for the Starlight Foundation. “I am involved with several charities in the US, including my own organization Karno’s Kids. Starlight does inspirational work with children here in Australia, and I want to do as much as I can to support that. So get onto www.thenorthface.com.au and get donating!” Karnazes is widely recognised as an icon of endurance sports, having won the ‘Badwater Ultramarathon’, amongst a string of prestigious accomplishments. Run through 135 miles of Death Valley in California, the Badwater is considered the toughest foot race in the world. His unique quest to push his body to breaking point has made Karnazes a household name in the US, having appeared on 60 minutes and The Late Show with David Letterman. Most recently, he completed 50 marathons, in all 50 states of America, in 50 consecutive days. Tomorrow, while most of us will be sleeping in and spending a relaxing Saturday, Karnazes will tackle the grueling stage from Jindabyne to the middle of the Deua National Park, where he and his support crew will camp overnight, a distance of over 100km. “Today was a warm up really – the conditions were great and I really enjoyed it. The next 5 days are really going to test me, but I am feeling strong and know I can meet this challenge.”    DAY 2“Marathon Man” Puts the Mountain Behind HimUltra Runner Dean Karnazes set out on the second stage of The North Face Summit to Sydney at 6.30am today amid hooting cars and cheering passers by. As he wound his way from Jindabyne, through Cooma and into the Deua National Park, the American said he enjoyed the response from the Australian public, using the encouragement to push him to his goal of reaching Sydney by Thursday lunchtime. “When I was passing through Berridale, a random car pulled up alongside me for a chat. The driver introduces himself as Malcom, the coach of the Berridale Bushpigs, the local football team. They had heard about the run and wanted to donate some money to our charity partner, The Starlight Foundation. It blows me away that they would do that, and then wait to be able to hand it over in person. It really inspires me.” Karnazes entered day 2 having covered 75km on Friday, on the stretch from the summit of Mt Kosciusko to Jindabyne. With idyllic conditions and the support of the local community, Karnazes felt confident of hitting the 100km mark today. “The air is still; we’ve got blue skies and it’s not too hot. Also the countryside is so beautiful that you just get lost in it. Yesterday was such a great day and although I only needed to do 60 km, we got to the 75 mark when I got into a good rhythm. Today looks like the same conditions so I am looking forward to a strong run.” Running on the largely single lane Kosciusko Road to Cooma, Karnazes had to tend with heavier weekend traffic and undulating hills. Adhering to strict safety procedures, Karnazes and his crew negotiated the winding stretch without issue. From Cooma, The North Face Summit to Sydney makes a right turn and heads through the national park to Nowra. Karnazes will encounter a variety of conditions, from highways, to back road, to unsealed dirt tracks. “I love the diversity of the Australian landscape. The weekend before I flew down under, I ran a 50 mile race in the US. It was great preparation, but its interesting to compare the conditions. Australia is completely unique and I have not seen anything like it in any other country. I love running here.”    DAY 3The Great Divide – Ultimate test for Ultramarathon Man.The stretch of single lane highway from Countegany to Braidwood is a calm and relaxing route to meander through some of Australia’s most beautiful countryside Except, of course, if you are running. And you just ran the 85km the previous day. And you ran 75km the day before that. Which is exactly what US ultra-athlete Dean Karnazes discovered today. But it was the hills, rather than the distance, that really put him to the test. “I was psyched to tackle day three of this adventure. But the hills just hammered me. I think we climbed about 3000 feet through the Great Dividing Range, which is just insane. The up and down of this leg have really taken their toll.” Karnazes left the summit of Mt Kosciusko on Friday morning in his quest to complete The North Face Summit to Sydney – a solo mission to run the 590km distance from Australia’s highest point to the centre of Sydney. Run over seven days, it will see Karnazes average around 85km per day. A freezing stay in the middle of the Deua National Park overnight brought some of the best and worse out of the Australian surroundings for Karnazes. “I finished day two just outside Numarella, and the only B&B there had been booked out for the first time in 12 months! Luckily a farmer was kind enough to let us to pitch a tent on his front paddock and for me to grab a quick shower. I have to say it gets cold out there; it wasn’t the best night’s sleep I have ever had! After enjoying two perfect running days, Karnazes found the last 24 hours tough-going, with a series of hill climbs that slowed the pace and forced him to draw on his significant experience to reach his daily target distances. He aims to finish in Sydney on Thursday midday and is feeling confident of completing the challenge. Aiming to raise funds for the Starlight Foundation, Karnazes embarked on the project with the help of The North Face – a major sponsor. One of the icons of endurance sport around the globe, Karnazes is one of America’s most celebrated athletes. His book Ultramarathon Man, featured on the New York Times best seller list when released in 2005, and his story has served as inspiration for thousands all over the world.    DAY 4Marathon Man Faces Brutal TestAmerican ultra-athlete Dean Karnazes has described his run from Mt Kosciusko to Sydney as “one of the most brutal projects I have ever undertaken.” 42 year old Karnazes had conquered over 250km in the first three days of The North Face Summit to Sydney. This included running from Charlotte’s pass to the summit of Australia’s highest peak, back down again and on to Braidwood – encompassing a pitiless passage through the Great Dividing Range. With over 3000 feet of climbs and descents to contend with, Karnazes says it was much tougher than expected. “Every time I turned a corner there was another climb! We had to take the back roads for this project for safety reasons and that meant taking some hillier routes. I really underestimated this course and have had to dig deep to stay on schedule.” A household name in the US, Karnazes also has a significant fan base in Australia as an athlete and motivational figure. His book Ultramarathon Man made the New York Times best seller list and was also a major hit in Australia. Many devotees have driven from as far as Canberra and Sydney to be able to run with their hero. Karnazes says the support is what is keeping him going. “We ran through Nerriga today, this tiny little town on the way to Nowra. There were about 15 people all standing outside the pub, cheering me on with beers in their hands! I stopped and had a quick chat and took a few photos – they were great!” The event is also expecting a large welcoming party in Sydney, with several running clubs set to send out members to welcome him on the last day of his monumental journey. Karnazes is drawing on a wealth of experience, having run the Badwater marathon - 135 miles non stop through Death Valley in California. He was also the first man to run a full marathon (in running shoes) in the South Pole. From here, Karnazes aims to reach Nowra tomorrow morning, through the Shoalhaven and onto Sydney. With two big days ahead, Karnazes needs to complete 200km to stick to his goal of target reaching Sydney by Thursday lunchtime.    DAY 5Karnazes rises to the challengeAfter two punishing days, American ultra athlete Dean Karnazes has pulled out a remarkable 100km run to be marginally ahead of schedule for The North Face Summit to Sydney endurance run. Having finished Day 4 almost exactly one marathon-length short of Nowra central (43 kms) Karnazes and crew set out at 6am to get back to the ‘flag spot” where they had finished the previous day. From there it was a strong run into town, past the Albatross Air Force base, where he was joined by an inspired airman for the 10k run into town! “Billy was a great guy. I have met some awesome people on this trip, some of whom have heard about the run from running clubs or websites, and some have read the book. It’s great to have this community of people who wan tot reach out and be part of this. It really spurs me on.” After leaving Nowra, The North Face Summit to Sydney took a sharp left and headed towards Gerringong. The beautiful, rolling green hills were a fantastic backdrop as Karnazes found himself finally on the coast of NSW – something he has been anxious to see since the event began. “The mountains were so dry. I am really happy to be out here in the sea air. Its cooler and is nicer to run in, which helps now that I have got to day 5! But it also really reminds me of when I used to live in Australia.” The terrain flattened out for the event in the last 100km, which was a welcome sight for Karnazes who found the ascents and descents of the Great Dividing Range a real challenge. Allowing him to set a faster pace, Karnazes was able to get through 100km, which puts him in good stead for Day 6. “I am feeling good. The best thing about today was that everyone in my support crew got out and ran with me. I really love that. We are raising money for the Starlight Foundation here, and its good to know that we are all pitching in to do the miles and bring it home.” Day 6 of The North Face Summit to Sydney begins in Shellharbour and finished in the Royal National Park, a distance of circa 60km. Karnazes is aiming to be in the centre of Sydney on Thursday with a rapturous welcome from running devotees is expected.    DAY 6“Karno” Cruises Towards Sydney CentreAs Dean Karnazes ran out Shellharbour at 6.30am this morning, he knew he had about 130 kilometres to cover to reach his goal of completing the North Face Summit to City. Having already run over 450km in the past 5 days, the American ultra-athlete was looking remarkable strong considering the punishment he had recently endured. 13 year old Ben Scollary appreciated his fortitude at that point. As one of many admirers who have followed Dean’s progress, Ben wanted to join the iconic endurance athlete on his journey to Sydney. He made the effort to get up before school to meet up with Karnazes on the road, run 4km and was thrilled to run with his hero. Karnazes tackled Day 5 of the North Face Summit to Sydney accompanied by Australian endurance athlete Guy Andrews with a winding run down into Wollongong and through Bulli and Thirroul, and onto the punishing climb into Otford. The 6 km ascent took Karnazes from the beach to 200m above sea level, and provided some of the most spectacular scenery the trip has seen so far. “Making that rise and looking back to wards Shellharbour, I got a real feel for the distance and height we had just covered, and it was an amazing view. I had a guy called Adrian do the climb with me and he was psyched – yelling and spurring us both on! It was a great leg of the trip.” Such is the impact of Karnazes, not only in Australia, but around the world. The 42 year old endurance athlete has pushed his body to the limits of human tolerance, and lived to tell the tale in his book “Ultramarathon Man”. The reach of the book is extraordinary, with many people, runners or otherwise, relating to the motivation and determination that Karnazes embodies. Descending into the Royal national Park, Karnazes completed the 77km of day 6 in Bundeena. Having crossed at least 4 major national pars in the last week, Karnazes has made incredible time and showed remarkable strength to this point. From Bundeena, Karnazes will enjoy a 40 minute sea kayak to Cronulla Marina, again joined by Guy Andrews. Departing the marina at 9.30 am, Karnazes hopes to make his way to O’Riordan St Alexandria by 11.30am, where he will make the turn for The North Face Store, at 130 Pitt St Sydney. Karnazes is expected to arrive at approximately 1.30pm.    DAY 7Marathon Man runs from Summit to CityAmerican ultra runner Dean Karnazes has realised his goal to run from the Summit of Mt Kosciusko to central Sydney in seven days, arriving at The North Face Flagship store at 2pm on Thursday May 17. 6 days ago, “Karno” stood on the summit of Australia’s highest peak and commenced a monumental run towards Sydney. The next 6 days would see him tackle 590 kilometres of Australia’s most spectacular countryside. Describing it as one of the most brutal and challenging things he has ever done, Karnazes is ecstatic to have reached this milestone. “Australia has always had a special place in my heart, as I used to live here in my teens. I have always wanted to come back and do an event here. The North Face team certainly set me a challenge, and together we were able to achieve it. I also have to thank all the people who ran with me along the way – it really made the event for me.” Karnazes broke the back of the run on Day 5, with a staunch run from 45km west of Nowra through to Gerringong and into Shellharbour. Closing the day at nearly 100km, it left Karnazes with a significant along the coast and into the Royal National Park on day 6, finishing in Bundeena. Starting the morning with a kayak across the harbour with Australian endurance athlete Guy Andrews, Karnazes stepped out of the boat and began a 40km journey into the centre of Sydney. “One of the highlights of the trip was to be met in Alexandria by 15 or so members of the Northside Running Group who ran with me into the The North Face store. It was so great to have some locals join me for the last few kilometres.” Asked what was his biggest challenge, Karnazes said it was the Great Dividing Range that really tested him. “The climbing and falling of those hills on day two and three really turned my quads into hamburger! It was such a beautiful place to run, but the ascents and descents were a real test. It made the rest of the run tough with such a testing first few days.” “I have had such an amazing time being back in Australia. To achieve this goal with a support of everyone along the way just feels awesome!”  
In his latest challenge, Dean will travel to Australia to tackle a monumental run - Summit to Sydney. This run will see Dean run from the base of Mt. Kosciuszko to the top of Australia’s tallest peak. He will then run all the way back to Sydney. “I am really excited to tackle this run head on. I lived in Australia in high school, as an exchange student, and really love the country and the people. I know Australia has some incredibly punishing terrain and trails, and I can’t wait to embark on this epic adventure.” An avid supporter of children’s charities, Dean will be donating all proceeds of his run to the Starlight Foundation, in an effort to help kids with cancer find inspiration and strength from his achievement. “Through my charity in the US, Karno Kids, we have been able to provide direct financial support to organizations and programs that are focused on improving the health and wellness of our youth. In Australia, Starlight Foundation is making huge steps in the same direction, and we really want to support that.”
Please see below for scheduled dates. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to meet one of the greatest endurance athletes of all time. Wednesday 9th May - Invite Only Meet and Greet for media. If you work in the media and want to secure an invitation to the media night. Please email paul.tinkler@truealliance.com.au Thursday 10th May - There will be 2 book signings one at 12.30pm and the other at 6.30pm both will be at The North Face store located at Friday 12th – 16th May – Dean will begin the run. More information regarding the run will be posted here over the next few days.
Every year, there are over 600,000 child admissions to hospitals across Australia and thousands of these children are diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness. That’s hundreds of thousands of Australian children who will experience some form of physical pain, not to mention feelings of helplessness, confusion, isolation and boredom. Through his charity work all over the world, Dean Karnazes knows that what these kids need is hope and inspiration – and hence the The North Face Summit to City was born. Currently the Starlight Foundation reaches only one in three. Our intention is that by 2010 ‘3 out of 3’ seriously ill or hospitalised children, and their families, will have the opportunity to access and benefit from Starlight’s programs. Starlight receives no government funding, relying solely on the dedication and generosity of people like Dean to be able to spread so much happiness. We would be thrilled if you could come on board and support the North Face Summit to City in support of Starlight. To help Dean help the kids, please click on the button below. ; newWindow.focus();) DEAN KARNAZES RUN – CHARLOTTES PASS TO SYDNEY
Course for Spectators Important! The start and finish points and times are a guide only. These may vary due to distances covered by Dean on any given day such as weather, terrain, Dean's condition and unforeseen circumstances. Supporters please note: The North Face cannot encourage or condone any individuals intending to join Dean Karnazes on his run. All those planning to support Dean during the course do so at their own risk and must make provisions for their own food, water, travel and accommodation. The North Face is not liable for any individuals intending to support or run with Dean on the The North Face Summit to Sydney. DAY 1 – Friday 11th May Starting at Charlottes Pass at 9am At Charlottes Pass Dean will run along The Summit walk to Rawson’s Pass. At Rawson’s Pass he will take Kosciusko walk to Summit from Summit return via Kosciusko Walk to Rawson’s Pass back to Charlotte Pass. (18km) From Charlottes Pass Dean will take Kosciusko Road to Persisher Valley. From Perisher Valley continue along to Kosciusko Road to Jindabyne. At the intersection of Alpine Way & Kosciusko Road, Jindabyne. He will take the walking track adjacent to lake. The walking trail finishes at Bay Street, Jindabye. DAY 2 – Saturday 12th May Starting at Jindabyne 8am Dean will turn right on Bay Street, turn left at Koisosko Road Continue along Koisokso Road over Dam Wall and continue along Kosiosko Road to East Jindabyne. He will turn right at Geikle Creek Road (2km), then take another right back onto Kosciusko road. Continue along Kosciusko road to Berridale. From Berridale continue along Kosciusko road. He will turn Right onto Brooks Road and then left Arable Road, Bradley turn right back onto Kosciusko Road, Jillimatong He will continue along Kosciusko Road into Cooma at Snowy Mountains intersection he will continue straight until the road becomes Snowy Mountains Highway. He will continue along Snowy Mountains Highway. Upon entering Cooma Snowy Mountains Highway becomes Sharp Street, at roundabout intersection of Sharp Street and Monaro Hwy continue staright road becomes Monaro Hwy. He will continue along Manaro Hwy turn right into Yareen Road to major four way intersection. Continue straight through intersection where the road becomes Cooma Numerella Road. Continue along Cooma Numerella Road, to Numeralla. Upon entering Numeralla, Cooma Numerella Road becomes Cooma Street, continue straight exiting Numerella township. Road becoming Numeralla Countegany Road. Continue along Numeralla Countegany Road to Badja Road intersection (Countegany). Continue along Badja Road toward Braidwood. DAY 3 – Sunday 13th May Staring at Badja National Park At Pikes Saddle (land formation) Badja Road becomes Krawaree Road, he will continue north along Krawaree Road until he hits Braidwood. At the intersection of Krawaree Road and Captains Flat Road continue straight road becomes Captain Flat Road. Continue along Captains Flat Road to Braidwood. DAY 4 – Monday 14th May Starting at Braidwood Upon entering Braidwood Dean will turn right on Coghill Street, cross the Archer Bridge and then turn left onto Wallace Street. He will exit Braidwood (township) by turning left onto the Kings Hwy. And then turning right onto Neriga Road. Continue along Neriga Road to Durran Durra. Then continue along the same road to Charleyong. Continue along Neriga Road to Neriga. Continue along Neriga Road to Sassafrass. At Jerrawangala turn left onto Braidwood Road, Continue along Braidwood Road towards Nowra. At Albatross Road intersection, turn left onto Albatross Road. Continue along Albatross Road to Nowra, turn left from Albatross Road to Berry Street, continue along Berry Street and turn left into Jervis Street and after Shoalhaven Street, Jervis Street becomes Bainbridge Crescent. At Bainbridge Crescent take Ben’s walk trailhead and continue along Ben’s walk along the Shoalhaven River to Pacific Hwy Bridge. DAY 5 – Tuesday 15th May Starting at Nowra Cross Pacific Highway Bridge and take first right onto Bolong Road. Continue along Bolong Road to Shoalhaven Heads. At Shoalhaven heads turn right into Shoalhaven Heads Road and turn left into Macintosh Street and then from Macintosh Street enter 7 mile Beach. Run north along 7 mile beach to Gerroa. Exit beach turning left via Bourke Parade. From Bourke parade turn left onto Park Road and turn right Crooked River Road. Continue North along Crooked River Road. Road becoming Fern street at Gerringong township. Continue through Gerringong township along Fern Street. Cross traintracks on Fern Street exiting Gerringong. Turning right onto Princes Hwy. Take the first exit on left to Kiama Heights. Continue along South Kiama drive turn right onto Saddleback Mountain Road and turn left into Manning Street, Kiama. Continue along Manning, turn right onto Terralong Street and turn left into Blowhole Point Drive and then enter walking track and continue along the foreshore. Exit walking track on Pheasant Point Drive. Pheasant Point Drive becomes Collins Street, take walking trail on right and enter Bombo Beach, Bombo from walking track. Continue along Bombo Beach, re-entering walking track (or shared use path – bike access). From Track enter Boyds Beach, Kiama Downs and run along beach reentering walking track at John Oates Reserve, Minnamurra. Continue along walking track to Minnanurra train station continue along same bike/ walking track to Princes Hwy. Cross Princess Hwy bridge, re-enter trail and continue along track ending at Shell Harbour Road. Turn right onto Shell Harbour Road. Continue along Shell Harbour Road, Shell Harbour turning right onto beach road. Take trail on left continue adjacent to Shoalhave Road, end trail at Jason avenue, turning left into Jason avenue and right onto Shell Harbour Road. Continue along Shell Harbour Road. Turn right into George Street, Warilla. Cross Little Lake Crescent and enter beach or walking track/ trail. Head North, turn right onto Windang Road, Windang turn right into Fern Street and enter Perkins Beach. Exit Beach at intersection of Primbee Deviation Road and Illowra Crescent. Cross Primbee Deviation Road and enter walking track heading North adjacent to King Street. Continue along walking track adjacent to Northcliffe Drive. Exit walking trail and Lake Heights Road, Lake Heights. Turning right into Flagstaff road and take first left into Lake Avenue, Cringila. At Five Islands Road Intersection continue straight into BHP Centenary Park and enter walking track running adjacent to Spring Hill Road, Port Kembla. Continue along walking track entering Wollongong Green House Park, Coniston. Continue past sewage works, continue north along the same path adjacent Corrimal Street, turn right at Harbour Street and enter Wollongong Beach, Wolloongong. DAY 6 – Wednesday 16th May Starting Wollongong Exit Beach at walking track adjacent to Marine Drive. Continue along walking trail past Wollongong Harbour adjacent to Cliff Road. Enter Towradgi Beach, North Wollongong exit Beach along walking trail at Towradgi Park, Towradgi. Cross water course into Corrimal Beach Park, re-enter Corrimal beach. Exit beach on walking trail Bellambi Lagoon Nature Park, Bellambi. Continue north along trail passing through Bellambi Point Sports Field. Enter Bellambi Beach from trail, this beach then becomes Woonona Beach. Exit Woonona Beach at Karraba Road, turn right at Karraba Road. Then re-enter trail, enter Bulli Beach, Woonona. Exit Bulli Beach on track passing through Bulli Beach reserve. Enter Sandon Point Beach, Bulli. Exit beach on trail passing through Sandon Point Reserve, continue along trail. Ajacent to Thirroul Beach, Thirroul. Exit trail on Hamilton Road, turn right into Craig Street and left into Surfers Parade. Right into McCauley Street, left into station street. Continue along station street, continue to the right at Thirroul train station following Station street. Turn left onto Laurence Hargraves Drive and turn right into Church Street. Continue straight along Church Street, road becomes Seafoam Avenue. Turn left into Coast Street and right into Phillip Street. At the end of Phillip Street continue along unsealed road joining Foothills Road Austinmer. Continue along Foothills Road turn left into Buttenshaw Drive. Turn left into Morrison Avenue and then turn left into Lawerence Hargrave Drive, Wombarra. Continue along Lawerence Hargrave Drive, you will pass through Scarborough, Clifton, Coalcliff & Stanwell Park. Turn right onto Lady Wakehurst Drive, Stanwell Tops. Enter coastal walk trail head, south end of the Royal National Park, Otford. Exit coastal trail on Eric Street, Bundeena turn left into Scarborough Street. Turn right into Bournemouth Street. DAY 7 – Thursday 17th May Starting at Bundeena Left into Loftus Street, turn right towards Ferry Pier. Sea Kayak or Ferry across to Cronulla. From Cronulla Ferry Docks, take Croydon Street to Wilbar Avenue turn right into Kings Way and left into Elouera Road. Turn left onto Captain Cook Drive, which is an off road cycle way. Continue along Carabella Road turn right Cawarra Road North. Turn right into Parreweena Road, left into Atkinson Road, left into Bay Road, right into Alexanda Avenue, turn right into Woodlands Road. Continue onto Captain Cook Bridge Cycle Path and continue along the cycle path passing Sandrigham, Dolls Point, San Souci, Ramsgate, Monterey, Brighton Le Sans, Kyeemagh. Take a left at Cooks river following cycle path. Follow cycle path to Marsh Street, Arncliff and continue along off road cycle path. Along airport Drive, Mascott. Follow cycle path Coward Street, Mascot. Turn left on O’Riordan Street (main road). Continue Straight along Bourke Street (continuation of O’Riordan). Left on Clevland Street, right on Crown Street till Oxford Street. Left on Oxford Street. Turn into Hyde Park, run until the top of Elizabeth, turn down Market Street and then up Pitt Street, to the store. Stay tuned to this space as we will be updating it daily ** Cronulla to Sydney Leg to be run unaided by vehicles. |
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An internationally recognised endurance athlete and bestselling author, Dean Karnazes has pushed his mind and body to inconceivable limits. Dean holds 11 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run Silver Buckles, has run a marathon to the South Pole, and has won the Badwater Ultramarathon–a grueling 135-mile run across Death Valley, widely considered the world’s toughest foot race. He has raced and competed in endurance challenges across the globe, and recently ran 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days, finishing with the New York City Marathon, which he ran in three hours and thirty seconds.