Volkswagens have been known to run forever, so it makes perfect sense that Dean Karnazes drives one. Dean runs marathons as often as most people do laundry (and more often than some—you know who you are). In fact, he once completed 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days. As if that weren’t enough, he also ran 135 miles across Death Valley in 120-degree temperatures and has run 350 miles without stopping. We recently caught up with him (Editor’s note: this was no easy task; now we’re exhausted) and asked him a few questions about getting from point A to point B, both on foot and in his 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel. We also talked about the upcoming Bank of America Chicago Marathon, where he’ll join Volkswagen at the Health and Fitness Expo to sign autographs and offer a little pre-race inspiration.
The Chicago Marathon holds a special place in Dean’s heart, seeing as this year will be the fifth time he runs it (sixth, if you include the year he ran it twice), but it also holds a special place in his stomach. “Chicago has a flavor all its own, literally,” he says. “I’ve had deep dish pizzas delivered to me along the race course, and I’ve always got a few of my Greek relatives waiting in Greek Town with baklava as I run through.” If you’re not fortunate enough to have family members on hand to feed you fresh-baked pastries, Dean says that the great Chicago fans will give you all the motivation you need to finish. He adds, “As focused as you might be while running, try to enjoy some of the incredible sights Chicago has to offer.” Other tips from Dean include showing up to the race “super-hydrated” (because it’s difficult to get enough fluids and electrolytes during the race) and fueling up beforehand with Greek-style yogurt, organic fruit and whole nuts. “I eat healthy to begin with so I can indulge in pizza later on.”
Speaking of fueling up for long journeys, Dean’s 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel has a single tank range of 728 miles*, which makes it the first vehicle he’s owned that he can’t outrun. And believe it or not, his Touareg helps him with races, too. “The [RNS850] nav system is killer. I never show up late to the start of a race because I got lost,” Dean explains. The Touareg’s spacious interior has more than enough room for the hydration pack and a spare set of running shoes he keeps onboard at all times, because, as he says, “You never know when you’ll pass a good looking trail.” One of his favorite features is the extending sunroof. “It feels like I can open it and just let summer right into the car.”
Just like Dean, the Touareg has as much fun running on asphalt as it does off road. “The handling is at a level of precision I’ve never experienced before,” he says. “The Touareg is so positive and comfortable off-road.” When asked what his dream Touareg road trip would be, he said, “I’d love to drive up the coast from California to British Columbia, camping and surfing along the way.” We’re sure that his Touareg would love that, too.
If you have plans to be in Chicago for the marathon, but sure to visit Dean at the Health and Fitness Expo from 3 to 4p.m. Friday and Saturday, October 7th and 8th. And if you can’t make it to Chicago, follow Volkswagen’s Facebook page and Twitter channel for live updates from the expo and race.
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*Range based on highway mpg manufacturer’s estimate and an 18.5-gallon tank. Your mileage will vary. Fuel economy values are based on manufacturer’s preliminary testing. EPA estimates not available at time of posting.