Among the 1,500 or so pairs of shoes that run The Kaua'i Marathon's inaugural race on Sunday will be those owned by an extraordinary runner — Dean Karnazes.

Named one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine, Karnazes, known as the "UltraMarathon Man," is not just one of the world's most accomplished long-distance runners, he is a blueprint of healthy, positive living.

Karnazes began running in kindergarten to spare his mother the task of picking him up from school. He started running long distance on his 30th birthday — 30 miles straight. He gradually built on his achievements, quickly surpassing ordinary recreational and even professional runners, and built a reputation as a tireless long-distance runner, under any conditions.

First there was the run across Death Valley in 122-degree heat (he's run it nine times so far). He learned to run on the asphalt's white line to prevent his shoes from melting.

In 2002, Karnazes went on an extended run in Antarctica, where he was weathered in, turning a planned 12-day trip into a monthlong endeavor. Recalling his 155-mile run into the Antarctic interior, he says, "It was pretty raw and I am lucky to have lived. It hadn't been done before and it hasn't been done since, I think for good reason."

Remarkable feats include his longest run (350 miles in 80 hours and 44 minutes) and a marathon of marathons: 50 consecutive marathons in 50 states over 50 days.

The endurance runner also earned notoriety for a 10K "run" on the ocean, inside a buoyant device called a Hydro Bronc (think of a giant inflatable floating hamster wheel) that allows users to roll across rivers, lakes or, in Karnazes' case, surf.

"The stability is horrible, but it's low-impact, a lot of fun and a great workout," Karnazes said, without a hint of irony.

BURNING ENERGY

Karnazes can consume up to 6,000 calories in a single running day (or eat an entire pizza rolled up like a burrito while running), but he doesn't have an ounce of excess fat on him.

He adheres to what he calls "the Neanderthal Diet": fruit, vegetables, fish, lean meat, no pasta or ice cream. His resting heart rate is 39 beats per minute (150 while running). He sleeps an average of four to five hours a night, and says, "I think sleep is overrated."

Though Karnazes is able to do what most wouldn't dare dream of trying, he doesn't consider himself an extraordinary individual, nor does he claim to have inherited superhuman DNA.

More important than physical attributes, he says, is faith in the human body and power of the mind.

Building on his achievements and positive attitude, Karnazes has built a reputation as health advocate. He's authored two books, serves as a monthly columnist for Men's Health magazine, and is an international speaker, having visited every continent at least twice to share his upbeat philosophy of life.

Next week Karnazes will return to Kaua'i, where he has been a regular visitor since he was 14 years old, to serve as official host of The Kaua'i Marathon.

"Kaua'i is one of my favorite places on Earth. I love the island and its people," he says.

MOTIVATED TO MOVE

Karnazes has run the Honolulu Marathon and Maui Marathon, but admits a special affinity for Kaua'i, which he calls "the ultimate outdoor playground."

Besides running the Kalalau trail on the Na Pali Coast, Karnazes loves to surf, windsurf, mountain bike, paddle and dive.

"Needless to say, I don't get much rest when I visit," he said.

During his visit, besides running the marathon and taking part in Po'ipu's Sports and Fitness Expo this weekend, Karnazes will join marathon founder Jeff Sacchini in speaking to high school students, to motivate them to become more active.

Karnazes' own Karno Kids philanthropic foundation's motto is "No child left inside!"

"Kids are fascinated with some of the things I do, but I try to deliver a deeper message — that you can do what you love and will be forever more fulfilled," Karnazes says, adding, "try to align your passions with your vocation. It's a great way to live."

For people who are considering taking up running, Karnazes suggests going to a specialty running store, consulting a knowledgeable staff member and investing in a good pair of shoes. "It's going to hurt (the wallet)," he says, "but you are going to be a lot more comfortable and, after spending all that money on shoes, you are going to have to force yourself to run!"

Joking aside, Karnazes admits running isn't for everyone and recognizes that people won't pursue an activity unless they really love it. If running isn't your thing, he says, find something that is and immerse yourself in it completely.

"When you distill my message, it's basically to live life to its fullest. Constantly explore and expand your potential." To students he says, "While the Hawaiian Islands may seem small and perhaps a limiting place for growth, true expansion and personal development takes place within."

Karnazes seems to stop running just long enough to talk to others about persistence and positivity. He's touching down on Kaua'i just briefly, and then whoosh — he's off running again.