(Athens, GA.) In a modern retake on the historic man versus machine scenario, a fully-fueled 2009 NASCAR race car will take on legendary ultra-distance runner Dean "Ultimate Runner" Karnazes in an event tentatively scheduled for mid-July in North Carolina at an as-yet-to-be-determined super-speedway, to determine who can travel the farthest distance without refueling.
The duel will pit Karnazes, 46, who last weekend successfully ran 100 miles between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles before completing the Los Angeles Marathon, against a NASCAR race car driven by a professional driver, in a battle to find out which is the more efficient machine.
Karnazes, who has competed in dozens of 100-plus-mile ultra-marathon races and who is famous among the serious running community for his multi-day racing exploits, will be allowed to eat and drink as much as he can before the event begins, however once the starter's pistol has gone off, he will not be allowed to replenish his body with either additional liquid or food.
The stunt, which organizers said will be held as a charity event, could be a dangerous one for the ultra-runner, who is used to consuming mass quantities of both food and liquids during his runs of 350 miles and more.
Speculation has begun in both NASCAR racing and running circles as to whether Karnazes will be able to out-distance the race car once its fuel tank has run dry. Some observers see Karnazes eventually passing the depleted NASCAR race car, however without water or food, the prospect could prove difficult.
Swedish 5K Runner