Constantine ‘Dean’ Karnazes, the Greek-American ultramarathon champion, has been appointed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism as the Ambassador of Greek Tourism. His role will involve promoting sports tourism, physical wellness, and the Greek Mediterranean diet for the next two years.
Karnazes is no stranger to Greece, as he frequently travels throughout the country. In fact, his father hails from the Peloponnese, while his mother comes from the longevity island of Ikaria.
Karnazes sharing his excitement to accept the appointment as Ambassador of Greek Tourism by the Greek Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias stated, “It is a tremendous honour to serve in this role, and I see a bright and vibrant future for Greece, which is the birthplace of the Olympics and the marathon”.
Among his many accolades, he was named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and for good reason.
The New York Times bestselling author once ran 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days. He has competed around the world, including running 135 miles nonstop across Death Valley and running a marathon to the South Pole. Karnazes has even carried the Olympic Torch twice and is a recipient of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition Lifetime Achievement Award. With his impressive credentials and love for Greece, Karnazes is expected to make a considerable contribution as a toursim ambassador.
