Karl Meltzer

Running for 20 hours straight isn’t something the average person does for fun, but then again, your average Joe doesn’t win six of the world’s toughest ultramarathons in one calendar year. Meltzer’s motto “Work to live, don’t live to work” pervades his lifestyle. But behind the SandyCity resident’s laid-back demeanor, hides a mountain-crushing will. Having won Colorado’s Hardrock 100—considered by many to be the world’s toughest 100 Mile foot race—on four separate occasions, Karl has thrown down the gauntlet for would-be competitors. This year Karl is lacing up his La Sportiva Fireblades for a few early season 100 milers. Then it’s off to the east coast – the entire east coast – where he will attempt to break the speed record for running the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia in less than 47 days.

"Never before have I set a challenge for myself like this one,” he said. “I always thought 100 miles at a time was enough, but 2,174 miles should raise the bar a bit."

Check out WheresKarl.com now for video teasers of his racing and training leading up to August 5, when he starts his attempt. And beginning in July 2008, whereskarl.com will be the go-to headquarters for real-time, interactive progress updates on Karl’s Appalachian Assault.