Weekly jog taken to the extreme

I think Dane would be an excellent candidate and addition to the North Pole Marathon. A dedicated runner and philanthropist, I would love to see him have the opportunity to run a marathon for himself this year. Last year, all of his marathons were in support of an organization he believes in. A thankless task, I'm sure. But this year, it would be great for him to have an opportunity to do something unique. Marathon at the North Pole.

If anyone can run a marathon in the North Pole it is Dane! He has incredible tenacity and is a champion. He has proven time and time again that anything is achievable if you set your mind to it! Choose him to run your marathon and he won't disappoint, besides since completing his 52 marathons in 2006 was a feat in itself, the guy has running all through his blood. To not have the opportunity to race in the North Pole would be a huge disappointment not only to Dane but also to his friends and supporters because we all know how much he wants this!

Dane Rauschenburg is a very dedicated person. He is a dedicated runner, employee and friend. If there is any one person out there that could run the North Pole marathon it is Dane Rauschenburg. Week after week I looked forward to his recaps and stories about that week's marathon. His goal to run a marathon every weekend for fifty weeks was not just about time, running, marathoning. It was also about perseverance, dedication, determination, meeting and helping people. It is truly an honor to be a friend and supporter of Dane Rauschenburg. I look forward to his North Pole Marathon recap!

As a certified personal trainer who has worked mostly with competitive athletes, I can certainly vouch for Dane. He undoubtedly possesses attributes of a tenacious competitor with unmatched motivation. When faced with adversity, he quickly finds a way to overcome it.
I have followed his progress for a major part of the year during Fiddy2 and feel that he would make an excellent candidate for this race, he thrives on this type of challenge. Not to mention that his athletisism is equally matched by his great communication skills and friendly personality.

Dane is an amazing and exceptional candidate to run the North Pole Marathon. I can think of no other person who is as qualified physically, mentally, or emotionally. Dane showed week after week after week in 2006 what he is made of and his commitment to others with Fiddy2. Not only did he physically push himself and came through in amazing fashion, but he showed care and compassion for others by raising money for L'Arche Mobile. He is one of the strongest people I know and he is also a fine human being. Running a marathon at the North Pole would be a fitting testament to his will, fortitude, courage, and dedication to others. He has been a wonderful role model to many, many people, and for him to run at the North Pole would be very encouraging to even more people. I hope he gets to run, he deserves it!!!

Dane Rauschenburg is an amazing person. He made a committment to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for others. He fulfilled that goal and continues to give to others. I believe it would be a great honor for Dane to be given the opportunity to compete in the North Pole marathon. An honor that will not be forgotten and I'm sure will be mentioned in his "one day published" book on running with all of his accomplishments. He's an unselfish man of dedication, committment, and preservance. I look fowrard to his recap of this unique marathon experience.

Dane Rauschenburg just completed 52 marathons in 52 weeks. He has built up a level of endurance that not many can comprehend, let alone attain. Mr. Rauschenburg is also realistic about his running abilities. Leading up to his 52 marathon quest, he looked at the challenge square in the eye, knew it would be hard, and determined that he would do it. And he did. Unlike many marathoners, Mr. Rauschenburg, through his quest, has run marathons in a great variety of weather conditions. That gives him a unique advantage.

Another thing to consider is the fact that Mr. Rauschenburg is now known world-wide for his runnimng accomplishments, namely fiddy.org. That being said, he would attract positive attention to the North Pole Marathon.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about Dane is that he is AMAZING! When he gets an idea or a goal, he sticks with it with the most determined attitude that I have ever seen a human individual posess! This was proven just this last year in 2006 when he COMPLETED 52 marathons in 52 weeks. Most importantly, he did it for a good cause(L'arche Mobile). To put in perspective how dedicated he is to his goals,He orginally wanted to raise 52,000 dollars by the end of the year(for L'arche mobile) and did not get the full amount. Instead of just giving up and donating the money that he had ended the year with, he is not stopping until he gets the full 52,000 dollars to give to L'arche Mobile! To me, he holds the drive with in himself to run such a treacherous race and succeed. Dane is admired by his friends and family and I feel blessed to know him. He is a one of kind individual and really deserves the oppurtunity to run this race....

If anyone can do it, it's Dane. He is a dedicated runner and the Johnny Appleseed of running and fitness; he is encouraging and supportive of others. Dane not only finished 52 marathons in 2006, he was competitive in many of them. His finishing times were quite remarkable. He raised money for a deserving charity and did it all, without sponsorship, while working a full time job as an attorney. He is truly deserving of a free trip someplace.

Like previously mentioned if anyone has met Dane Rauschenburg, then they know they have met someone remarkable. It is people like Dane that makes you believe in kindness and humanity.
I along with my friends had the great opportunity to meet Dane in Mississauga, Ontario Canada where we were running the Mississauga ½ marathon and Dane ran the full. We spent a wonderful evening listening to his stories and wonderful people he has met during his journey and were overwhelmed by what a wonderful and yet grueling mission he set for himself. Every week my friends and I would look forward to his recaps and stories about that week's marathon and people he met. I don’t think I met anyone so dedicated, determined or enthusiastic. There are great runners out there but no-one deserves this more then Dane.
Good luck Dane and god speed, your friends – Mac, Maria, Catherine and Mel.

I have met Dane many times last year at various expos around the country. I have also read most of his recaps on races and here's what I have to say about Dane: he's a very dedicated, outspoken runner - honest, authentic and quite an interesting character in a good way. He's fun, intelligent, committed ( or stubborn :) - just kidding ), caring. His running results speak for themselves.

You owe it to yourself to consider Dane for the task at hand, and whatever he promises you, he will deliver. I have no doubt about it.

Plus, if you deny him, I won't get to read his recap ...as well as many other runners who follow his running ... you don't want to deprive us, now, do you??

Best wishes for that wonderful adventure!

Dane Rauschenberg is one of the most dedictated, hardworking, honest, steadfast, and confident people I know. If he says he is going to do something, he does it. He achieved his goal of running 52 marathons (one a week), raised money for a worthy organization, and worked 40+ hours a week as a patent attorney all in one single year. What more is there to say? That on top of being just an incredible person makes him more than worthy of running the North Pole Marathon.

Choose Dane! He definitely meets your qualifications!

Extensive marathon experience? Check! He ran 52 marathons last year, one every weekend.

Experience in cold weather running? Check! Well maybe not north pole type weather, but he has run in some tough weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, wind) on tough courses.

Strong writing skills? Check! He wrote a (very enjoyable and entertaining) recap after every marathon last year and now he is working on a book.

Experience with video and audio reporting? Check! Did you see and listen to his interviews? How about the video of his parent’s dog? That’s my favorite.

Possession of artic-capable clothing? I don’t know Dane well enough to know what’s in his closet, but I am sure he could find something to wear if you pick him.

Plus Dane is dedicated and hardworking and kind and funny! So pick him.

Send Dane to the North Pole! Please; he needs to chill out! Seriously, I think he is the logical choice. I met Dane in early April at the Glass City Marathon. We shared some miles, chatter, and laughs while the miles slid pleasantly past. Throughout the year, I encountered him on various occasions as I was running a few dozen marathons (35 or 36) in 2006. He was always warm and upbeat; it was something to look forward to when I knew our paths would cross at a race. We both learned that it is not so much the running of the marathons that is the tough part; rather, it is the travel that creates real hurdles and tests the mettle. More than once, we commiserated on the vagarities of the airlines and our (now) humourous/then-trying experiences. Both Dane and I work full time as lawyers, a factor that ought to be factored into your consideration. Juggling work schedules and responsibilities with running a lot of marathons takes organizational ability, hard work, and also a certain amount of charm (for those times when one has to get a co-worker to cover a case or assignment!)
The real clincher is the Drake Well Marathon--in order to do what he set out to do, Dane had to create and get certified a marathon in his home town (allowing him to spend the holiday with his folks, I might add). Clearly, here is a man who keeps his word and who fulfills his commitments in creative ways. He has the running skills, the personality, the ability to express himself. I found his race reports interesting and fun to read. The ones from races I'd run were fair, accurate, and alway pithy. Most importantly, he has the heart.
Most sincerely,
Amy

Dane embodies the spirit of human kindness. Simply put he is using his abilty to run in an effort to help others. Besides the obvious motiviation that others gain through hearing his story, he realizes that he runs because he can.

He is determined to reach the fundraising goal he set. After finishing the 52 weeks of a marathon a week and falling short of his financial goal, he could say well I did my best in raising the money yet fell short. But instead, he says I fell short, so what can I do to still achieve that goal. Most people would be satisfied with what they did, however Dane is determined to reach his goal.

The Alabama Sports Festival is an Olympic-style multi sport competition. We begin the Games with an Opening Ceremony that includes a parade of athletes, lighting the cauldron and a motiviational speaker. Dane was choosen to be our speaker for the 2006 Games in Mobile, AL. Due to Dane's schedule and unable to be in-person at the Opening Ceremonies, he produced a video message. Since L'Arche in Mobile is the organization Dane selected to benefit from his financial contributions, we had residents from the L'Arche community present at the Opening Ceremonies. Between the residents' presence and Dane's message it sent a powerful message that reminded all of us to be thankful for what we have, and continue to give what you can towards others.

We proudly support nominating Dane Rauschenberg to run a marathon in the North Pole.

I would definitely chose Dane to run in the North Pole Marathon. As many have stated, he has shown incredible perseverence in 2006. He set a goal that many would consider insane and unattainable. And he achieved this goal spectacularly! If he says that he will complete this marathon, nothing will be able to stop him from crossing the finish line. This shows the extreme dedication (and maybe stubborness) that is needed to complete such an extreme course. I have been following his well-written and entertaining recaps throughout the year. He has the ability to be an unbelievable asset to your race, and he will truly be grateful for the honor of being chosen. I had the opportunity to run the Drake Well Marathon, and I was touched by his cheerfulness and encouragement of everyone on the track that day. Dane is a great person, and you could not find a better representative for your race.

Dane's determination, wit, and ability to tell a story turned me into a 'Fiddy2' addict in 2006. Reading about Dane's Fiddy2 progress, via the race recaps he published each week on the Internet, was both inspiring and entertaining, especially towards the end as he inched closer to his goal. As he made the push to 52 marathons in one calendar year, Dane also amassed a huge fan base. I think it's safe to say I can speak for every single one of Dane's followers when I say we'd all be cheering him on if his next adventure took him up North. I am convinved that if you choose Dane Raushenberg to run a marathon at the North Pole, Santa Claus himself would take a break from his workshop to hold the finish line tape!

Best of luck, Dane!

This young man has more determination and stamina than any I have ever known. He sets his mind to something and doesn't give up until satisfied all has been done that can be done.

He was determined to run 52 marathons in 2006 and when he couldn't find one for the 51st week of the year, he instituted one in his own home town of Titusville, Pennsylvania. Not only did he finish as always, he picked up his first WIN of the year.

All proceeds and pledges from these races were donated to his charity, L'Arche International. Dane is an outstanding young man and deserves this chance.

His goal is to run a marathon in every state in the union and on every continent in the world. This would be one more step to attaining that goal.

Please give him the chance he deserves.

Dane is THE MAN. Here's why:

The guy completed his Herculean feat of a marathon a week for 52 weeks straight while still working a full time job during the week!

He put himself deep into debt to pay for all the flights, lodging, et cetera, rather than give up his quest, because he made a commitment to L'Arche Mobile and he intended to keep it.

He will use the North Pole marathon to help reach his as-yet unrealized final goal of Fiddy2, which was to reach $52,000 in donations for L'Arche Mobile. He's about $20k short, but he's still plugging away rather than resting on his laurels.

He just completed a year of running a marathon every single weekend while working a full time job and he's already trying to do more for the charity!

Go to his website www.fiddy2.org and just look at where all he had to travel last year to accomplish his goal.

There was no marathon the weekend before Christmas so he organized one and had his family help out, with all profits going to L'Arche Mobile.

He somehow remained positive and upbeat all year despite no big sponsors stepping in to alleviate his financial burdens and I'll just mention again that he worked a full time job all year, paid and organized his travel arrangements, et cetera...

The guy runs sub-threes on occasion despite the wind resistance of those ears!

Dane encourages other runners rather than copping an elitist attitude regarding times, accomplishments, and so on. Dare I say the man can be downright humble, although you'll never hear him admit it.

That's the highlights. If what he accomplished last year while suffering financial and other hardships isn't enough I just don't know what else to say. This guy earned a trip to the North Pole to freeze his butt off and punish himself for 26.2 miles more than anyone else I have ever met. If nothing else just send him to see if there is anything that can stop the D-Train. I have yet to see him quit.

-Matt Borland-

I'm not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said several times over. Dane is one of the most determined, hard-working and resilient people I know and that goes for every aspect of his life, not just running. As you can see from the comments above and his application, Dane clearly posesses all the qualifications -- with the possible exception of North Pole-suitable gear, which could be easily be rectified -- in spades!

I can't think of a more worthy candidate to win your contest. He would run this race, as he has every other, with great gusto and leave you laughing and impressed with his account of the experience.

Dane is one of the most amazing marathoners EVER! He is a man of extraordinary determination, as he proved last year by running 52 marathons, every weekend in 2006. He is an excellent writer, and entertains his readers with witty comments and photos. He is not only an amazing athlete, but a philanthropist with heart... You won't regret choosing Dane for this adventure.

When I met Dane Rauschenberg in August of 2005, he immediately began describing to me a feat he had been planning for several months; to run 52 marathons in as many weeks, in the year 2006. There was a sparkle in his eye when he spoke of this mission, he’d dubbed “Fiddy2”, which lead me to believe that it was not only very special, but something that he would not allow to lose steam. From the depths of his mind, an idea had formed, and through months of preparation, planning, successes, and disappointments, his determination had won out, and he was telling me not only about running, something he enjoyed doing, but about something that he was proud of; something he’d worked tirelessly to make a success. It is that determination that you get when you choose Dane. A determination I have seen in few other people.
As with all large undertakings, you will hit bumps in the road. As the end of planning drew near, and the beginning of running came closer, I watched Dane deal with many “bumps,” along with many more throughout the course of 2006. Running a single marathon is difficult; running 52 in as many weeks, is a challenge. But, traveling, fundraising, and managing it all is a nightmare. Rarely did I see my friend lose his cool, and he handled most difficulties with aplomb. He figured out the next course of action and dealt with it, even if it meant hours of extra work for him. It just got done. Dane works harder than many people will work in a lifetime. He cares, and he cares that it is done right. Not right as in just getting done, but right, as in well. That is part of the reason that he will make such a wonderful participant to the NPM; he will revel in the fact that he has earned his way there, prepare for such a trip, and work his butt off to do it right. Over the course of 2006, I have often called him “famous” or “a star” when people recognize him at a marathon, but his take is on it that he’s a regular guy that worked hard to do something great. He earned his way to be known, by doing something great.
While Dane’s athletic endeavors are one of his strongest attributes, they are only a small portion of his positive qualities, and his ability to have and maintain strong relationships throughout his own difficult endeavor, may be even more endearing. As I am sure you are looking not only for an individual with the ability to train and endure a grueling race, Dane Rauschenberg has repeatedly shown his ability to successfully represent organizations, remain loyal to them, and support others around him in their achievements, as well as their defeats. As a close, personal friend of Dane’s, I can attest to the fact that he has helped me take on challenges I found to be insurmountable, and supported me along the way. It is this strong loyalty that his organization, myself, and many others have felt, that make me know, that when you choose him as the winner for your race, he will represent you and your sponsors loyally and faithfully. He would represent not only your race well, but our community and I would be proud as his friend because no one deserves to win entry to your race more than him.

To put it simply, to not pick Dane would be a mistake. Dane is one of the fiercest, most determined and talented athletes I have had the pleasure to meet. Having known Dane since college I have seen him give his all to endeavor after endeavor. He never does something half way. If he says he is going to do something watch out... he will move mountains to make it happen. He never backs away from a challenge and will sacrifice himself to make it happen. If he says he will finish the North Pole Marathon, you can be sure he will.

Add all of that to the huge number of people who have read his weekly recaps during Fiddy2 and you have yourself a winner in Dane. And I have no doubt that he will try to win the race and not merely run it.

Like I said, to not pick Dane would be a huge mistake.

Dane is someone that would enrich this experience, he has a natural talent for this sport as he has proven over and over agin this year. He gives great advice and is an advocate for this sport, he wil give his best and then some.
People look up to him in admiration, including myself :)

Dane is an amazing person. If anyone can finish the North Pole marathon it would be him. He's very determined and when he puts his mind to something there is no stopping him from doing it. His completion of 52 marathons in 52 weeks along with raising $52,000 for charity says it all. He is an excellent candidate for the North Pole marathon!!

You should pick Dane for sure. He is the right man for this kind of marathon. He is a wonderful person, helpfull, he knows how to deal with any kind of situation, he is a great runner, he is very smart and we gonna have a great story to read after the North Polo Marathon. He has been a inspiration for so many people! Go Dane!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why wouldn't you pick Dane?? You can see from the accomplishment of running 52 marathons every single weekend for one calendar year, there is no doubt about Dane's strive and willpower. (Did I mention that he worked a FULL time job, too!)Once that boy has some crazy idea brewing in that brain of his, forget about it.....he's ALL about taking it to the MAX!!! With many travel disasters, brutal heat, unbearable cold and unbelievable elevations, Dane accomplished his goal. When it came down to there not being a single marathon on Christmas weekend (ANYWHERE), he created his own. Not only did he create the marathon, he was the race director, and of course ran the race, with the winning time!!!! If that is not determination, then I don't know what is.

As you can see from the many comments, Dane is an excellent candidate to run the NPM.

You would be disappointing hundreds of people if Dane was not chosen to run the NPM.....do you really want to do that?!?! I think NOT!

Please consider Dane for the NPM. It would be a great chapter in his memoirs!

Thank you!

I heartily endorse Dane for this event. He has been an inspiration to so many in their running goals. Dane's efforts in running 52 marathons in 2006 inspired me to run more, train more, and be more involved in the running community. He is an incredible athlete, amazingly selfless with his time, energy, and funds, and just a great guy. He will finish strong in this event and I now that he has a HUGE following of people that would love to see him have the opportunity to run this event. You will not find a better participant, spokesperson, or athlete for your event than Dane!

I met Dane at the Nova Scotia marathon and I was amazed to here what he was trying to achieve. Not only the fact of running marathons every weekend but doing this for charity and funding it from his own pocket, that is truly commendable! He has to be one of the most determined and down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

From the physical aspect there is no doubt that he couldn’t complete this race, look at Leadville and the presque isle endurance classic as examples. Both of these races have there own unique challenges running the terrain of Leadville and I can’t imagine the mindset neded for running 84miles on a looped course and lets not forget the remainder of his races.

Dane has all the attributes need for the North Pole race. You need to pick him………………. Good luck.

Simon

It is well documented in the preceeding endorsements on how it is felt that Dane is qualified to run in this event . Add my name to list. You will most certainly be happy with this selection!

Thank you.

I have known Dane for just over 5 years. He worked for a period of time as my former law clerk. I have also had the pleasure of running several races with Dane. I can attest that he has the physical ability and mental fortitude to complete this very challenging marathon. Further, Dane would be an excellent spokesperson to the media and he possesses efficient, yet effective, writing skills. His pleasant, enthusiastic demeanor and personality would be welcome at any event, including the North Pole Marathon.
Thank you.

Dane places a very special value on life, and is a wonderful inspiration, not only to me, but to all those, of all ages, who know this unique man. Most people today try to find ways to avoid obstacles, not Dane; he looks for obstacles to overcome, like running 52 marathons in the year 2006 for his charitable organization.

In addition, he worked 40+ hours a week, every week, plus he scheduled all the marathon events, including travel arrangements to get to each event on time to run a good time for 26.2 miles.

Does anyone know anyone else, but Dane, that would take on this unbelievable commitment? I don’t, do you? To complete this task, he even organized and sanctioned his own marathon for the last week of December.

Dane is a good man; his heart is in the right place. I believe Dane would be the best candidate to receive the “winning ticket” to run the North Pole Marathon.

I met Dane on March 25, 2006 while sitting in the airport in Little Rock, Arkansas. In conversation he told me about his quest to raise money for a charity and by doing so, he was running a Certified Marathon each week of the year for the entire year of 2006.

Dane used his own money and resources to travel and enter each of the 52 marathons without taking any of the money raised for L'Arche Mobile. So, 100% of the money donated went towards Danes Charity(L'Arche Mobile) for the entire 52 weeks! Dane did all of this all the while holding down a Full Time Job, in which I am sure was more than 40 hours per week!

Dane has an incredible drive and determination to complete what he sets out to do. This is very evident by not only completing all 52 marathons he set out to do, but being able to achieve an overall faster time as the year went on is quite an achievement in itself. Especially considering the amount of stress his body was under! Dane was able to succesfully finish his quest of 52 marathons in 52 weeks while raising money and awareness for the L'Arche Mobile community.

Dane is perfect fot this race and that is why Dane deserves to qualify for this race. He will not only finish, he will do so in a manner that will be respected by his fellow competitors, race officials, and many many more people who follow Danes progress even after he has finished his FIDDY2!!!

GO DANE!!!!!!!!

I have known Dane for 31 years...yes he is 30, but that 31 includes the 9 months of 1975-1976 when he was already making his presence known. He has always been a boy/man who set his mind to a task and achieved it.....with his dad disabled, I gave much support to any and all activities he considered, back in the 70's mom's (well, this mom )was not an athlete..But with support from the sidelines, Dane and his brother had all the water, punch, oranges etc. to pull them thru soccer practice and games weekly.

Dane was always active in little league baseball, soccer, swim team, track team, JV and Varsity high school football.....then at college he participated in Rugby as well as weight training and running for health. During law school -- it was a try at boxing... with two amateur trophy's to his name.

As I read the statements from others, I beam with pride...however, Dane is his own man and has gone this far in life with his own strength, commitment, dedication, motivation and positive attitude ...

He would make a good candidate for the NPM as a positive role model, and a great spokesman for marathons and all they promote.

Please consider him as a top choice for your marathon.Thank you. Barb

I had the pleasure of catching up with Dane at 2 marathons during his 52 craziness. WOW.....I just couldn't get it through my head that this guy was running a MARATHON every freakin weekend. I beleive he is the best candidate for the NPM because he has shown dedication ,loyalty, persistence, strength and COMMITMENT to himself and his charity.
We had a blast when he was here in the Quad Cities and then we also had a hell of a good cheeseburger after Des Moines. Dane is a great guy and sticks to his word.
I was amazed in Des Moines when he took on the roll of PACE LEADER for the 3:10 pace group. Here is a guy who has already done more than 40 marathons ...and he is putting himself out there to help others finish, PR , or qualify for Boston.
I read through all of the other comments before typing mine and I would be repeating everything everyone else said..so I truly hope that Dane gets this opportunity and I cannot wait to see the recap on the NPM.

Dane Rauschenberg is an obvious candidate for this race. He exhibits all of the qualities required for a challenge of this nature: determination, fortitude, dedication, physical fitness, running ability, strength of mind and body.

His accomplishment, as yet unmatched, at the Presque Isle Personal Endurance Challenge shows his fortitude and his superb physical fitness and running ability. With fiddy2, his quest to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, he showed his dedication, his ability to rise to a challenge, and his superb physical fitness. His determination and commitment were also evident when, after determining that there were no marathons being run on the weekend of 12/23-24, he started his own - the Drake Well Marathon in Titusville, Pennsylvania. The course is a Boston qualifier and the event itself was highly praised by the participants. All this, while maintining a full-time job and running a marathon every weekend. His running feats during these marathons deserve a mention, as well. He set PRs throughout the year, culminating in a sub-3-hour PR set in the 42nd week of the year. His overall average for the year, including the Leadville Marathon, in which he finished 49th overall in his 26th marathon of the year, was 3:21:16.

You couldn't ask for more in a participant than you'll be getting in Dane Rauschenberg. He'll give it all he's got. He should be your number 1 choice!

Dane R......What an impression and motivation he has
been to me as a runner and race director, and as a
person on this earth. If there is one highlight that
stands out in last year's Quad Cities Marathon it was
have the honor of Dane running our event, and speaking
at our pasta dinner. He could have easily been the
featured speaker that eve.
Not only is Dane in tremendous physical condition,
he is downright sincere and humble. A great speaker,
wonderful human being, a friend for life to be, and
the BEST possible candidate for the NPM! He 'Is Da
Man!' Sincerely submitted, Mojo

I was Dane's roommate at Penn State. To say that he is outgoing and determined could be one of the greatest understatements ever. When I came to PSU I was a shy country boy, and by the time Dane graduated, he had pulled me out of my shell and helped me to enjoy my college experience. On the serious side of his determination, I watched him bulldose his way through countless books and papers before he graduated, then he was off to Dickinson law school(which is hard enough itself)where he took up boxing. The boxing training helped him to get into shape and then he became addicted to running. Whatever this guy sets his mind to, he does. Flat out. No questions asked. He is far beyond driven. Whether it's dragging his roommate out of bed to make a midnight run to the movie store, running 84 miles in 12 hours, or 52 marathons in a year, Dane cannot be stopped. He has run so many marathons in the last year to help others, he deserves to run this race for himself. He is the man and he is your man, so you should just pick him now and get it over with. He will make you pick him anyway...

Go Man! Go!

The best thing about choosing Dane would be that the rest of us could go to the North Pole as well. Dane's race reports put you on his shoulder from start to finish, but not just for the running. He connects with all kinds of people and so their stories become part of his. He notices the surroundings and conveys the diverse environments in which he races. I may never make it to the North Pole, but if Dane goes, I'll feel as though I have.

I have only ever exchanged e-mails with Dane and wish one day to meet him in person. But what little I know about the man, I do know that he is nothing short of amazing. Not only has he conquered such an enormous task of 52 marathons in 52 weeks, he is a super sweet guy. Even now, his 52 marathons are all finished, and he is still reaching to raise the $52,000 he had planned to raise during the year. He is a "do for others" kind of person and I feel that people, like Dane, that are so selfless should have extraordinary things happen to them. I know Dane wants this, and he would be the perfect person for it! Dane is determined, good hearted, selfless, and all around just a nice guy! I can't think of any one person who deserves this nomination more! Good luck Dane! We (my dad Pat and myself) are rooting for you!!! GO DANE!!!

I guess my question is how could you not pick Dane for this race?? To say he is an accomplished runner is like saying Lance Armstrong is pretty good on a bike. But to me that is only part of who he is - and the other strengths he possesses are equally as important as his running ability, in my mind. Determination, compassion, integrity, commitment - he embodies them all. If he sets his mind to something, no matter what the obstacles he faces, he will do it. I truly believe that there isn't much he can't accomplish. He is also a gifted writer who knows how to capture the unique experience that is marathon running. Reading his recaps, it's as if you are with him, mile after mile. I can't think of a better candidate to do this race!

If anyone should do this marathon then Dane should be the only choice. This wonderful unique man spent the last year of his life not only running a marathon a week to raise awareness and money for L'Arche International charity, he arranged his own travel, paid for his own races... and while he did all this he never once complained about the mission in front of him. When there wasn't a marathon to do, he designed one then ran it. This is a man of commitment, passion for people, and of intregrity. Dane made a promise to run a marathon a week and that he did. He asked nothing for himself but instead he encouraged us all to be the best that we could be and reach out and help someone less fortunate then ourselves by living this example.

Dane is a gentleman, an excellent spokesperson, a wonderful writer, as well as an excellent example for young people to follow. Due to Dane, and his mission.. it inspired my 13 year old daughter to do the same thing. She went and raised money and did a race to help those less fortunate. Even though hers wasn't a marathon, it still made a difference in someone else's life.. and she learned by reading about Dane's different marathons. And by his example of giving of himself to make a difference. He took the needs of others and made in to a journey that gave us all an opportunity to give and grow as human beings.

We here have all been blessed and encouraged by Dane, and we all know you will be too..

Thank you for your time
Debbie

I had the unique pleasure of particpating in the 2006 North Pole Marathon and found it to be one the most amazing experiences of my life. I recently signed up "Myspace" to share some of those experiences with other marathon runners around the world.

While I do not know Dane personally, over the past two weeks we have been in email contact regarding the specifics of the NPM. what it was like, what to expect and how the trip went for me. Since then, I have read his blogs and found out more information about him and his impressive race resume. Running 52 marathons in 52 weeks is an amazing achievment and I know he would bring the same drive and determination to the NPM.

I have no doubt that there are plenty of qualified marathon runners to award this trip to. I believe, what sets Dane apart from others, is his obvious kindness, willing to serve the community and patience (a big requirment with the travels of the NPM). During our email exchanges about the race, his enthusiasm was apparent and his kindness genuine. I have no doubt that Dane would be an excellent representative of the US to such an amazing international field that joins the North Pole Marathon.

I sincerly hope you award this privilage to Dane.

Jim Lawrence
Seattle, WA
NPM Finish: 12:23 ... I walked the course with a good friend of mine.

D - determined
A - altruistic
N - never gives up
E - enthusiastic

R - role model
A - awesome
U - unflappable
S - sincere
C - confident
H - happy
E - energetic
N - neato
B - brilliant
E - enviable
R - respectable
G - gung ho and ready to go to the North Pole!! I also ditto the above-expressed sentiments made by others.

I have been holding off on posting something that says "pick Dane" because I was not sure what to write. I read what other people posted and nodded my head - "yep, all good reasons to pick Dane." Really, it looked like everyone had said enough already.

Then I decided to look at his competition. When I started randomly jumping down the list, scanning bios quickly, I was shocked at how stiff the competition was. I thought, "wow, maybe Dane doesn't have this in the bag."

But then I decided to go through the list one at a time, reading the bios in greater detail, comparing each to Dane. That's when I realized that it's just comparing paper to paper. You see, I have an advantage here that you - the people judging these applications - do not have; I know Dane. And I think that paper...and video clips and newspaper articles...can only tell you so much about someone.

When it comes down to it, there are a handful of people who are applying for this NPM spot who would (1) finish in a respectable time; (2) despite the cold/conditions; and (3) could write well and talk on tv.

So sure, Dane has run 52 marathons in the last year. Others have run more than 50 marathons in their lifetime. Many people have done amazing mountain climbs, hikes, ultra marathons, not to mention doing all of those in extremely trying conditions. Consider them equal. Can they all do the NPM? Yes.

Have they gone to college, written for publications, been on television, have a blog? Sure.

So what makes one applicant better than the next? Well, I would say that you should go to the old lines you ask yourself when you're interviewing someone for a job and you reach the point where a handful of resumes are "equal": would you want to work next to them? travel with them? have them on your team? want them representing the same company that you associate yourself with?

While I don't know the others, I think this is where you will find Dane to outshine his competition. In Dane you will be choosing someone who is younger than the bulk of your applicants on here (not all revealed their ages) -- the youth will make for a great story, it will inspire a young crowd of runners who may otherwise look at this race as something out of their generation, and yet it's not as though you're sacrificing experience or maturity for youth in Dane.

Also, there's a HUGE "likeabilty" factor in Dane. I get the impression that some of these people would be interviewed after the race, ask how it was, and they would say "oh, well, I've done Badwater, and grew up in the tundra, so this was not too bad." And if I was reading or listenening to someone say that - as an unassociated third party - I would scoff. "Their nuts." Dane is nuts. But he is also honest and human. Dane would probably say that it was freezing cold and really really hard, but it was an amazing experience. And his face would light up when he talked about it; he'd have some great stories; he'd crack some jokes; he'd make a few more references to the cold; and people would enjoy reading it, and/or listenting to it. While perhaps they don't have the skill or experience of Dane, they can relate. He's just that kind of a person.

Then there's also this "person bonding" aspect of Dane. He will probably meet every person running the race, learn everything about them, tell everyone about everyone else, and by the time the race is over, they will all have exchanged email addresses and phone numbers and have reunions and everything else.

Finally, there's the caring helper part of Dane. For as many jokes as he cracks and as much pressure as he puts on himself to succeed and push himself, Dane would not hestitate for a second to help someone out who was having trouble, to urge them on with words of encouragement or a high five, and to cheer people in at the end.

So what does all this matter for you? Well, people like Dane. And if Dane stands for the NPM, people will like it, too. Dane will tell his story, as well as the story of every other person who ran it -- just because Dane always does that (puts others in the spotlight; shares their stories as he shares his own).

There's no doubt he's qualified. And he is definitely someone you will enjoy having on your team.

It is clear from the dozens of comments posted here that Dane has endeared himself to many friends during his 31 years. Although I have not known him for years and years like some, I have had the chance to get to know him well, and to see him in a variety of situations. Dane is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get person. He speaks his mind and his honesty permeates everything he does. Despite his direct nature, he is kind, concerned with others, and a fan of people he might have met five minutes ago.

I was fortunate enough to go to several of Dane's marathons during the last few months of Fiddy2. The thing that struck me the most was how genuinely interested people were to meet him, to hear his "story", and to wish him well. He responded with grace and genuine interest in the people he met. I witnessed several first time marathoners introducing themselves to Dane at his marathons and was moved by those interactions. Many of these people had followed Dane's progress over the course of 2006, and could not imagine running 52 marathons, let alone the one they were about to run. Dane was as excited for their first marathons as they were for him to be running his 48th of 2006.

You might have applicants in this contest who are more experienced with public speaking, perhaps more eloquent writers, or faster runners. But, what you will get in Dane as a participant in the North Pole Marathon is a man who never gives up, works harder than anyone to achieve whatever it is he wants, no matter how challenging, all the while making you laugh or sharing his intelligence. He is accomplished, but gracious. As much as some do not believe it, he does not think himself special. He admits that the completion of Fiddy2 might be special, but he considers himself a regular guy, which is what will connect him with the "regular" guys and gals who read about the NPM. Dane is the guy next door, he is everyone's friend. Although he did something that few of us would imagine, let alone try, he believes that anyone, barring physical limitations, could probably accomplish a similar feat if they put their mind to it. 'Can't' really isn't a part of Dane's vocabulary. Persistence is. He built an enormous following of people who were inspired by his achievements during Fiddy2. I am certain that many people found the courage and self-confidence to begin walking or training for a 5K or maybe a marathon because Dane was showing us every week that an "average" person can do extraordinary things. His commitment to fitness and his desire to inspire others to find health and well-being are two of the traits that make so many people relate to Dane.

I have no doubt that there are many deserving applicants in your pool. Does Dane deserve this entry more than another person? I don’t know. What I can promise you is that in Dane you will find a wonderful representative of your exciting and challenging race, someone who will absolutely meet everyone in the race and will come home with a story about each of them, and a man who will work incredibly hard throughout the race, but finish with a smile on his face. Then he'll tell you the truth about all of the details of the NPM from a runner's perspective, as he has become so adept at making note of those things during races! ;)

You cannot go wrong in selecting Dane if you truly want a person with athletic ability, a warm personality, and the ability to represent the North Pole Marathon well.

Wow...talk about someone who would do great at this marathon! He not only gives 110% to what he does and believes in, he motivates others without even saying a word. As a runner who only started running marathons within the past year, I have quietly read about his accomplishments. Dane is available to answer any questions people may have without judgment...I feel like he would want everyone to succeed in what they do. His accomplishments in 2006 alone should be proof enough of why Dane deserves to run the North Pole Marathon!

Dane is one of the most personable people I've ever met. Selfless in his quests, there's a reason so many people look up to and are inspired by him: he never rests. I had the honor of running the last couple of miles with him at the SF Marathon in July -- an hour after he finished! He helped bring a mutual friend of ours -- Jenni -- over the line for a new personal record.

If anyone deserves this opportunity, it's Dane. I agree with another comment I read: it's about time he's rewarded for even a fraction of what he's done for other people.

Give the boy a chance!

Having not looked at the other candidates, I am sure there are many deserving folks with compelling stories. To take nothing away from them, as one of Dane's friends and a high school track buddy (three cheers for the 4x800 replay!!), I THINK YOU SHOULD PICK HIM!!! This guy has clearly demonstrated his physical ability by running a marathon a week for all of 2006, not to mention his other marathons and his endurance runs. Who runs 50 miles FOR FUN?! Not me, that's for sure. I have no doubt that Dane's marathon ability and his sheer determination would make him the ideal candidate to finish this race.

But more than that, Dane has chosen to use his unfathomable love for extreme forms of physical exertion to benefit good causes and help people. His efforts just don't benefit him, but he uses it to help folks like L'Arche, a collection of communities I know well. Dane sought to make his marathons COUNT for something, and they have. And even now, a month after his 52 in 52 is over, he continues to fund raise on behalf of L'Arche to reach his goal of $52,000 (not to mention that all expenses for the entire year came out of his pocket).

There are many deserving people, BUT DANE IS YOUR MAN!! He has the heart, the stamina, the ability, the will, and the sheer goodness you want for this race!! go Dane!!

Dane is perfect for your quest! I don't know him personnaly, but I am a runner who has been following his year of marathons via his blogs - he's one amazing guy!

After completing Fiddy2 and raising funds for L'Arch mobile, I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of this honor than Dane. His physical strength and abilities are evident, but his ability for compassion and giving are unparalleled. As an ultramarathoner, I know the committment that Dane has proven over the past year and I believe he has earned this unique opportunity to run at the North Pole. Go Dane....keep on keepin' on!!!

If anyone in the world can do this, Dane can. He has proven himself physically already, and he probably has the strongest will of anyone I've ever met. Not only will he complete this race, he will make it mean something for the rest of the world. I truly believe that if you have Dane out there representing the NPM... more people will want to run it in the future. He's a true inspiration.

Dane has more drive and commitment than any one I know. I have no doubt that he could complete a sub-zero degree marathon, and that he would be a true competitor. His dedication to his own marathon/community service year-long endeavor was truly inspiring. With only one marathon left to complete his Fiddy2 journey in 2006, Dane discovered that no marathon was being run the weekend of the Christmas holiday. Did Dane give up? No, of course not! He started his own marathon. It was a stellar event that included a certified course, aid stations, homemade one-of-a-kind finishers’ medals, and tons of camaraderie. Pick Dane and you will be inspired!

Although I have yet to meet Dane in