From June 29 to July 10, 2016, the U.S. Department of State will sponsor ultra-marathon legend Dean Karnazes as he follows the ancient Silk Road through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to mark the 25th anniversary of these countries’ independence from the Soviet Union.

Dean Karnazes will run for 525 kilometers over 11 days from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan as part of the Sports Envoy program. Running an average of 50 miles per day, Dean will be connecting with people along the way on behalf of the United States, conducting running clinics, giving talks, and inviting people of all ages to join him in fun runs.

Connecting with the people, culture, and history, Dean’s journey through Central Asia will provides a unique opportunity to show the power of sports diplomacy in bringing people from different cultures and nationalities together.