Karl Meltzer Converts To Drymax For 2009

Bob MacGillivray (me), Drymax (left) and Karl Melzter (right) at the 2009 Outdoor Retailer Show

We are proud and excited to continue our 2009 Drymax athlete announcements with the addition of Ultra Legend Karl Meltzer to the list of Drymax converts.

The Sandy, Utah resident's resume is absolutely unsurpassed in the world of running trail ultras, here is just a taste of his accomplishments:

• All time winner at the Wasatch 100 with 6 victories
  
• All time winner at the Hardrock 100 with 4 victories
  
• All time winner at the San Diego 100 with 3 victories
  
• All time winner at the Squaw Peak 50k with 5 victories
  
• He holds the record with most 100 mile wins during a calendar year with 6 victories in 2006, 5 victories in 2007 and 4 victories in 2005. 4 of these wins were record setting performances and 4 of the victories were in a period of 8 weeks.
  
• Karl was named the USATF, Ultrarunning Magazine, RRCA Runner of the Year in 2006 and Runner up Ultrarunning Magazine Runner of the Year in 2007.
  
• Winner of the 2006 Everest Award.
  
• In 2008, in addition to winning the Coyote Two Moons 100 Mile race in 19 hours 24 minutes, Karl attempted to break the speed record for a thru hike on the 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail. Due to injury and foot issues Karl fell short of his goal and completed the journey in the 4th fastest time of 54 days, 21 hours, 12 minutes. One of Karl's main issues stemmed from foot problems from a very wet start to his epic journey. Within the first week his feet were swamped and he suffered from trench foot wearing wool socks. He knew he need to find an alternative.

After his journey Karl tested Drymax and was immediately converted. After his initial testing and his North Face 50 race Karl commented, "They rock, much better than wool socks*, they have been the socks I've been wearing for years. Not anymore. Best socks (Drymax) I've ever worn... My feet were perfect when I took the socks off, it didn't even look like I ran."

Drymax is also pleased to announce that all participants in Karl's race the Speedgoat 50k will receive a pair of Drymax socks. We are very proud to be participating in this most challenging event that takes place July 18th at Snowbird. Go to Active.com to find information about signing up for this event.

Karl is a great addition to those elite athletes already wearing Drymax socks! One of Karl's roles will be to provide real and candid feedback about current and prototype socks currently being developed by our mad scientists (Gus, Chuck and Myself). Karl can put Drymax through tortuous testing that most athletes can't even fathom. Just in 2008 Karl ran 4,539.8 miles (12.437 miles per day), with a vertical climbing of 961,550' (2,634' per day). These miles weren't around a track but on some of the most rugged terrain on earth.

I've personally met Karl twice now, once at the North Face 50 and again at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City and am more excited now about working with Karl than ever before. He is a genuine individual who has a passion for the technical trails. He is definately one who never takes the easy road if any road at all.

Karl is also backed by BackCountry.com, Nathan, Moeben, 1st Endurance, Ryders Eyewear, Nuun, Black Diamond and SaltStick.com...

We look foward to updating everyone on Karl's successes with Drymax in 2009!

*Karl mentions a specific and prolific wool sock manufacturer that is not so "smart" to wear. I have omitted the name to promote a happier environment in the sock world.

Photo by John Hagy