How Do You Get a Marathon Named After You?

My guess would be win a gold medal, or maybe 2 or 3. How then, did Dean Karnazes, get his name attached to this marathon in San Jose?

Karnazes is the ultra marathon guy who ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days in 2006. I was surprised that, according to his website, Dean ranked 27th in a Time Magazine poll listing the Top 100 Most Influential People in the World. I checked, and sure enough there he is right behind George Clooney but ahead of Warren Buffet, Al Gore, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Oprah, Tiger Woods, and the list goes on. Shocking!

I guess we should be happy that a runner placed so high on such a prestigious list, but to be honest, I don't think I'll be running this marathon unless they change the name.