Runner braves snow to visit all 27 Seattle libraries today

For a guy who once ran 51 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, today's venture is a Sunday stroll for ultramarathoner Sam Thompson.

The snowfall? No problem, said Thompson, who plans to run to all 27 Seattle library branches today. And to have his library passport stamped — presuming the branches are open.

"I heard about library passport program and thought it was really cool," said Thompson, 28. "I love going to my library. It's such an incredible resource. My goal is to get people excited about visiting their local branch."

To celebrate completion of the 27 new and remodeled branches of the public library, the library created a "library passport," which visitors can take to each branch and get stamps unique to the individual library.

Thompson plans to start at his local branch in Broadview and work his way south, visiting West Seattle and southeast Seattle before finishing at the Montlake branch about 8 p.m. In all, the run will be 60 miles.

Of course the weather may slow him down, and Thompson doesn't know how long it will take, but expects it could take 10 hours.

"I'm definitely not trying to break a speed record," he said, adding that he usually runs on trails and the road run will be tough on his body. "It will be a challenge," he said.

Thompson, who works for a nonprofit company that makes charity gift cards, is sponsored by The North Face, though the outdoor gear company isn't sponsoring this run.

"Sixty miles is not a terribly long run," said Thompson, who has been running for 15 years. "But it will be grueling on my body. When I heard about the passport program I had the idea that I could do it in a day."

Thompson said he will update his run on Twitter, at http://www.twitter.com/seesamrun.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com