Summary

The Badwater Ultramarathon is considered one of the most difficult running races in the world. In addition to the extreme heat, runners must contend with elevation changes totaling more than 13,000 feet (4,000 m) over the course of the race.

Full Description

The Badwater135 is an ultramarathon that takes place in Death Valley National Park, California. The race starts at Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet (85 m) below sea level and finishes at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States at 14,508 feet (4,421 m). The race is completed in mid-July when the temperatures in Death Valley routinely exceed 130 °F (54 °C).

The Badwater Ultramarathon is considered one of the most difficult running races in the world. In addition to the extreme heat, runners must contend with elevation changes totaling more than 13,000 feet (4,000 m) over the course of the race.

The origins of the Badwater Ultramarathon date back to 1977, when a National Park Service employee named Walker "Benny" Smith organized a footrace from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney. That first race had only nine entrants, all of whom were men.

Since then, the race has grown in popularity, and as of 2018, it had a field of 130 runners. The majority of entrants are from the United States, but runners from all over the world come to compete.

The Badwater 135 is not just a test of physical endurance, but also a test of mental fortitude. Running in such extreme conditions can be challenging both physically and mentally, and runners must be prepared for anything.

Those who complete the Badwater Ultramarathon are considered some of the toughest athletes in the world.

ADDITIONAL INFO

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