The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon is renowned as one of the most formidable endurance challenges globally. Unfolding across the searing landscape of Death Valley, California, this ultramarathon covers a staggering 135 miles and is notorious for its extreme summer heat and challenging elevation changes. As athletes gear up for the upcoming 2025 edition, anticipation builds among the running community.
What is the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon?
The Badwater 135, officially recognized as the 135-Mile World Championship and organized by AdventureCORPS, takes participants from Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, to Whitney Portal at an elevation of 8,300 feet. This course is infamous for its extreme conditions, combining intense heat with punishing climbs.
Along the route, runners must conquer three significant mountain ranges and an elevation gain of over 14,600 feet. With such rigorous requirements, participation is by invitation-only. Athletes must not only showcase a strong ultrarunning background, having completed at least three 100-mile races or the Badwater Salton Sea (81 miles), but also demonstrate a dedication to the ultrarunning community.
What’s New in the 2025 Badwater 135
The upcoming 48th edition is set to occur from July 7 to 9, 2025. This year will see 100 athletes participating, comprising 68 men and 32 women from a remarkable 24 nations and 25 U.S. states. The average age of participants will be around 48 years.
While the course will remain consistent with prior years, organizers anticipate even more challenging conditions due to ongoing climate change. Runners will face:
- Distance: 135 miles
- Elevation Gain: 14,600 feet
- Elevation Loss: 6,100 feet
Participants will once again traverse iconic landscapes, including Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek, and Devil’s Golf Course, before approaching the majestic finish line near Mt. Whitney.
Why Is Badwater Considered the Toughest Foot Race?
The Badwater Ultramarathon earns its title as “the world’s toughest foot race” for numerous reasons. The prevalent heat poses a monumental challenge; temperatures in July can exceed 120°F, making even the evening starts uncomfortably warm. For instance, during the 2018 race, the temperature at the start reached a staggering 118°F.
Moreover, the notable elevation challenges runners as they ascend from below sea level to high mountain passes, navigating varying terrain and oxygen levels. The 48-hour time limit to complete the race adds another layer of difficulty; finishers earn a coveted belt buckle, symbolizing their endurance without monetary rewards.
As ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes notes, “My shoes have melted, I’ve hallucinated dinosaurs… and nearly stepped on rattlesnakes.” These experiences encapsulate the race’s intensity and unpredictability.
Training for the Badwater Experience
Preparing for the Badwater 135 demands unconventional training techniques. Karnazes, for example, enhanced his heat acclimation by exercising in a sauna, wearing a snow parka during warm months, and driving with closed windows and the heat raised.
In contrast, Kevin Delk, another veteran of the Badwater, embraced localized training in Arizona’s record-breaking heat. His regimen involved minimizing hydration during workouts and engaging in prolonged sessions on a treadmill inclined at 7-12% to simulate the elevation challenges of the race.
Such diverse training paradigms underscore that success in Badwater emerges from resilience, adaptation, and mental tenacity.
The Origin of Badwater
The concept of tackling this grueling route emerged in the 1970s, but the race established itself formally in 1987 thanks to Al Arnold, who became the first to run from Badwater to Mt. Whitney in an impressive 84 hours. This achievement laid the foundation for what has become a premier event in the ultrarunning community.
Entry Requirements and Selection Process
With a considerable interest annually, hundreds of ultrarunners vie for just 100 spots. The basic qualification includes the completion of three 100-mile races, or the shorter Badwater Salton Sea. However, the selection extends beyond mere statistics; runners must provide introspective answers to queries such as:
- “What does ‘Badwater’ mean to you?”
- “How do you contribute to the ultrarunning community?”
- “What is your purpose?”
This thorough evaluation process fosters a spirit of community among runners, ensuring that participants not only have the requisite physical capability but also embody the ethos of the event.
Since its inception, more than 2,000 runners have participated in the Badwater 135, and only 938 have crossed the finish line, signifying the race’s extreme difficulty.
Following the 2025 Badwater Race
For enthusiasts wishing to stay connected with this extraordinary race, updates and live tracking will be available through badwater.com. This platform will allow viewers to witness the journey of participants as they tackle this monumental challenge.
Why Do Athletes Return to Badwater?
As Dean Karnazes aptly puts it, there may be steeper climbs and longer distances in competitive running, but “there is only one hottest place on Earth.” Kevin Delk echoed this sentiment, expressing that being part of this absurd race feels surreal. “I love testing my limits,” he mentioned, highlighting the unique intensity of the experience.
The Badwater 135 transcends being a mere competition; it is a profound journey into the extremes of human performance, a rite of passage, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of endurance athletes.
