The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon remains one of the most extreme endurance challenges on the planet. This 135-mile crucible unfolds in Death Valley, California, a place infamous for its record-setting summer heat and unforgiving elevation changes.
In this guide, we explore what makes Badwater 135 so legendary, what’s new for the 2025 edition, and why athletes around the globe dream of crossing the finish line at Whitney Portal.
What is the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon?
The Badwater 135, known officially as the 135-Mile World Championship hosted by AdventureCORPS, is an ultramarathon through California’s Death Valley and Sierra Nevada.
This race is not for the faint of heart. Starting at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and ending at Whitney Portal, located at 8,300 feet, it combines oppressive heat with brutal climbs.
Spanning 135 miles, the course takes runners over three major mountain ranges and demands over 14,600 feet of climbing, making it one of the most grueling events in the world.
Participation is invitation-only, and athletes must demonstrate not only an impressive ultrarunning resume but also a commitment to their community and sport.
To qualify, runners must have completed at least three 100-mile races, one within the past two years, or have finished the Badwater Salton Sea (81 miles).
The application process digs deep, asking runners about their motivations, contributions to ultrarunning, and even philosophical questions about their purpose.
What’s New in the 2025 Badwater 135
The 48th edition of the Badwater 135 will take place from July 7 to 9, 2025. A total of 100 athletes will toe the line, 68 men and 32 women, ranging in age from 20 to 80, with an average age of 48. These runners hail from 24 nations and 25 U.S. states.
The course remains unchanged from recent years, but as climate change continues to amplify conditions, organizers expect the 2025 race to be among the most brutal in memory.
- Distance: 135 miles
- Elevation Gain: 14,600 feet
- Elevation Loss: 6,100 feet
Runners will again traverse iconic landscapes including Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek, Salt Creek, Devil’s Golf Course, and Panamint Springs before heading toward the finish line near Mt. Whitney.
Why Is Badwater Considered the Toughest Foot Race?
There are many reasons why this race is hailed as “the world’s toughest foot race.”
First, the heat is otherworldly. Temperatures in July routinely exceed 120°F, and nighttime starts don’t shield runners from scorching conditions. In 2018, for example, the temperature at the evening start was a blistering 118°F.
Next, there’s the elevation. The course climbs from 282 feet below sea level to 8,300 feet, traversing three mountain ranges in the process. This means not only elevation gain but significant changes in terrain and oxygen levels.
Then, there’s the 48-hour time limit, within which runners must finish the race to earn the finisher’s belt buckle. While there’s no prize money, the symbolic reward is enough to drive athletes to their physical and mental limits.
Ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes, who has completed the race multiple times, once reflected, “My shoes have melted, I’ve hallucinated dinosaurs, fried eggs on the pavement, had a crew vehicle catch fire, and nearly stepped on rattlesnakes.”
How Do Runners Train for Such Brutal Conditions?
Preparing for Badwater is unlike preparing for any other ultra. Dean Karnazes shared that his heat training included working out in a gym sauna, running in a snow parka during summer, and even driving with the heat cranked up and windows rolled up.
Meanwhile, Kevin Delk, another Badwater finisher, took a more experiential approach. He trained during a record-breaking heatwave in Arizona, spent time outdoors in the hottest parts of the day, and minimized fluid intake during runs to better simulate race conditions. For elevation training, Delk used a treadmill set at 7–12% incline, often hiking at 4 mph for hours at a time.
These anecdotes illustrate that there’s no single blueprint for Badwater prep—it’s about resilience, adaptation, and mental toughness.
How Did Badwater Begin?
While runners began tackling this punishing route in the 1970s, the race became officially organized in 1987. The inspiration came from Al Arnold, who in 1977 became the first person to run from Badwater Basin to the summit of Mt. Whitney. He completed the journey in 84 hours, proving that what was once thought impossible was, in fact, achievable.
Since then, the race has become a cornerstone of the ultrarunning community. Today, it is one of the most sought-after and respected challenges in the endurance world.
Who Gets In…and How?
Each year, hundreds of ultrarunners apply for just 100 spots. While the basic requirement is three completed 100-mile races (or the 81-mile Badwater Salton Sea), the application goes beyond statistics. Runners must answer introspective and community-focused questions, such as:
- “What does ‘Badwater’ mean to you?”
- “How do you give back to the ultrarunning community?”
- “Why are you on this planet?”
This holistic evaluation ensures that the selected runners aren’t just physically capable, but also aligned with the spirit and ethos of the event.
Since its inception, over 2,000 runners have entered Badwater 135, but only 938 have officially finished.
How to Follow the 2025 Race
Whether you’re an ultrarunning enthusiast or just curious about this iconic race, here’s how to stay connected:
- Live Webcast: badwater.com
- Instagram Coverage: @BadwaterHQ
- Live Results: AdventureCORPS Database
Why Do They Keep Coming Back?
According to Dean Karnazes, while there are steeper climbs and longer races, “There is only one hottest place on Earth.”
Kevin Delk echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s such a ridiculous concept, and to be a part of it still doesn’t even seem real. I love testing my limits, and there are really few other places that even come close to the test one gets during that race.”
The Badwater 135 isn’t just a race. It’s a rite of passage, a spiritual journey, and a testament to what the human body and mind can endure.
To learn more or follow the 2025 race live, visit badwater.com.
