About the race
Badwater 135 is a 135-mile (217 km) ultramarathon that starts in Badwater Basin in California's Death Valley, 282 feet below sea level, and ends at Whitney Portal, the trailhead of Mount Whitney, at 8,360 feet. The organiser bills it as the world's toughest foot race.
History
Hikes between Badwater and Mount Whitney began in 1969, and Al Arnold pioneered running the route in 1977, reaching the summit 84 hours after the start. In 1987 the crossing became an organised race, when Gill Cornell ran 146 miles in 45 hours and 15 minutes, and five others also took part. The finish was the summit of Whitney until 1989, when permit limits led to the shorter course ending at Whitney Portal. AdventureCORPS manages the race today.
The course
The route has about 13,000 feet of climbing and crosses two mountain ranges between Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada. Forest Service rules do not allow competitive events in the John Muir Wilderness, which is why the race ends at the Portal. Course changes have occurred, including a modified route in 2023 after flooding.
The 2027 race
The organiser's site lists the next race for 19 to 21 July 2027 in Lone Pine.
Entry and cut-offs
Wikipedia describes the field as invitation-only and limited to 100 entrants, and the organiser's site says applications are accepted in the first weeks of January. The organiser's news list includes a headline announcing a new 45-hour time limit, while Wikipedia mentions an earlier 48-hour limit and a 28-hour cutoff at Panamint Springs Resort, so check the current rules on the official site. Finishers receive a belt buckle and medal but no prize money.
Where to watch
There is no official course support, and each runner must arrange a crew and vehicle to supply water, ice, food and pacing. Since 2015, runners have started in waves at 8:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Most spectators therefore meet crews and runners at the start and along the road, with the finish at Whitney Portal the traditional meeting point.
Weather
The race is held in July, when Death Valley is in the grip of extreme summer heat, and Wikipedia says the date is chosen when the weather is most extreme. Conditions are severe, with intense heat by day and a long night section, and they vary year to year.