California · Death Valley

Badwater 135

Badwater runs entirely on paved highway from North America's lowest point (282 feet below sea level) to Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet, crossing three mountain ranges in mid-July heat that can breach 130°F at the valley floor. The 100-runner field is chosen by application review, not lottery. Al Arnold made the first unsupported crossing in 1977; the organized race began in 1987 and was shortened to 135 miles in 1989 when permit restrictions removed the final climb to Whitney's summit. Intravenous fluids during the race result in disqualification.