Badwater ultramarathon – California like you have never seen it before

Badwater describes itself as ‘the world’s toughest footrace’ and when you consider what the run entails, it seems a pretty accurate description.

By Declan Whooley

Now in its 35^th year, this invitation-only run covers a distance of 135 miles every July where temperatures can push beyond 120 Farenheit.

Originally the run linked the lowest (Death Valley -282 feet) and highest points (Mount Whitney 14, 505 feet) of the United States. In 1977 Al Arnold showed the prowess of many a male in Coppers by proving that perseverance really can pay off. He successfully pioneered the event - at the third attempt.

The finish point has been now changed to Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet after the US Forest Service banned competitors from attempting to hike to the summit of Mount Whitney after reaching the finish line. Anyone that wishes to do so has to apply separately for a licence.

Competitors will negotiate three mountain ranges with a cumulative ascent of nearly 4,000 feet while encountering landmarks such as Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek and Devil’s Cornfield.

What is unusual about this race is that there are no aid stations. Course support is not provided so runners must arrange a support crew and a vehicle. The race mantra could be altered to fail to prepare, prepare to die a slow and miserable death.

This year only seven competitors from a field of 96 failed to reach the finish line, with Mexican Oswaldo Lopez finishing first in a time of just under 24 hours.

For anyone thinking that they could chance their arm in this race, think again. In order to be considered for selection for the race, you must have run and officially finished three running races of at least 100 continuous miles with at least one of these within the previous 12 months. No novices in this part of the world.

Here is a look at some of the action last year. Please ignore the God-awful music

While the thought of doing the Badwater once is enough to bring many out in cold sweats, some competitors return again and again.

In 2001, Marshall Ulrich was the first runner to complete the "Badwater Quad", consisting of two back-to-back Badwater ultra marathons for a total of four consecutive Badwater/Whitney transits. He completed the course, a distance in excess of twenty-two marathons, in ten days. For a bit of useless information, he had his toenails removed twenty years ago to avoid potential foot problems with the mileage he was clocking up.

Facts and figures

Jack Denness holds the distinction of being the oldest man to complete the course. Two years ago he completed the event in 59 hours and 13 minutes. In the time it took Jack to reach the finish line you could watch the film Titanic 22 times in a row. Which some may argue would leave you in more pain.

Course rules

Generally the rules are what one would expect, though for those partial to parading around in the birthday suit, nudity is specifically mentioned as a no-no. Given that temperatures can be over 120, even in the shade, this is pretty sound advice.

2012 winning time

22 hours, 52 minutes

Cost

$995