Badwater 135
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Event Overview
The Badwater 135 is a 135-mile (217 km) non-stop ultramarathon. It starts at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet (85.5 m) below sea level. The race finishes at Whitney Portal, at 8,360 feet (2,548 m), which is the trailhead to Mount Whitney.
Course Details
The route travels from Death Valley to Mount Whitney in California. It passes through places like Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, Darwin, and Lone Pine. The course crosses three mountain ranges. It has a total cumulative vertical ascent of 14,600 feet (4,450 m) and descent of 6,100 feet (1,859 m).
The event has a 45-hour time limit. There are several mandatory time cut-offs along the route.
Participation and Entry
The race is an invitational event with a field of up to 100 athletes. Entry is by application only, with specific qualifying standards. Applicants must have completed either a previous Badwater 135 or at least four 100-mile (or longer) ultramarathons.
All competitors must be supported by a crew of 2-4 people using one support vehicle. Crew members must follow specific safety rules, including wearing high-visibility clothing.
Logistics and Schedule
The 49th anniversary event is scheduled for July 27-29, 2026. A detailed schedule of mandatory check-ins, meetings, and start waves is provided. The start line is in Death Valley National Park and the finish is at Whitney Portal. The event operates under special use permits from various government agencies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
