Badwater Salton Sea
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Badwater Salton Sea Overview
Badwater Salton Sea is an ultra running event that traverses the deserts and mountains of Southern California. The route covers 81 miles (130 km) starting from Salton City, located at 234 feet (71 m) below sea level, and finishing on Palomar Mountain at an elevation of 5,500 feet (1,676 m). The course offers a total elevation gain of over 9,000 feet (2,740 m).
The race utilizes a unique team format where participants must compete in groups of two or three runners. Team members are required to remain together for the entire duration of the event rather than operating as a relay. Each team is supported by a single dedicated vehicle and a crew of at least two people.
The course features a variety of terrain and environmental conditions:
- A mix of paved roads and single track trails.
- An 8-mile section through Anza-Borrego State Park on the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
- Temperatures that can fluctuate from over 100°F (38°C) during the day to freezing levels at night.
Participants must meet specific qualification requirements to enter. For the 2026 edition, applicants must have completed at least one ultramarathon of 50 miles or longer within the 12 months prior to the race. The event has a field limit of approximately 100 runners. The course includes multiple timing checkpoints with strict intermediate cut-off times, and the total time limit for completion is 28 hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
