Badwater 135

Event overview

The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon takes place July 27-29, 2026, in Lone Pine, California. The race covers 135 miles (217 km) non-stop from Badwater Basin in Death Valley to Whitney Portal on Mt. Whitney. The course begins at Badwater Basin (about 280 feet / 85 m below sea level) and finishes at Whitney Portal (about 8,360 feet / 2,548 m). The event is invitational and will include up to 100 competitors from twenty or more countries and twenty or more U.S. states. The official time limit for completing the route is 48 hours.

Course, entry and rules

The course crosses three mountain ranges with a total of 14,600 feet (4,450 m) of cumulative ascent and 6,100 feet (1,859 m) of cumulative descent. Major climbs include Towne Pass (mile 42.2 to 58.9), Father Crowley (mile 72.8 to 80.8), and the final climb to Whitney Portal (mile 122.8 to 135). Competitors must meet mandatory checkpoint requirements at specific mile markers (including ~Mile 50.8, Mile 72.8, Mile 90.7, and Mile 122.8) or withdraw. Entry is by application (January 2-20, 2026); applicants must meet one of the published qualifying standards. Each competitor must be accompanied on the course by a dedicated support crew with one vehicle and two to four crew members, and crew must meet specified safety and paperwork requirements. Entry fee, awards, permits, mandatory forms, and charity-entry options are described by the organizers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.