Badwater 135

Badwater 135 Ultramarathon : July 27-29, 2026

The Badwater 135 is an invitational ultramarathon covering 135 miles (217 km) non-stop from Badwater Basin in Death Valley to Whitney Portal near Mt. Whitney. The course begins below sea level and finishes at high elevation, with total cumulative vertical ascent of about 14,600 feet (4,450 m) and cumulative descent of about 6,100 feet (1,859 m). The route crosses three mountain ranges and passes named landmarks including Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek, Devil’s Cornfield, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, Darwin, Keeler, Lone Pine, and the Alabama Hills.

Up to about 100 international competitors are invited to race. Each competitor must be accompanied by a dedicated support crew with one four-wheeled vehicle and between two and four crew members; crew chiefs and crew contact information must be provided in advance. Mandatory race requirements include signed waivers, a National Park Service acknowledgement, minimum safety gear such as OSHA Class 3 high-visibility garments for crew, running reflective vests and blinking lights for night use, and personal portable toilet products. Competitors must pass multiple course checkpoints within specified time cut-offs and complete the course within a 45 hour limit.

Race headquarters are located at Furnace Creek and later at Dow Villa in Lone Pine. All starters receive race apparel and materials; those who finish within the time limit receive a finisher shirt and the official belt buckle. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.