Badwater 135

Event overview

The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon is an invitational, international foot race held in Lone Pine, California on July 27-29, 2026. The course covers 135 miles / 217 km non-stop from Badwater Basin in Death Valley to Whitney Portal on Mt. Whitney. The field is limited to about 100 invited competitors representing twenty or more countries and U.S. states. Applications for the 2026 race are accepted January 2–20, 2026 and applicants must meet published qualifying standards. The entry fee is $1,595; refunds less $500 are available until May 1, 2026. All starters receive race apparel and materials; competitors who officially complete the course within the event time limit receive a finisher’s t-shirt and the Badwater 135 belt buckle.

Course, rules and logistics

The route crosses three mountain ranges and includes a total of 14,600 ft (4,450 m) cumulative ascent and 6,100 ft (1,859 m) cumulative descent. Landmarks along the route include Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, Darwin, Keeler, Lone Pine, and Alabama Hills. The race is run under special-use permits from federal and state agencies and enforces mandatory time cut-offs and finish requirements. Each competitor must be supported by a single crew vehicle with two to four crew members; crews must meet insurance, age, and safety equipment rules, including OSHA Class 3 high-visibility clothing and nighttime lights. Competitors must carry specified portable toilet products and show proof of park entrance fee payment. Drug testing may be conducted and a positive test leads to disqualification and further sanctions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.