Badwater Salton Sea

Event

Badwater Salton Sea is a team ultra running event held April 18-19, 2026 in Southern California, with Borrego Springs as the race hub. Entry is limited to about 100 runners and the race is contested in two divisions: teams of two runners or teams of three runners. Divisions include all-male, all-female, and mixed teams.

Course and format

The course covers 81 miles (130 km) from Salton City (about 234 ft / 71 m below sea level) to Palomar Mountain (finish elevation about 5,500 ft / 1,676 m). Total elevation gain exceeds 9,000 ft (2,740 m). The route is a mix of paved roads and an approximate eight-mile single-track trail through Anza-Borrego State Park between Borrego Springs and Ranchita. Teams must run together for the entire distance, not as a relay, and share a single support vehicle with a minimum of two crew members. Only intact teams are eligible for official ranking.

Conditions and entry

The race takes place in extreme and variable conditions, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100 F (38 C) and potential sand storms, and much colder, wet fog conditions at night. Applicants must demonstrate endurance credentials: completion of at least one difficult 50-mile ultramarathon within the prior 12 months is required as proof of qualification. Race entry includes timing checkpoints, limited medical support, and event items such as a race T-shirt and a finisher’s buckle for official finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.