Badwater Salton Sea

Badwater Salton Sea

Badwater Salton Sea is an organized team ultramarathon held in Southern California deserts and mountains. The course covers 81 miles (130 km) from Salton City at about 234 feet (71 m) below sea level to the finish on Palomar Mountain at roughly 5,500 feet (1,676 m). Total elevation gain is over 9,000 feet (2,740 m). The route mixes paved roads and trail, including about eight miles on a single track through Anza-Borrego State Park between Borrego Springs and Ranchita.

Entrants compete only as teams of two or three runners who remain together for the full distance and share a single support vehicle with at least two crew members. The event enforces mandatory intermediate cutoffs and other race rules; teams that miss cutoffs or violate rules may be removed from competition. Entry is limited to about 100 runners and applicants must submit proof of prior endurance experience. Specifically, all applicants must have completed at least one difficult 50-mile ultramarathon within the 12 months before entry; proof is required at least 60 days before the race.

Weather and terrain vary widely along the route, from daytime temperatures above 100 F (38 C) and occasional sand storms to much colder, foggy conditions at night. The final route is subject to government approvals and may change up to the week of the race. The Borrego Springs Resort serves as the race headquarters and a timing checkpoint on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.