Video: The Badwater Ultramarathon

Yesterday I posted the results from the 2013 Badwater Ultramarathon, a grueling race that covers more than 135 miles (217 km) through Death Valley and up to the Mt. Whitney Portals that features more than 13,000 feet (3962 meters) of vertical gain. If you're not already familiar with the race, you'll want to check out the video below. It was shot in the 2010 race and features runner Jamie Donaldson, who set a course record 0f 26:16:12 on that run. The short film will give you an idea of what the runners deal with while out on the course.

Badwater from David E. Anderson on Vimeo.

2013 Badwater Ultramarathon Results

While we're on the subject of ultrarunning today I thought I'd mention that the Badwater Ultra, one of the toughest running races on the planet, has been taking place over the past couple of days. The race begins in Badwater, California, which is located deep in the heart of Death Valley and runs for 135 miles (217 km) through that harsh environment before ending at the Mt. Whitney Portals. Considering Badwater falls at 280 feet (85 meters) below sea level and ends at 8300 feet (2530 meters) you get the idea of how much vertical gain is involved over the course of the run.

While a few racers will continue to cross the finish line today, the leaders have already wrapped up their runs and have done so in impressive times. This year's winner is Carlos Alberto Gomes DeSá of Portugal who completed the run in just 24 hours, 38 minutes and 16 seconds. Second place went to Grant Maughan of Australia with a time of 24:53:57 and third place was claimed by Oswaldo Lopez who crossed the line at 25:27:03. The fastest woman was Catherine Todd, who finished in 29:55:29, with ultrarunning legend Pam Reed not far behind at 30:39:58.

It still amazes me that anyone is capable of running 135 miles through conditions like those found in Death Valley in as little as 24 hours. These runners are supreme athletes in fantastic condition and I admire their dedication and determination. It was also nice to see Charlie Engle back in the game and coming in 5th place over all at 26 hours, 15 minutes and 35 seconds. If you know anything about Charlie's story over the past few years, you'll probably understand what an accomplishment that is.

Congrats to all the runners. Amazing efforts all around. I'll be thinking of each of them tonight when I do a mere 8 miles.

Video: Running The Badwater Ultramarathon

The Badwater Ultramarathon just might be the toughest footrace on the planet. It is a non-stop run of 135-miles in length through the hottest environment on the planet. Those who enter are not only fantastic athletes, they also have an uncanny ability to happily endure suffering.

The video below follows one such athlete, Michael Arnstein, as he attempts to run the race for the first time. Michael, who happens to be a fruitarian, shares his approach to nutrition and preparation for a race of this length, which tests him both physically and mentally throughout. If you have ever wondered what goes through the mind of an ultrarunner while they are out on the trail, you'll definitely enjoy this video. It is an 18-minute short film that profiles the Badwater quite well.


Day in the Life 10; Michael Arnstein at the Badwater Ultramarathon from True Love Health on Vimeo.

Badwater Ultramarathon Underway, Winner Already Crowned

This is one that doesn't usually sneak under my radar but I missed the start of the 2012 Badwater Ultramarathon and have spent part of the day catching up on the news. For those unfamiliar with the event it is an annual sufferfest during which some of the top ultra-runners in the world run 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney in California. Along the way they rack up an incredible 13,000 feet (3962 meters) of vertical gain and battle the legendary heat that earned Death Valley its name.

The race got underway yesterday and the top finishers are already completing the course. The 2012 winner is Mike Morton who managed to complete the entire 135 miles in just 22 hours, 52 minutes, and 55 seconds. Defending champ Oswaldo Lopez claimed second place at 23:32:28" and Zach Gingerich is home in third at 25:49:40". Other ultra-running legends like Dean Karnazes and Pam Reed are still out on the course at this time.

Why on Earth would anyone enter a race like this one? If you have to ask, you'll probably never understand. But the pre-race video below gives a bit of an introduction to some of the runners, who share their inspirations for entering the Badwater.