Badwater Ultramarathon

The legendary Nutrimatrix Badwater 135 brings together up to one hundred of the world’s most resilient athletes to compete in what is known globally as "the world’s toughest foot race". Covering 135 miles (217 km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt Whitney, California, at the hottest time of year, this is the most demanding and extreme race on Earth.

The start line is at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, 280’ (85m) below sea level and the race ends at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to the Mr Whitney summit in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 14,600’ (4,450m) or cumulative vertical ascent, and 6,100’ (1859m) of cumulative descent.

We documented the race in late July 2015, with support from festival organiser Chris Kostman, Race Director and Chief Adventure Officer. This is the story of one of the runners, Jason Romero, 45, who completed the race in 39 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds.