In July, in searing heat, one of the toughest, most grueling athletic events will be held. It is an extreme sport and finishing is an accomplishment. The Badwater 135 is a run like no other:

“…Recognized globally as “the world’s toughest foot race,” this legendary event pits up to 90 of the world’s toughest athletes—runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers—against one another and the elements. Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F (55c), it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.”

link: Badwater

There are some runners who return to challenge the elements again. This must be one of the toughest competitions in the world - and one in which the pain threshold is tested repeatedly.

Catherine Forsythe