Badwater 135 miles Ultra Marathon (Full Race)

[@runningwithsimon]

It's funny to see the contrast of Badwater 135 vs. Ouray 100 last weekend! Equally hard but in very different ways! Already going through the footage and excited to share this one too!

[@loiscassels8966]

Hey! I’ve been to Ouray. What a gorgeous town.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@loiscassels8966 Yup for sure! It's our happy place, we love the mountains in the area! Ouray 100 was an amazing adventure! Although a bit crazy...

[@wotexpat9367]

I agree. As an ultra runner myself (4 deserts, trailwalker etc) it IS a team effort. We need to give big love to people who help.

[@nzmarty]

‘It’s not a hard race if you like running in 120° heat’ I’m glad you left that in. I ran from Badwater to Furnace Creek one year as I had visions of doing the race one day. Everywhere is uphill from the basin!! Feel privileged to have been able to do that run, but I don’t have the CV to step on the start line. I now live vicariously through videos and stories like yours Thankyou :)

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad you enjoyed! Yup, the heat is a killer, and it's not nearly as flat as people think...

[@liamaria2782]

That is absolutely incredible Simon!!! I don t know how you do it, but you are an inspiration!!! I am so proud of you ALL!!! Team Simon is the best!!! ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🥰🥰🥰🥂🥂🥂

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you :) The team was great - they kept me in good spirit the whole time!

[@jigentopiwala948]

Absolutely Exceptional Efforts!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Salute to Your grit & Awsummm crew support! 🤗❤️ You all finished it.. Together! More Strength to you! 😊

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you sir!

[@scottpeterson728]

Congratulations! What an accomplishment! Great video, thank you and your crew so much for taking the time to record and share with us!

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad I can bring you along! And thanks for watching :)

[@MyChallenge-StartsToday]

I look up to you guys. Thanks for putting this content out there. I’m a novice one day I’ll run there. I run first marathon distance in 2 months.

[@runningwithsimon]

Good luck - stay strong!

[@merlinrubyyoda]

Congratulations Simon & Fabulous Crew!!!!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Yup, the best crew for sure :)

[@Vince_4044]

Great race with a great support staff! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us! Well done!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks for watching!

[@lefterisnydras4860]

You are brave and an inspiration for many!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! That was quite a special and challenging race.

[@shawnr.9681]

So the race was "hot"? LOL Thanks for the authenticity of your videos, giving us all a true picture of what it takes to attempt. Great job and congratulations!!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Nah - it was "very hot" lol. I love when the crew after like 40hrs of being up are a little down and tired and Lucia asks what's on their mind "hot" "tired"...and then Fanny "you know...it's actually pretty!"

[@barbjohnson641]

Very inspirational! Great finish and shout out to an amazing crew🎉

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you! They were awesome :)

[@valerieferrario44]

Loved this! Thank you for your efforts Simon!!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! And thanks for watching :)

[@goodtimekillers3262]

My favorite video of yours that i’ve seen so far.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you! It was an epic race - and the team aspect of it was quite unique!

[@superm70]

Cannot believe the logistics behind the scenes!!! Love from Johannesburg South Africa......run Forrest run 🕺

[@runningwithsimon]

From so far, wow! Thank you!

[@michaelfjmusic]

Awesome job, dude!!! What an achievement! I'm an aspiring ultrarunner with a dream of doing this race one day. Just watched the whole video, great from start to finish!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks, really appreciate! It's certainly a special and unique race :)

[@tigermoth99]

I love the random movie/ TV clips and I think they add a lot and do convey the emotions you're talking about. And they're also very funny! I'm just an injured runner right now but your channel that I just discovered this evening is giving me big dreams of things to come. Not Badwater though! F*!k that! Amazing effort. Fantastic videos!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! Much appreciated! Hope you recover quickly :)

[@pedrorfgomes4]

Almost 40h of constant movement, insane. Congrats for the effort and for the achievement!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! It was a crazy day (+1) for sure!

[@philipgeddes843]

Your a true inspiration sir, congrats on a crazy race under your belt!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! And a very special/unique/meaningful race for me! I'll forever be grateful to the crew!

[@steevoridgeline]

Belle course en ta ! Bravo Simon ! 🎖🇨🇦☀👍🏻

[@runningwithsimon]

Merci!

[@GusTovGreat]

Amazing to watch. Fantastic achievement! 👌

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you :)

[@jasonklussman9087]

Wow incredible. Thanks for sharing this

[@runningwithsimon]

My pleasure!

[@jonathanberger4375]

45:00 is megaman soundtrack ... aside that, congratulations! I was from brazillian marines and I enjoy running on extreme heat (in Rio de Janeiro my base was on a region with anual average of 100 F°) and I dreamed running on desert, BUT, 135 miles is another thing, Badwater is for the very very few. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks!

[@_chimera_]

Moses has successfully completed a 40 year desert race and the entire team with him😂 we can do that!🎉

[@taraonatrail]

I love that you are such a huge LotR geek 😄😍

[@runningwithsimon]

haha thanks!

[@Redbeardedrunner]

Really awesome work mate! Well done!!

[@consecuencias.imprevistas]

You make a nice and fun couple. Keep up the good content, you're a beast!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks!

[@SeeChadRun]

Amazing! Hahaha, "You can't make me drink"! Great job out there and very inspiring!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks!

[@_chimera_]

Love the inspirational speech❤

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks!

[@Ultra_Man_Runner]

Great race and video. Watched from beginning to end. Nora has great energy. You should use her more in your vids. Keep it up.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you! She'll be happy to hear that! And yup, I couldn't agree more - I guess her energy and smile is a big reason why I married her!

[@abominablesnowman3494]

The scenery at the end is quite breathtaking isn't it? I'm definitely doing to do another road trip on the west coast and do some hiking and trail running and cycling. Thanks for sharing the videos keep it up. Enjoyed thoroughly. Congratulations 😊

[@runningwithsimon]

Yes, the Sierra Nevada are gorgeous! Nora and I did Rae Lakes if you are into backpacking - absolutely gorgeous!

[@Atheis_mus]

Absolutely brilliant I would like to start running right away👍 Greetings from Germany Hannover

[@runningwithsimon]

Hello from California!

[@birkatron1]

Awesome effort and determination Simon, great video well done!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :)

[@yangli1905]

Congratulations. What a run!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - indeed!

[@IReconciLeD]

Great video Simon!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks!

[@georgioskotakis2016]

FELICITATION and Thank you

[@runningwithsimon]

Thank you :)

[@belwynne1386]

I like the LOTR clips!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! There were even a few more before but copyrights had me remove them :(

[@Drunkbuffalo31]

“ but not alone! TO THE KING!!” 😂😂

[@runningwithsimon]

Gives me goosebumps every time!

[@MrEsPlace]

My first ultra is coming up Aug 12th (hosting my own backyard ultra) and I'm terrified. This video did NOT help. I'm even more terrified now.

[@runningwithsimon]

Good luck!

[@robertclarkson6064]

AWESOME 👍👍👍

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks 🤗

[@Kelly_Ben]

Congratulations, incredible job!! What a sufferfest! Your team was amazing. Beautiful countryside, but that heat looked horrific. I cracked up at you post race "interview"... viagra! 😂😂 I hope you're healing up well!!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks Kelly! I'm (relatively) fine - I already had another race since! And a crazy one at that - Ouray 100! 41k ft of gain at altitude on technical and sketchy trails!

[@dustyhayes9569]

Do a video on tips to stay cool during the heat!! You did great!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Will do!!

[@ryanwhite6859]

blood was spilled!!!!

[@garrettriemer3102]

Stay Hard!

[@runningwithsimon]

And carry the boat!

[@enmodo]

The crazy thing I just learned is that the record finish time for this race was equivalent to an average speed of more than 6 mph. Between heat and elevation gain I can't imagine that.

[@runningwithsimon]

It’s amazing for sure. But for me records that are hard to believe are Western States and UTMB. Those times consider the course are insane. I wouldn’t be able to pace 1 miles! They run so fast you’d think it’s a flat course - especially western

[@erichalvorsen8645]

Good job Simon! You seemed to suffer less on this one, despite the heat, than in some of your other races (Leadville, Fuji). What was your secret? Were you better rested, was it the crew?

[@runningwithsimon]

Badwater is tough from the heat, but that's it. It's runnable / non-technical, you have very generous cutoff, you see your crew every 2-3 miles (aka 30-45min), they give you ice, you don't need to carry anything (almost). All those help a lot. And yes, i was more rested than say Fuji where I had raced Zion like 12 days before.

[@iamdjmrpaul]

Fascinating, I started running a year ago, looking at my first half marathon early 2025. From not liking running I now love it. Reading Born to run has inspired me more and brought me here. Just out of interest in this race, how often would you stop. Are there people who dont stop?

[@runningwithsimon]

Your crew will leap frog you with the car all race long, stopping every ~2-4 miles. It doesn't mean you'll stop per say however. Pro runners won't stop at all, whereas for me I did stop a fair amount especially on the second night. Taking 5-10 min break regularly.

[@DanielMalamud]

amazing, you made it look easy lol

[@runningwithsimon]

haha thanks! The second night was rough... but I guess it's hard to remember to film when sleep walking!

[@richardedward123]

Great team effort. But I'm curious, has anyone finished Badwater solo? Unsupported?

[@runningwithsimon]

Yes and no. Yes, solo/self-supported has been done (I would think 99% of the time you'd also try to summit Whitney). No time limit. People will be carrying a big cart on wheels with supply which is odd compared to normal FKT (backpack is unthinkable due to amount of water you'd need - they carry 200-250lbs of supply/gear). It takes easily 70-80 hours (2-4x longer than unassisted), so obviously it's mostly walking. Still very impressive, but also, very different. But no, for Badwater 135 itself (the race), by rule, you HAVE to have at least 2 crew members (and max 4). Being able to also climb Whitney is unlikely as you're very unlikely to get permit on the exact day of the race (vs. solo you have flexibility). There also time cutoffs - 48hrs total, and 50 miles 12-14 hours (which means you got to run most of those). So even if the rule didn't specify that you HAVE to have a crew, I don't think anyone would be able unassisted to do it, and they'd most likely be cut at mile 50.

[@richardedward123]

Thanks for response. Amazing effort. And so cool that you have nice people in your life who will dedicate their time. @@runningwithsimon

[@gerrykay1482]

How do you use the ice? Under hat?

[@runningwithsimon]

Yes - so a grab a handful to put under my hat. One thing to know is that it will leak a little on your face/your eyes. But worth it. But also, I put ice inside those arm sleeves, and in that orange buff around my neck. At 120F, all that ice is gone extremly quickly. The most efficient ice is the one in the arm sleeves - it really cools you down! But after ~39hrs of that, my elbows (which is were the ice falls to) were absolutely numb. Didn't feel great...but at least it kept me (relatively) cool

[@sdnalyam]

I noticed some runners were wearing long sleeve tops, any idea of the models. Also do you think your cycling top and sun sleeves was more suited than the other long sleeve tops. I'm looking at what to wear for hot long runs.

[@runningwithsimon]

What's practical with the sleeves, especially for Badwater, was that you can easily slip some ice in there. It REALLY cools you down. For for training run - bah, you won't have ice anyway. And the disadvantage is that it's tighter so maybe doesn't protect you as well as a normal top. That said, sleeves are super cheapy compared to long sleeve top, and you can remove them too. So overall, I was very happy with my cycling top (breath well and dries well) + sleeves (for the ice) + buff (for ice) and sun hat (protects my neck). And I use a similar kit when training, despite not having ice

[@cindydawn4252]

Loved the LOTR theme!!! So clever 😂

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :)

[@alexrios4898]

I heard bucket list and thought great, it's checked and he's done. But one then realized it's only one out of likely long growing list 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@runningwithsimon]

It's OK - Nora is cool with it, especially UTMB and Tor des Geants which would be the perfect excuse to hang out in the Italian Alps!

[@alexrios4898]

@@runningwithsimon let me know about crew situation lol i wont run but will reluctantly support ;)

[@jsherzog]

Simon, come cross the Glamis Sand Dunes with me!

[@runningwithsimon]

I got to admit, I've had enough desert for a little bit :P

[@veronicai.rojasmunoz119]

Why not always timestamp the footage?

[@remybuitenhuis2433]

Temperature is not the biggest concern. humidity is. But 50 degrees cenclius is still hot tho, I have to give that to you.

[@90.mxrlon]

What was your time?

[@runningwithsimon]

39h45m07s

[@benoke1984]

I think you like LoTR🤔🤣

[@runningwithsimon]

What makes you think that?! ... but yes, and would love to go see trails in New Zealand partly because of that!

[@TheRightONe-et3gh]

Starting at night is like cheating they should start at noon. That being said I love the idea of that race. I will never think of doing it, but I can dream of it.

[@runningwithsimon]

The only real challenge of a noon start would be the drastically higher amount of tourist on the road and the very real risk of getting hit...

[@TheRightONe-et3gh]

@@runningwithsimon 😂😂😂

[@marcelomarcelo9392]

I think you like Lord of the rings, a little bit.

[@runningwithsimon]

…maybe…

[@rachidboukhlifa4054]

not sure about he animation ...

[@Jay-sd9ye]

Where do you poo!? On the side of the road?

[@runningwithsimon]

That's a good question, and nope. There is clear guidance/rules against that. There are restroom here and there (e.g., Furnace Creek, Stovepipe, Rainbow Canyon) that is usually plenty enough. And that's why I was so happy at mile 40ish (can't recall the name, but that's the sand dune part). As a last resort, we all have to carry some "poop kit" in the car (it's basically bags to poop in) but who wants to ask their crew to carry a bag full of poop afterwards?

[@Jay-sd9ye]

@@runningwithsimon interesting 🤔. Make your friend car smell like poo. Lol. Cool run. I'm still at half marathon distance, Maybe a ultra someday, idk. Thanks for the reply.

[@superm70]

So funny but good question, imagine climbing a mountain and carrying poop 💩 around with you😂😂🤢

[@Jay-sd9ye]

@@superm70 lol

[@elpanchosancho2]

You can see david goggins at 6:14

[@gamer_bro1234]

That's cool as fuck man, seeing goggins doing the stuff he preaches

[@martinvanburensleftsidebur5329]

That's just a black dude.

[@loiscassels8966]

❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@manjana2797]

What about david goggins. You didnt mention him. Stay f u c k i n g HARD!

[@Youtubee010]

Who came first 🥇?

[@thetruth7453]

Her tung looks sexy I bet she is talented ❤❤

[@royalordinance]

Sorry, but all the cut-aways and flashing images, and hip muzak...... No. Show us the race, Not Gimmicks.

[@banksburke2530]

Not enough lotr references. Do better

[@runningwithsimon]

I knoooow 😢 The original movie was ~4min longer - mostly cuts for copyrights reasons. My favorite that was unfortunately cut was actually the ending - Nora as Elrond recounting how she led me to the fire of mount Doom and asked me to destroy it (aka promise to never sign up again)... "no!". It should have ended that day, but evil was allowed to endure... I guess in a few years I'll release the extended edition - I guess that'd be a last meta-reference!

[@slavplaysgames]

Savage. just starting to run .. im dead after 2 miles xd hahah this is insane

[@runningwithsimon]

We all start somewhere!

[@slavplaysgames]

@@runningwithsimon yes sir !!! You inspire me man !