Bonum Cursum

The Badwater Ultra Marathon is not just a race; it’s a brutal test of endurance and willpower. Known as one of the toughest footraces in the world, it takes place every summer in the scorching heat of Death Valley, California, and attracts the world’s most dedicated ultramarathoners. The race covers 135 miles (217 km) through the desert, starting in Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and ending at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. This punishing terrain, combined with temperatures that can soar above 50°C (122°F), makes the race legendary.

The most recent edition of the Badwater Ultra was no exception. The winner, once again, was a testament to sheer grit and determination. The first-place finisher completed the race in a jaw-dropping time, proving the incredible physical and mental fortitude required to overcome the extreme conditions. As always, the heat took a heavy toll on many runners, but the winner’s resilience was nothing short of inspiring.

Among those brave enough to take on this grueling challenge were some Polish runners, including one who I’m particularly proud of, even though he didn’t finish. It’s easy to forget that the true victory in a race like this isn’t always about crossing the finish line first. For many, the Badwater race is about pushing your limits and going further than you’ve ever gone before. Just participating in such a legendary event is an achievement in itself. This Polish runner showed remarkable courage, setting off with the hopes of completing one of the toughest races on Earth. But the desert heat is unforgiving, and even the most experienced athletes can be defeated by it.

To get a sense of what it’s like, imagine running for hours, miles upon miles, with the sun beating down relentlessly. The pavement radiates so much heat that it feels as though you’re running on an open flame. The air is dry, and each breath feels like you’re inhaling the furnace of the desert itself. Water stations are spaced far apart, and every step takes you further into the unforgiving landscape. You can see the mirages on the horizon, making you question whether what you’re seeing is real or just another illusion caused by the oppressive heat.

I had my own experience with extreme heat during a marathon in 40°C (104°F), and I can say from personal experience that it’s not easy. The race was a fight against the sun, a battle of survival more than a race to finish. I did manage to cross the finish line, but not without significant toll on my body. I had to be rushed into a medical tent right after the race—exhausted, overheated, and barely able to stand. That’s the thing about heat: it’s silent and sneaky. You don’t realize how much damage is being done until it’s too late.

But even with my experience in mind, the Badwater Ultra is an entirely different level of extreme. The runners in Badwater face not just heat, but the mental challenge of pushing through the exhaustion for over 135 miles. While my marathon experience was tough, the Badwater Ultra’s brutal combination of distance and heat tests everything—strength, stamina, and sanity.

The race itself has a rich history. It began in 1977, conceived by race director Chris Kostman, as a challenge for a few daring runners. Back then, it wasn’t the global event it is today, but it quickly became a legendary race in the ultrarunning community. Since its inception, the Badwater race has grown in fame, attracting the world’s elite ultra-athletes, some of whom come from as far as Europe, Japan, and beyond. Runners who sign up are well aware of what they are getting into: a race that is part physical challenge, part mental ordeal, and all about perseverance.

In conclusion, while it’s easy to talk about the winners and the records broken, what’s often forgotten is the journey each runner takes. Many won’t finish, and that’s okay—just being out there on that course is an achievement in itself. Whether you’re a victor or a DNF (Did Not Finish), the fact that you dared to challenge yourself in such extreme conditions speaks volumes. The Badwater Ultra is more than a race; it’s an experience that reshapes your perception of what’s possible. And for me, as someone who’s faced the heat myself, I stand with those who push beyond their limits, no matter where they finish.