Today is Thursday, July 31st, 2025 and on this day in 1987, 5 runners set out to compete in the first ever Badwater Ultramarathon.

In this episode, we'll discuss the origins of "the world's toughest footrace" that runs from Death Valley to Mount Whitney, learn why the first 3 editions were 11 miles more than the current 135 miles, and then speak with Eleanor Robinson, the woman who won that first Badwater back in 1987.

This episode and every single other was edited and produced by my good friend Rob Garcia, who many know by his own ⁠⁠⁠podcast "Rob on the Run"⁠⁠⁠. If you are looking to get into the podcasting or Youtube space, but need some help on the technical side, I HIGHLY suggest reaching out to Rob. His email is [email protected]

And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to ⁠⁠⁠follow me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠, or send me an email at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Bibliography:

• ⁠https://www.badwater.com/blog/1987-the-year-badwater-became-a-race/⁠

• ⁠https://runyoung50.co.uk/the-first-badwater-ultra-race/⁠

• ⁠https://www.badwater.com/results-history/⁠

• ⁠https://www.californiasun.co/-miles-triple-digit-heat-and-a-bit-of-insanity-how-al-arnold-invented-the-toughest-run-on-earth/⁠

• ⁠https://ultrarunning.com/calendar/event/badwater/race/6042/results⁠

• ⁠https://www.badwater.com/event/badwater-135/⁠