Preferred Qualifying Races

Not all 100-mile (and longer) races are created equal: some are more suitable than others for preparing a Badwater 135 applicant to be successful at the world’s toughest foot race.

Our view of ultrarunning is expansive, with the experience of an epic route being intrinsic to what we call “exploring the outer and inner universes.” Also, the physical, mental, emotional, and logistical challenge of traversing  a widely varying course with a plethora of terrain and climatic changes provides a more rewarding – and challenging – experience.

Applicants who have completed some of the following Preferred Qualifying Races will have a greater chance of being selected to compete in the Badwater 135 (And male and female winners of those marked with an * earn Guaranteed Entry into the next Badwater 135; see above for details):

*Angeles Crest 100, California, USA, 100mi / 162km, Website

Arrowhead 135, Minnesota, 135mi / 217km, Website

*Brazil 135, Brazil, 135mi / 217km, Website

* Badwater Salton Sea, California, USA, 81mi / 130km, Website

* Coast to Kosciuszko, Australia, 149mi / 240km, Website

Coastal Georgia Greenway 155, Georgia, 155mi / 250km (Last held in 2024)

Connemara 100, Ireland, 100mi / 162km, Website

Down Under 135, Australia, 135mi / 217km (Last held in 2025)

Eastern States 100, Pennsylvania, 103mi / 166km, Website

Fat Dog 120 Trail Race, British Columbia, Canada, 120mi / 193km, Website

Grand Union Canal Race, United Kingdom, 145mi / 233km, Website

Hardmoors 110, United Kingdom, 110mi / 168km, Website

Hardrock 100, Colorado, USA,100mi / 162km, Website

HURT 100, Hawaii, USA, 100mi / 162km, Website

*Keys 100, Florida, USA, 100mi / 162km, Website

La Diagonale des Fous, Réunion Island, 102mi / 170km, Website

Lakeland 100, United Kingdom, 100mi / 162km, Website

Leadville Traill 100, USA, 100mi / 162km

Miami 100, Florida, USA, 100mi / 162km, Website

Mt. Fuji 100 (formerly Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji), Japan, 102mi / 165km, Website

Nove Colli, Italy, 125mi / 202km, Website

North Downs Way 100, United Kingdom, 100mi / 162km, Website

Northburn 100, New Zealand, 100mi / 162km, Website

Pinhoti 100, Alabama, USA, 100mi / 162km, Website

Sinister 7, Alberta, Canada, 100mi / 162km, Website

*Spartathlon, Greece, 153mi / 256km, Website

Superior 100 Fall Trail Race, Minnesota, USA, 100mi / 162km, Website

*Swiss Alps 100, Switzerland, 100mi / 160km, Website

Tortour de Ruhr, Germany, 143mi / 230km, Website

Ultra Milano-Sanremo, Italy, 177mi / 285km, Website (Last held in 2025)

* Ultrabalaton, Hungary, 136mi / 220km, Website

UTMB, France, 105mi / 170km

Wasatch Front 100, Utah, USA, Website

Application Process

STEP 1: Between January 2 and 1700 Pacific time, January 20, 2027, applicants must complete the online Race Application Form.

STEP 2: For those applicants who have experience as a pacer at the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon: A letter of recommendation from the athlete for whom the applicant paced at the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon is highly recommended. It must be sent by email from the person for whom the applicant paced directly to the Badwater race office. It must be sent to adventurecorps-at-gmail-dot-com before the application is submitted.

STEP 3: On February 6 we will announce the race field via live video on the Badwater page on Facebook. Athletes who are confirmed to compete that day will have their credit cards charged for the full entry fee amount. Each invited applicant will be emailed the Entrant Contract, Waiver, and optional Charitable Donation Form (“the paperwork”) which must be returned in hard copy. We will also email all other applicants to let them know of their status.

STEP 4:  Before February 15, invited runners must submit the paperwork – in paper form, not electronic – to the race office. Athletes who miss this deadline will forfeit their entry in the race and their spot will be made available to next most qualified applicant.

Step 5: On February 17, confirmed entrants in the race will have their name, essential biographical information, social media links, and perhaps some selected quotes posted on the race website, and printed in BADWATER Magazine, and/or used in a promotional manner. Complete application forms and/or contact info for any or all athletes may be made available to the media or race sponsors, but will not be made available to the public nor posted to the website.

Advice for Submitting an Application:

• All Applicants are encouraged to take the application process seriously and compose a detailed and accurate application.
• Applications should be written as if the reader has never heard of the applicant and has no prior knowledge of the entrant or their racing history.
• Acronyms and initials should not be used when listing events and such; please type out the full name of any event, person, or place mentioned in the application.
• For every race mentioned, the application must include the full race name, year, place, and finishing time.
• Special consideration is given to applicants who are veteran Badwater 135 pacers / crew members, however a letter of recommendation from the athlete for whom you paced / crewed at the Badwater 135 is required. It must be sent by email from the person for whom you paced to adventurecorps-at-gmail-dot-com immediately prior to your application submission.)

In preparing your application, keep in mind the standard reasons that generally lead to some applicants not being invited:

• • #1 Reason: We receive an avalanche of incredible applications, while we may only have 100 runners on the start line. Many MUST be turned away, including super qualified and well-known ultrarunners and Badwater 135 veterans.
  • The applicant only just met the minimum standards.
  • The applicant’s credentials are only recent, with only a few years of ultra running experience.
  • The applicant has no experience in extreme heat, extreme conditions, or on the Badwater course as a crew member / pacer.
  • The applicant didn’t “prove” his or her claims (For example: They said they paced at Badwater 135, but no letter of recommendation was received. or they claimed they finished or won various races, but didn’t provide any proof.)
  • The applicant submitted a “thin” application: Very few qualifications were listed, and not much effort was made in completing the application. (Applicants should not assume “we have already heard of him/her”.)

Due to permit, safety, and operational restrictions that limit the field to 100 entrants, we apologize now that many qualified applicants will not be accepted. We encourage those not invited to attend the race as a crew member which is a gratifying experience and an outstanding addition to a future application.

Entry Fees, Refunds, Awards, and Charity Entries

Awards: All competitors who begin the event will receive:

• Badwater Bag
• Badwater® Magazine
• Badwater® T-shirt
• Badwater® Hat
• Badwater® Sunglasses
• Badwater “buff” by Barking Frogs
• For 2027, special items commemorating the history of the race
• Products from Official Sponsors
• Entry to the “Badwater World’s Easiest 5k Fun Run” in Lone Pine (for competitors, and crew)
• Entry into the Post-Race Pizza Banquet for the competitor and up to four crew members.

• All competitors who officially complete the event within 45:00:00 or less will receive a Badwater® 135 Official Finisher’s T-Shirt and the coveted Badwater® Belt Buckle.

• Also, in honor of the 40th anniversary, all Official Finishers who complete the race within 40:00:00 or less will receive an additional special award.

• Additionally, support crew members of Official Finishers will receive special commemorative coins at the finish line.

Race Entry Fee: The Badwater 135 entry fee is $1695 and may only be paid via credit card immediately upon acceptance into the race. Refunds – less $500 – are available until May 1, 2027 upon written (email) request. No exceptions. There are no roll-overs, and no credits given.

Where Does the Entry Fee Go?: It costs a fortune to organize a world-class event in this remote, unique, and inhospitable environment, more so than ever since the 2015 release of Death Valley National Park’s 73-page “Rules & Regulations for Sporting Events” document with its myriad of additional requirements and expenses.

Everything we need – and everybody we need – must be transported to the race location from 150 to 3000 miles away.

Some of the key expenditures are: insurance, permits, ambulance, full-time monitoring by a team of National Park Service Rangers, all expenses paid for ~50 volunteers (hotels, gas, food, and more, for five days), the medical team (and associated expenses and supplies), the webcast team (and associated expenses and supplies), renting 12+ satellite phones and 20+ high-powered radios, graphic design, web hosting, web design, web software and database development, advertising, promotional expenses, printing a 48- to 60-page race magazine, postage, utilities, satellite connections, rental cars, airfares, food, drink, ice, buckles, t-shirts, tote bags, hats, and other race swag, and hosting the post-race pizza party for 400+ people. Last, but not least, the Race Director spends about 1000 hours per year working specifically on behalf of this event. Others work tirelessly year-round, too, to create a safe and successful race. Finally, we only have up to 100 entry fees, not hundreds like some races.

Entry Fee Refunds via CAF Fund-raising: Race entrants may have their entry fee reimbursed by raising at least $8000 for Challenged Athletes Foundation, an Official Charity of the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. Fund-raising for CAF is made simple with a fully automated and personalized webpage where friends, family, and co-workers may donate in a secure and simple manner. The $8000 must be raised in full by July 15 of this year. On approximately August 1, those race entrants who raised at least $8000 – as verified by CAF – will be refunded $1595 by check.

Guaranteed Entry in the Race For Official Charity Donors: The race organizers will give a limited number of very qualified* applicants the opportunity to be guaranteed acceptance into the race in exchange for a $7500 donation to Challenged Athletes Foundation or to Bald Head Island Conservancy (at our discretion, as to which organization.) Here are the guidelines for this opportunity:

1) *Official Charity applicants MUST be fully qualified for Badwater 135.

2) A full and compelling application must be submitted during the standard application window. Within the application, the applicant must state “I am willing to make a $7500 donation RIGHT NOW to any of the Official Charities of the Badwater 135, in order to guarantee my acceptance in the race.”

3) The Race Application Committee will review the application, and if they unanimously agree to accept the applicant, the applicant will receive an Entry Acceptance email. At that time, the applicant must immediately donate $7500 to CAF or BHIC (at our discretion) via check or the special weblink provided. Upon confirmation of that donation by CAF or BHIC, the applicant will receive notice of their Confirmed Entry in the race. Race paperwork will still be required, but the race entry fee will be waived.

PLEASE NOTE: This offer is only available during the standard application window. It may not be utilized later, for example by an applicant who was not accepted into the race, in order to gain entry.

Finally, any applicant who utilizes this offer to enter the race must take advantage of this opportunity during the current year. If he or she is unable to race this year for some reason, entry will NOT be guaranteed in a later year.

2027 Application

The 2027 Badwater 135 Ultramarathon application will be available from January 2 through January 20, 2027 ONLY!

NOTE: If you are racing Brazil 135,  HURT 100, or Long Haul 100 this year – or any other relevant race held before January 20 – please wait until after completing that race before submitting your Badwater 135 application. (Once your application is submitted to us, no changes or additions may be made.)

Legal & Bureaucratic

General Race Rules

1. The two divisions are men’s and women’s. The Competitor to arrive at the finish line in each division with the lowest overall time, based on their starting time, is the winner.
2. Starting waves are assigned by the race director.
3. The race begins in three waves at 2000, 2100, and 2200. Competitors must check in at the start line, ready to race, 30 minutes prior to their start time.
4. The race number bib must be worn by the Competitor on the front of the body, unmodified, unfolded, and always visible. It may not be worn on the head or hat. Pacer Bib numbers must be worn similarly.
5. Competitors must follow the official race route.
6. The clock does not stop for any reason until the race course officially closes 45 hours after each wave start time.
7. Competitors must make their presence known at all Time Checkpoints.
8. Nighttime is defined as 1900 to 0700.
9. Competitors must proceed beyond the following locations within these time limits:
   • Mile 50.8 (2000′ Elevation Sign, 8.6 miles beyond Stovepipe Wells): All Competitors must pass by 1000, Tuesday morning.
   • Mile 72.8 (Panamint Springs Resort): All Competitors must pass by 1900, Tuesday evening.
   • Mile 90.7 (Darwin Turn-Off): All Competitors must pass by 0330, Wednesday morning.
   • Beyond the Darwin Checkpoint, if it becomes clear that a Competitor will not be able to finish the race officially within the 45-hour time limit, that Competitor may be forced to withdraw from the race prior to the actual conclusion of the 45 hours.
   • Mile 122.8 (Lone Pine Dow Villa Motel): All Competitors must pass within 40 hours, based upon individual start time.
10. Competitors who miss specified time cut-offs along the course, or who are otherwise disqualified, must withdraw from the race course along with their support crews; they may not continue “unofficially” such as after removing the bib number.
11. Running must always be single file, on the far left side of the road or off the left side of the road, facing traffic (Pacers, too). Pass other Competitors quickly.
12. Competitors must progress under their own power without helping, pushing, supporting, or any other type of physical assistance from their crew or other Competitors.
13. Drafting is allowed, provided both (or all) runners are willing.
14. Trekking / walking poles and the like are not allowed.
15. Do not litter, mar, or pollute the landscape or environment.
16. Always display courtesy, good taste, decorum, and sportsmanship.
17. Nudity is not allowed.
18. The two winners of the race must attend and participate in the post-race pizza banquet; failure to attend will result in disqualification.

Support Crew Organization

1. The names and email addresses of the Crew Chief and all support crew members must be provided at least 60 days before the race.
2. Crew Chiefs must study all race rules and information about supporting a Competitor and organizing and overseeing a support team, as well as study all email correspondence sent by the race organizers. Crew Chiefs are primarily responsible for managing the support crew, maintaining adherence to all race rules, state and local laws, and common sense, as well as overseeing the health and safety of all crew members and the Competitor.
3. All crew members must study all race rules and information about supporting a Competitor and organizing a support team, as well as study all email correspondence sent by the race organizers.
4. Competitors are strongly encouraged to bring a nurse, EMT, MD or other medical professional on his or her support team.
5. Competitors are strongly encouraged to bring at least one crew member with Badwater 135 experience.
6. Support Vehicle Drivers must be fully licensed.
7. Competitors and all their SupportTeammust view the Online Pre-Race Meeting held prior to the in-person events in Lone Pine. (A code will be given out during the online meeting to prove it was viewed.)
8. Competitors and all Crew Chiefs must attend Competitor Check-In and the Pre-Race Meeting in Lone Pine, while all crew members are encouraged to attend both events.

Competitor Check-In / Mandatory Gear

1. Competitors must pay the Death Valley National Park Entrance Fee for their support vehicle or provide proof of an NPS annual pass. (This is most easily doneprior to the race by paying online at Recreation.gov.) Proof must be brought to Competitor Check-In.
2. A minimum of two running-style reflective vests – which will be worn and utilized by the Competitor and Pacer (if a Pacer is used) during nighttime periods – and a minimum of 10-14 blinking lights for all Competitors, Pacers, and crew members to wear at night.
3. One OSHA Class 3 reflectivity garment for each crew member to wear at all times. See point 7 under “Support Crew & Assistance” below.
4. A minimum of eight personal portable toilet products such as theBiffy Bag for whenever toilets are not available. (Ziplock bags or dog poop bags are NOT acceptable.) Such products must be used discreetly and must be disposed of properly after use. Public and/or unsanitary defecation by Competitors or crew members will result in disqualification of the Competitor.
5. All Competitors must bring one U.S. dollar (or more) in a sealed envelope to Competitor Check-In. Please write the Competitor number on the envelope. This envelope will not be returned, and the money will be donated to charity.

Support Crew, Assistance, and Gear / Clothing

1. All vehicle drivers must be fully licensed.
2. All vehicles must meet the minimum requirements of property damage and personal injury liability automobile insurance for the State of California.
3. Each Competitor must be accompanied by their own support crew comprised of no more than one four-wheeled motor vehicle and two to four crew members – at least two of whom are legally licensed to drive and at least one of whom can speak English – at all times. (Crew and support vehicles may not be shared, except informally in the spirit of the event, i.e., crews may lend assistance to other Competitors or crews. Exceptions may be made for married couples or others who have a history of racing together and would like to race with one shared crew. Please inquire.)
4. Race Competitors may have no more than one support vehicle and no more than four crew members in total on the race course. A secondary vehicle may not be used to shuttle crew members or supplies to and from the Competitor.
5. The minimum age to be on a Badwater 135 support crew – or to ride in a support vehicle – is 15, with these additional conditions: a) Any crew member under the age of 18 (a “minor”) must have ultramarathon crewing experience, which must be submitted at least 60 days ahead of the race for consideration by the race organizers. b) The support crew must also include at least two adults who are licensed to drive. c) The parent or legal guardian of the minor crew member must also be on the support crew or be the runner for whom they are crewing. d) The parent or legal guardian of the minor must sign the event waiver on behalf of the minor.
6. Family, friends, sponsors, and associates of Competitors may only be present in Lone Pine and the finish line; they may not be present or drive on the race course except between Lone Pine and the finish line and that drive must be made without stopping.
7. ALL support crew members (except those actively pacing their Competitor) must always wear OSHA Class 3 high-visibility / reflectivity clothing. These regulations may ONLY be met by wearing the special garments developed by ZZYXXZ in collaboration with BADWATER and which can be pre-ordered for pick-up at Competitor Check-In, OR by wearing certified OSHA Class 3 shirts. Please note: Class 3 garments have sleeves with reflective stripes, while Class 2 garments do not have sleeves with stripes (and thus are not allowed.) Also note: Running-type reflective vests, such as those by Nathan Sports, do NOT meet OSHA Class 3 requirements.
8. Competitors and Pacers may dress as they choose during daylight.
9. At night, Competitors and Pacers must wear 360-degree reflectivity (such as reflective running vests) and front and rear blinky lights. Competitors and Pacers are not required to wear the specific OSHA Class 3 garments that are required for all crew members, although they are highly recommended for Competitors and Pacers, too.
10. In addition to the requisite reflective garments, all crew members, Pacers, and Competitors must wear front and rear blinky lights whenever they are outside of a motor vehicle during nighttime.
11. High-tech “cooling vests,” “cooling hats or visors,” or other types of artificial / technological cooling systems may not be worn or utilized by Competitors while making forward progress. (Ice, wet towels, hand-held water sprayers or misters, modern fabrics, and similar are acceptable and are commonly used. What is not allowed are products or technology whose sole purpose is to keep the Competitor “artificially cool.”)
12. Competitors may not utilize an umbrella or shade cover while moving forward (other than a hat and clothing.
13. All shoes must be declared in advance during Competitor Check-In and all shoes worn by Competitors must have been widely commercially available at least 60 days prior to the race.
14. Any crew member running along – for more than few moments – with their Competitor is considered a Pacer and must wear the Pacer’s designated number bib.
15. If a Competitor is running with a Pacer, any additional crew members that are handing off supplies, or otherwise providing aid, must be off the roadway at all times (i.e. on the shoulder) and may not run along with the Competitor and Pacer for more than a few moments.
16. Pacers may not run in front of, even slightly, Competitors. (Pacers may run next to their Competitor briefly, when handing off supplies or spraying their Competitor, but only on the left side.)
17. No more than two crew members, including a Pacer if one is present, may be on the left side (Competitors’ side) of the highway at any given time. (See “Geography” section below for an exception.)
18. Wheeled conveyances such as in-line skates, skateboards, strollers, and bicycles are prohibited. Competitors accompanied by any such conveyance will be disqualified
19. Drones are illegal within Death Valley National Park boundaries, as well as at the finish line within the Inyo National Forest.

1. 

   This BADWATER ZZYXXZ t-shirt – short-sleeve, but with large reflective stripes on the sleeves – meets OSHA Class 3 reflectivity requirements for use during the event.

   

   This generic “highway safety vest” meets OSHA Class 2 Reflectivity Requirements but NOT Class 3, and therefore it is NOT acceptable for use by crew members during the event.

Support Vehicles: Signage, Driving, Parking, Crewing

1. The California Motor Vehicle Code, and all local, county, and/or federal laws, rules, and regulations must be respected at all times.
2. Drivers are reminded that phones must only be used in a hands-free manner, seat belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants at all times while moving, and it is illegal to drive on a highway while displaying emergency flashers.
3. Support vehicles may not be wider than 82″ in width (not including mirrors), or more than 84″ in height, per official manufacturer specifications. Minivans are most highly recommended, followed by medium sized SUVs. Oversize SUVs, extra large vans, large trucks, or other types of oversize vehicles are strongly discouraged (and usually not allowed.) Motorhomes, RVs, “SportsMobiles,” Sprinter Vans (and similar, such as the Ram ProMaster), 15-passenger vans, Cyber Trucks, and Hummers are specifically not allowed. Support vehicles may not pull trailers of any kind.  See the Ideal Support Vehicle and Set-Up blog post at Badwater.com for further information.)
4. All support vehicles must have highly visible signage on the back of the vehicle stating “CAUTION RUNNERS.” One-time use signs will be provided.
5. Sticky Competitor bib numbers will be provided to Competitors and must be displayed on all four sides of the support vehicle.
6. Sponsor / Charity names and graphics may not be placed on the front or back of support vehicles.
7. Vehicle windows may not be blocked or obstructed with any signage, paint, or similar.
8. Vehicle Decoration: Vehicles may not have any additional red or blue lights added to them which are visible while the vehicle is moving. (Red and blue lights are reserved for law enforcement and first responders.) Additionally, inflatable pool toys and other large decorative items may not be mounted to the roof of the vehicle.
9. Driving must be done at the speed of traffic, without slowing down to encourage, talk to, or aid any Competitor while moving. Handing of supplies from the vehicle is never allowed, nor is slowing down to speak with or to a Competitor or other person while moving. All assistance must be provided by pedestrian crew members.
10. Vehicles must “leapfrog” the Competitor at all times. Each “leapfrog” should generally be about two miles in length, perhaps less on mountain ascents. Competitors may never be “shadowed” (driving a vehicle at the Competitor’s speed.) Driving must never be slow or at the speed of any Competitor.
11. All support vehicles must have their headlights on while driving, 24 hours a day.
12. While stopped or parked off the road, support vehicles must have their headlights turned off and emergency flashers turned on.
13. Vehicles must be parked completely off the road surface whenever they are stopped (with all four tires to the right of the white line).
14. Many areas of the route have very little shoulder for parking so care must be taken in choosing stopping places. When stopping/parking, vehicles may not stop on the left side of the road, except in parking lots or exceptionally large pullouts.
15. The doors on the left side of the vehicle must never be opened into the roadway. All exiting of the vehicle by active crew members must be from the right side of the vehicle; drivers may exit from left but only if space allows for them to do so without their door opening into the roadway.
16. Crew members must not stand on the left side of a parked vehicle (between the road and the vehicle.)
17. Support vehicles must not park across from other parked vehicles on the other side of the road (50 meters in either direction), to avoid bottlenecking the roadway.
    

    This is an example of the custom sign you can order through an LA-based sign shop, which we will deliver to you at Competitor Check-In. These signs are OPTIONAL!  Click here for the Signage Order Form.

Geography-Specific Rules: Harmony Curves & Father Crowley Ascent

1. Competitors may not be accompanied by Pacers until Mile 42 at the Stovepipe Wells time checkpoint. Exceptions: Competitors 65 or older may utilize a Pacer from Mile 3.5 (Natural Bridge turn-off.) Blind Competitors may utilize a Pacer / guide from the start line.
2. Support vehicles may not stop during the one-mile stretch beginning at Mile 19.1 (Harmony Borax Works) while Competitors run through the “Harmony Curves” section of Hwy 190. Each support vehicle should wait at Mile 19.1 long enough to allow the Competitor to cover the next, mostly uphill mile, and then drive ahead to Mile 20.1.
3. On the Father Crowley climb (the 1miles from Panamint Springs Resort at Mile 72.8 to unmarked “Panamint Pass” at Mile 84.9), support vehicles may only stop at the EIGHT designated locations along the route. These are identified in the route book and with signage along the roadway.Along with race staff, this will be monitored by National Park Service staff who have the authority to disqualify Competitors. See Badwater.com for details and photos. (More details and photos about the Father Crowley parking zones.)
4. Crew members, other than Pacers, may never cross the roadway during the 12.1-mile Father Crowley climb from Panamint Springs Resort at Mile 72.8 to unmarked “Panamint Pass” at Mile 84.9. Also, each Competitor or Pacer is strongly encouraged to carry a walkie-talkie for communicating with the support crew during this stretch of the race route (and elsewhere on the route.)

Medical and Safety

1. At all times and in all situations, the top priority is the safety for all road users: Competitors, crew, staff, all other road users, and the general public.
2. Be vigilant: The roads are not closed for this event and may be quite busy with tourist and local traffic.
3. Competitors are responsible for both their own actions and their crew’s actions; crews are responsible for both their own actions and their Competitor’s actions.
4. Always look and listen both ways before crossing highways. Remember that drivers will not expect to encounter a Competitor or parked vehicle out on the course.
5. Competitors should not cross over the highway more than necessary; crew should cross the highway carefully to bring assistance to their Competitor – except on the Father Crowley climb as noted in the “Geography” section – rather than the Competitor crossing to the crew / vehicle. Dangerous crossing of, or behavior on, the roadway will not be tolerated.
6. Participants may wear earphones, with vigilance, but those that mount outside the ears are recommended.
7. All competitors and crew must study “Medical Risks in the Badwater Ultramarathon,” “Dangers of Running in the Heat,” and “The Dangers of Hot Weather Running.”
8. I.V.s (intravenous fluids) are not permitted during the race. If a Competitor receives an I.V. during the race, for any reason, then that Competitor is disqualified and must withdraw from the race.
9. Competitors and crew members may not use illegal drugs, stimulants, or dope, as well as alcohol of any kind, during the race or at any official race events or activities.

Following the Route, “Staking Out,” Withdrawing

1. The entire course must be traveled by each Competitor. In the event of a routing error (e.g., wrong turn), the Competitor may be driven back to the exact original spot where he/she left the course and continue running from that location. There will be no allowance made for lost time or miles run in the wrong direction.
2. “Staking Out”: If a Competitor needs to move up or down the course via motor vehicle for medical reasons, the support crew must mark the exact location by placing the provided numbered stake in the ground. (Put a blinky light and something bright on it to make it more visible.) The Competitor must then resume the race from the same place that he/she left it. Competitors may only leave or otherwise drive up or down the course via motor vehicle for medical attention, NOT simply to rest. This must be reported as soon as possible to Race Headquarters or the nearest time checkpoint. Competitors found in a moving motor vehicle will be disqualified unless they are en route to or from medical care. Focus must be kept on the speedy completion of the course.
3. If a Competitor withdraws, he/she or his/her crew must contact Race Headquarters or a Time Checkpoint immediately. Name, bib #, reason for withdrawal, time of withdrawal, and miles completed must be stated.
4. All Competitors and crews who withdraw from the race are encouraged to come to the finish line and the post-race party to greet and celebrate with their fellow Competitors and crews.
5. All Emergency Medicine and/or Emergency Evacuation costs for Competitors, crew members, or staff will be borne by that person or their heirs. The race organizers are in no way liable or responsible for medical care, nor responsible for emergency evacuation.

Awards

1. All Competitors will receive a Badwater bag containing Badwater 135 race t-shirt, hat, magazine, and  other Badwater items and products from the race sponsors, as well as entry into the post-race party for the Competitor and up to four crew members.
2. All Competitors who officially complete the event within 45 hours will receive a Badwater 135 Finisher t-shirt and commemorative Badwater 135 buckle.

Rule Enforcement and Penalties

1. Race rules are designed to provide a safe and fair experience for everyone and to help ensure our ability to produce the race again next year.
2. Major rule infractions by Competitors or their crew, especially those regarding “cheating,” will result in immediate disqualification of the Competitor.
3. Other, lesser offenses will result in the following cumulative time penalties:
   • A WARNING may be issued, depending on the nature of the infraction, at the discretion of the race official (A “slash” will be marked on the Competitor’s bib.)
   • First Penalty: 15 minutes in a few circumstances, but One Hour in most cases. (“X” will be marked on the competitor’s bib.)
   • Second Penalty: Disqualification
4. Time penalties are imposed by the penalized Competitor stopping at the Time Checkpoint in Lone Pine to serve his/her time penalty while the race clock continues. Failure to stop and serve a mandatory time penalty will result in disqualification.
5. The Race Director has the authority, at any time, to overrule any rule or invent a new rule based on extenuating, unforeseen, and/or unusual circumstances and/or to maintain the integrity and fair play necessary for the successful completion, and continuation, of the race. The Race Director has ultimate authority regarding all rules, their interpretation, and their enforcement. There is no “appeals committee” nor an “appeals process.” All Competitors in the race, and their support crews, willingly acknowledge this fact, as well as all other race rules, by attending the race in any capacity.
6. In all cases and circumstances, it is the intent, and spirit, of the rules which will govern their implementation and enforcement.

Finally

• Have fun and keep smiling! Remember, you chose to be here!