The BADWATER® ultra running experience returns to the Anza-Borrego Desert and Palomar Mountain when the eleventh BADWATER SALTON SEA race takes place on April 27-28, 2024.

This remarkable event challenges teams of two or three ultrarunners – running together as duos or trios for the duration, NOT in a relay – to tackle an unimaginable traverse of Southern California deserts and mountains. The  route covers 81 miles (130km) from Salton City (elevation 234 feet / 71m below sea level) to Palomar Mountain, the almost tallest mountain in San Diego County (elevation 5500 feet / 1676m.)* Eight of the 81 race miles pass through Anza-Borrego State Park on a single track trail from Borrego Springs to Ranchita, creating a race route which is a mix of road and trail. There is a total elevation gain of over 9000 feet (2740m).

The ten previous editions were received with wide acclaim. The eleventh edition – with a limit of 100 runners – is scheduled for April 27-28 (Saturday-Sunday), 2024.

• Although we anticipate using the same route each year, the final, exact route is subject to approval from various government agencies and may not be fully confirmed until the week of the race. This event is held subject to special use permits from the County of Imperial, County of San Diego, California State Parks, and California Department of Transportation.

2023 links: 2023 Magazine / 2023 Results / 2023 Roster / 2023 Webcast Page