135 Miles of Heat. One Mission: Connection.
Ben’s path from the country lanes around Bristol to the furnace of Death Valley – powering The Allegr Foundation every step.
What Is Badwater 135?
The world’s toughest footrace – 135 sun-blasted miles from the lowest point in North America to the slopes of Mt Whitney.
Badwater starts at 86 m below sea level in Death Valley, California, where summer ground temps hit 70 °C. Runners climb 4 400 m, fight fierce winds, and finish after crossing three mountain passes – all within a 48-hour cut-off. Only 100 athletes are accepted each year.
Not Everyone Gets In
Badwater isn’t pay-to-play – your entry is earned.
The selection committee looks for a resume of brutal ultras (I’ve now completed multiple 100-mile races and two 200 km Nove Colli finishes), proven sportsmanship, and a crew plan that keeps runner and desert safe.
First-time applicants are often declined – I’m sharing every step of the application to show the grit beyond the miles.
Why I’m Doing It
Personal limit-testing, yes – but also a louder megaphone for community.
Running Badwater will be my most extreme challenge to date, yet the real win is using its spotlight to fund The Allegr Foundation. Walk+Talk groups already help hundreds beat loneliness through shared movement; Badwater can accelerate new hubs nationwide.
I rarely fundraise for races, but when the thermometer reads 50 °C, it feels right to ask for help turning suffering into social good.
Featured
In this conversation, Ben and Fletch discuss the intricacies of preparing for ultra marathons, focusing on both physical training and the mental strategies necessary for success. They explore the importance of tapering, the psychological aspects of endurance running, and practical tips for race day. The discussion emphasises the need for mental resilience, the significance of preparation, and how to manage thoughts during long runs.