Badwater 135: Will You Get In?

There’s a question we’re asked all the time and it goes like this:

“I’ve done X, Y, and Z races. Will I get into Badwater 135 next year?”

EVERYBODY who sends us that email receives the same reply, and here it is:

Thanks for writing and for your interest in the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon. We really appreciate your enthusiasm, however we have a policy of not “giving odds” on the likelihood of being accepted to race.

Every year we receive a greater number of applications than the year before, despite the fact that we routinely raise the minimum qualifying standard required to apply. The system is clearly explained on the website for all to see and review. In other words, we don’t give “secret tips” to people who take the time to email us for more information.

We will say that It’s a good idea to plan a few years in advance for this race, not only to prepare yourself mentally and physically, but also to line up the qualifications and experiences that will give you a good chance at being invited to compete.

Additionally, we encourage all prospective Badwater 135 applicants to do the following:

1. Very carefully study the minimum qualifying standards to apply, as outlined on this website, and which are occasionally refined or redefined (including for 2026, allowing one 24-hour with 135 miles or more, as well as one Backyard Ultra with 137 miles or more as equivalent to traditional 100+ miles ultras.) Be sure to take special note of Section C: Preferred Qualifying Races as veterans of those specific events are among the most likely to be selected for Badwater 135.

2. Compete in, and successfully complete, other official Badwater® races, especially Badwater Salton Sea*, but also Badwater Cape Fear. They all provide an authentic Badwater® experience: They are held in fantastic, beautiful, little-known locations; they offer an extremely challenging, iconic route; they are produced with a world-class attention to detail and provide an intimate, personal experience for every participant. They also help you get to know the world of Badwater, and connect with Badwater veterans and fellow Badwater 135 aspirants.

*Badwater Salton Sea is sometimes referred to as the “Mini Badwater 135,” due to its low-to-high route from below seal level, crossing the Anza-Borrego Desert, and ascending two mountains before finishing atop Palomar Mountain. This is very similar to Badwater 135’s Death Valley to Mt. Whitney route, plus both events require a personal support team while traversing often inhospitable terrain. Badwater Salton Sea is also a Badwater 135 Preferred Qualifier, and, though it is 81 miles in length, it counts as a 100-mile qualifier.

3. Attend the Badwater 135 as a pacer / crew member. Not only would you be helping somebody complete the race, but you would learn a lot in the in process and also acquire another important component for any future Badwater 135 application. You can post your interest in the Badwater Official Enthusiasts group on Facebook. We encourage you to pay attention during the runner selection and announcement process – or check the roster when it is published – and look for anyone that you might know, live nearby, or have some sort of connection with, then contact them directly and see if you can join their crew. (Move quickly, most runners select their crew immediately in February when they are invited to compete.)

4. Consider the various avenues available for Badwater 135 Guaranteed Entry outlined on the Entry Tab of the Badwater 135 webpage. This includes the option of guaranteed entry via supporting one of our two Official Charities, as well as Titanium Ticket guaranteed entries for those who win certain selected races.

5. Do hard races! Tackle the toughest 100- to 175-mile ultras – again, note our Preferred Qualifiers – and have those bona fides ready to submit on your Badwater 135 application!

Also, if you aren’t accepted, do not despair, and do not take it personally! Keep adding to your qualifications and apply again next year! (2024 Badwater 135 champion Shaun Burke was not accepted five times before he was admitted in 2023, after all. Persistence pays off!)

Finally, we encourage you follow us on Instagram (@BadwaterHQ), on the Badwater 135 page on Facebook, and on Twitter (@Badwater), plus subscribe to our email newsletter so that you stay in the loop.

Thank you again for your inquiry. We hope to see you “out there” in the near future!