It’s difficult to overstate the intensity of the Badwater 135. Billed as “the world’s toughest foot race,” this ultramarathon takes runners through California’s Death Valley — the hottest region on the planet — in the middle of summer. If that wasn’t enough, the course also ascends from the lowest point in North America to the lower ridges of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states.
Finishing this race within the allotted 48 hours is a massive undertaking for any athlete of any age. Runners must overcome temperatures above 120 degrees, as well as the swollen feet, bloody blisters, and hallucinations that often define endurance events.
So, it’s more than a little impressive that an 80-year-old man just became the oldest person to pull off the epic endeavor this week.
Bob Becker, a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., stunned the competition by finishing the race about 3 hours before the 48-hour time limit. He was one of 93 people to complete the course this year — and that includes many other finishers past middle age.
At least a dozen racers in their 60s completed the course, as well as one man in his 70s.
Above that — there’s just Bob.
The octogenarian had attempted the Badlands 135 race 3 years ago, at age 77, but he wasn’t able to finish in under 48 hours. Asked how he was able to come back even stronger, Becker had a simple response: “I had a score to settle.”
A Viral Comeback Story
Hiking or running through triple-digit temperatures isn’t just difficult, it’s a life-threatening activity. As the U.S. sees another summer of record-breaking temperatures, some hikers and marathon runners have already perished after embarking on trails or races amid soaring heat.
That’s why the Badlands 135 includes many aid stations to cool down runners as they continue their race through the desert. The fastest finisher this year was Norwegian runner Simen Holvik, who crushed the course in about 21 hours, 48 minutes — only about 15 minutes under the current Badwater record-holder, Japan’s Yoshihiko Ishikawa.
Holvik’s time is about half of what Becker needed to cross the finish line.
Becker, who turned 80 in April, has been running ultramarathons for 20 years. He became a full-time race director in 2008, when he founded the Key West 100, an ultramarathon stretching from Key Largo to Key West.
He has also competed in the Badwater 135 four previous times — he just never finished within the allotted 48 hours. In his previous attempt in 2022, a video of him limping through the route’s final stage went viral.
Folded over, and sometimes crab-walking on all fours, he reached the finish line with the help of his crew, their arms intertwined with his own. Once seated, he thanks the cheering crowd, and then takes a swig from a Corona.
Three years older, he returned this July for the rematch.
Becker Credits Badwater Crew
In a post-race interview, a surprisingly alert Becker acknowledged the Badlands crew who made his achievement possible, especially the team that helped him train for the race.
“It was just the most amazing crew I’ve ever had in 20 years of doing this stuff,” Becker said. “It was fabulous and I’m just so glad I was able to make the finish line this time.”
He credited his crew, which included Lisa Smith-Batchen, a veteran ultrarunner who also specializes in training athletes “of all levels and abilities,” according to her website. Other members of his crew included legendary endurance athlete Marshall Ulrich and ultrarunner Will Litwin.
On Friday, GearJunkie spoke with Smith-Batchen, who said she was grateful to be “Bob’s friend, mentor and coach for 20 years.”
During their training for the race, Becker took online fitness classes to help improve his strength and core. Smith-Batchen also taught him how to maintain the “right amount of calories, salt, and proper fueling because it’s darn tough in the extreme heat.”
She called the race “Bob’s Mount Everest,” and said he has trained for 20 years to reach this point.
“I’m over the moon with such gratitude, joy, and deep love that Bob trusted me. This is a big responsibility,” she said. “Bob is younger at 80 than he was at 77 three years ago. You can be younger by tomorrow if you trust and do the work!”
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