Badwater 135: 135 Miles of Curiosity

Inside Ben Burch’s Pursuit of Badwater 135 — Where Extreme Endurance Meets Quiet Discipline

Badwater 135 doesn’t announce itself loudly. There are no grand stadiums or predictable narratives. Just a strip of road cutting through Death Valley. Here, temperatures climb beyond what most would consider reasonable. Each year, a small group of athletes lines up for one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world.

Ben didn’t arrive here by accident. By day, he builds technology. By night—and in the margins of everything else—he trains for Badwater 135. As OneTrack Club’s CTO and an athlete within the programme, he occupies a rare intersection: both architect and subject of performance. What draws someone to 135 miles in that environment isn’t bravado. It’s something quieter—curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to explore the edges of what might be possible.

What is Badwater 135 Really Like? What Makes It Such an Iconic Event in Ultra Running?

Badwater 135 is a 135-mile race in the USA. It starts at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, which is below sea level, and finishes at the trailhead of Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous USA. Runners pass over two mountain ranges along the way. The air temperature regularly exceeds 50°C, and the tarmac temperature is significantly higher. It’s a race of extremes.

There are longer races, but the combination of distance, heat, and remoteness means it’s widely regarded as the toughest footrace in the world. What makes it iconic? Aside from the distance and the heat, it encapsulates the very essence of ultra running. To race it—to even get to the start line—you have to embody a unique mindset and training approach. That adds to the allure.

The Acceptance Email: A Personal Triumph

Only around 100 runners are selected each year. What did it mean to you personally to get the acceptance email?

I was surprised, then a little scared, and now mainly excited. It’s a written application, and this year the results were delayed due to “unprecedented demand.” I wasn’t confident. I was watching the live feed with my two eldest children. The names are read out one by one, in random order. Watching their reaction as the 95th name was read out told the story. Basil, my son, was elated—beaming from ear to ear. He couldn’t contain his excitement and pride. Delilah, my daughter, yelped with excitement and then instantly reacted with fear and nerves—for me, for herself, for everyone who would be involved. Their reactions captured all of my emotions. I feel very honoured to have been selected. I also feel a responsibility to prepare to the best of my ability—many people entered and didn’t get in.

The Draw of Badwater: A Personal Connection

Why Badwater? What is it about this particular race that drew you in?

I read about it years ago—I can’t remember when. It just sounded absurd and crazy. I’m not sure I even ran much back then. The seed was sown. I guess it was a mixture of stubbornness and curiosity—“can I do that?”

Evolving Perspectives on Extreme Endurance

Many runners see Badwater as one of the hardest races in the world. Was it always on your radar, or did the idea evolve over time?

Yes and no. I’m not very good at looking back, so my memory often blends with my internal narrative. I’d say I was aware of it early on, but if I’m honest, my first 100km probably put it in the “that’s not possible for me” category. So yes, I was aware—but it didn’t feel real at that point.

The Appeal of Extreme Endurance

What is it about extreme endurance that appeals to you?

I used to row—Oxford and GB. If you want insight into the mindset of endurance, speak to elite rowers. Part of the training is on the erg (rowing machine). You sit there at your limit for hours, staring at a screen of numbers. You can’t hide for a single stroke. Your mind becomes tough—very good at suffering. Perhaps I’m addicted to that. That mental toughness isn’t universal. I still have plenty of insecurities and obstacles to overcome.

I believe we can only climb the mountain in front of us. That looks different for everyone, and it changes day to day. Badwater, and endurance more broadly, is a test of that. It’s not just about the race. It becomes a framework for living. You can’t turn up on race day without preparation (well, you could… please don’t). That mindset has to become part of your everyday life. It’s in that pursuit that you find better alignment with what actually matters. It’s a perspective that challenges a common assumption — that endurance is simply about suffering.

Technology and Human Performance: A Complex Relationship

You spend your professional life building technology. Does that influence the way you think about human performance and limits?

Technology has a mixed relationship with performance and limits. On one hand, it’s clearly helped. We know far more about how to train, what works, and how to monitor progress. Information spreads quickly—you can discover races anywhere and read about people doing incredible things. That can be inspiring.

But I’m not sure it all helps. Plenty of people see others and feel inadequate. “Comparison is the thief of joy” has never been more true. Have those technology-driven comparisons stopped some people from reaching their limits? Possibly. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile at Iffley Road. I’d say the fallible, imperfect human was the overriding force there. Technology should support—it shouldn’t lead. Used wisely, it can push people beyond limits. But ultimately, it’s still the human making the decision—not just in the moment, but in every training session. There’s no app for that.

The Human Element: Why Do We Race?

What do you think draws people to events like Badwater — suffering, curiosity, or something else?

I’d hope it’s curiosity more than suffering. Curiosity and wonder are deeply human—they’ve driven discovery throughout history. With fewer places left to physically “discover,” perhaps people turn inward, exploring the limits of human spirit instead. That’s what draws people to races like Badwater.

The Reality of Racing in Extreme Conditions

Running 135 miles through Death Valley in summer sounds almost unreal. What are the conditions actually like?

Hot. Jamaal, a friend who raced last year, described a “mild” year where temperatures only reached 46°C. Mild. It’s extreme. High temperatures during the day, cold at night and at altitude. Strong winds, hot air, sand, dust storms. No shade—just direct sunlight. You can burn your feet. The tarmac gets that hot. People talk about shoes melting.

I’m not sure I’m enjoying writing this—can we ask a different question?

The Mental Battle: What Will Be the Hardest Part?

What do you think will be the hardest part — the distance, the heat, the sleep deprivation, or the mental battle?

It’s always the mental battle. That’s everything. The heat, the distance, the elevation—they’re all inputs. But that’s all they are. I decide what to do with the next mile, or even the next 50 metres. It’s those decisions, repeated over 135 miles, that define the race.

At the end of the day, it’s the internal dialogue that decides everything. You can talk yourself into quitting or finishing—and it starts with a single thought. That dialogue is real. Be very aware of it. You don’t want it to become a battle. It’s these moment-to-moment decisions that ultimately define race day.

Facing the Course: Apprehensions and Expectations

Is there a particular section of the course you’re most apprehensive about?

The first half. It’s all metaphorically downhill from there. You can study the course, read about it, talk to people—and that’s all useful. But it’s more important to deal with what’s actually in front of you. Yes, I’ll tick off the major climbs and milestones. But if you expect one section to be the hardest, it probably won’t be—the next one will catch you out.

“This moment will pass” is a vital mantra in ultras. It applies to the bad patches, but perhaps more importantly to the good ones too. Above all, you have to remember—you chose to do this. That can reframe a lot in the darker moments.

Preparing for the Challenge: Training Insights

How do you even begin to prepare for something like this?

Just wing it. Joking. You train your body, and you train your mind. Fletch (OneTrack Club co-founder & Sports Scientist) looks after my training programme—we talk a lot about where to push and where I feel weaknesses. The mental side is my responsibility. I visualise scenarios on long runs. I also make day-to-day decisions with my “Badwater hat” on—from what I eat to whether I go to bed or press “next episode.” It’s the cumulative impact of those small decisions that gets you to the start line ready.

Training for Badwater: What Sets It Apart?

What does training for Badwater look like compared to a “normal” ultra?

More of the same. There’s a misconception that it requires something completely different. It doesn’t. That’s the point of the qualification process—it proves, as much as possible, that you’re capable. So we’ll keep doing what works. We’ll just add some heat training.

Preparing for Heat: Alternatives to Traditional Training

Without being able to deliberately train in heat (UK!), are there other ways to prepare for those conditions?

I’m trying to convince Fletch to approve a training camp—my family might listen to him more than me. Realistically, it’s a bit more Rocky-esque. I’ve got a treadmill, three fan heaters, and a small room. That’s my Death Valley.

Juggling Life: Balancing Training and Responsibilities

How do you balance preparing for a race like this with work and life?

Balance? I don’t think you balance—I think you juggle. If the output is somewhere close to equilibrium, you’ve done well—but the pendulum swings. People often ask Olympic athletes how they find balance. You don’t win gold with balance as your primary goal. That doesn’t mean being selfish all the time, but there are compromises. One thing you can’t do is waste time. If we’re honest, most of us do. I have to reclaim that time and use it properly.

I don’t have a formula. I’m very aware that taking on something like this can be seen as selfish—it is, in part. To offset that, I try to do more elsewhere. I hope my kids see something valuable in that—that they’re inspired to take on challenges themselves.

The Importance of a Support Crew

Badwater famously requires a support crew. Who’s on your team?

Rach — Rachel Mitchell. Pivotal to this campaign and running things back home, as she can’t travel to the US. Co-founder of the charity we’re supporting and someone I’ve worked with for years. The kind of friend everyone hopes to have.

Brad — James Bradley, crew chief. I met Brad through my brother. He’s done plenty of ultras, is incredibly selfless, and exactly the person you want in your corner.

Rich — Richard Malcolm. Introduced by Rach a few years ago. He once turned up in the middle of the night during an ultra to support me. Loyal, dependable—and he can move when needed.

Fletch — Anthony Fletcher. My coach, of OneTrack fame. We’ve worked together for a couple of years. He’s taken me from a determined runner to an athlete on the Badwater start line.

TBC — One more spot to confirm.

The Role of the Crew: More Than Just Support

What role does the crew actually play during the race?

They’re everything—your safety, your support, your lifeline, your cheerleaders. There are no aid stations—only timing gates. Everything you need comes from your crew: fluids, ice, food, even running alongside you with a water sprayer. They leapfrog you for 135 miles by car—which is a challenge in itself. Choosing the right people matters. It’s important to me that they have a great experience too.

Planning Logistics: A Major Undertaking

Have you started planning logistics yet — or is that a whole project in itself?

It’s huge. Flights are booked and hotels reserved—there aren’t many in Death Valley. The rest is still to come. It’s expensive and complex. Rach and I are looking at corporate sponsors to help cover crew costs, alongside a fundraising campaign for the charity. Know anyone?

Data vs. Intuition: Finding the Right Balance

As someone who builds technology for runners, how do you think about the relationship between data and intuition in an event like this?

Some data will be useful—weight loss, fluid intake, core temperature. I won’t be looking at pace or heart rate during the race. My crew might. You can’t race something like this purely by numbers. Data is an input—but not the only one. How I feel, how I communicate with the crew—it all matters. Afterwards is different. I’m sure someone will analyse the Strava file. Having Fletch there adds another layer of insight in real time. But ultimately, it still comes down to putting one foot in front of the other.

Technology in the Race: Listening to Your Body

Are you planning to use much tech during the race, or does it become more about listening to the body?

Some. I’ll have a watch, heart rate strap, core temperature, and hydration monitors—but not necessarily for the entire race. After enough miles, a heart rate strap can rub through wet skin. That becomes a bigger problem than missing data.

Mental Preparation: Training for the Impossible

In a race this long, there will almost certainly be moments where things feel impossible. How do you prepare mentally for that?

You ask yourself those questions in training—frequently. You can’t just hope to deal with problems. You have to train that response. I do it in big and small ways. Cold showers are a simple example—I still hesitate before stepping in. You don’t need cold showers, but you do need to make hard decisions. Long runs, hard sessions—whatever it is, remind yourself why. This is the Badwater way. You stack those moments. You build a reservoir. You never know when you’ll need it—but it’s better to have it full.

The Significance of Finishing Badwater

What would finishing Badwater represent for you personally?

A goal accomplished is just that. You train to get there, and you expect to achieve it—not arrogantly, but with belief. There will be euphoria, and then pain. What concerns me more is the vacuum afterwards. This has been a long-term goal, and achieving it will leave a gap. I’m more aware of that now than I would have been when I was younger. There will be pride, of course—but also a question of what comes next.

Encouragement for Aspiring Runners

If someone reading this is tempted by the idea of pushing their limits — even if it’s just their first marathon — what would you say to them?

Whatever is stopping you isn’t real. It’s a story—something you or someone else has told you. That story might be deeply rooted, but it’s still just a story. I often come back to the phrase “mood follows action.” It’s true. You won’t think your way into running a 5km or a marathon—you have to act. Do something now. Don’t hesitate. Don’t procrastinate. Close your phone and start. What are you waiting for? Yeah—thought so. Off you go.

For all its mythology, Badwater is not decided in Death Valley. It is shaped in smaller, less visible moments—the early nights, the repeated decisions, the quiet accumulation of effort over time. The race simply reveals what has already been built.

Ben speaks about endurance not as an event, but as a framework: something that extends beyond running and into the way you choose to live. Whether the goal is 135 miles or a first 5km, the principle holds. The work is rarely glamorous, and the outcome is never guaranteed—but the invitation is always the same: start, and see where it leads.

Follow Ben's journey at: *https://www.myjourneytobadwater.com/

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Badwater 135 is widely considered one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, taking runners 135 miles through Death Valley in extreme heat.

But the process behind it applies at every level of running.

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