Extremely taxing 135-mile trek undertaken by a 66-year-old endurance runner in one of the world's sweltering locations
The grueling 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon, held annually in Death Valley National Park, California, is renowned as one of the world's most challenging races. This year, 66-year-old Danny Westergaard, a retired aerospace project manager, successfully completed the event in 45 hours and 29 minutes, making it his most special race due to having his daughters, Meagan and Madison, by his side[1].
The race, which starts at the lowest point below sea level in North America and ends at the trailhead of the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., takes place in July, when temperatures can soar into the 130s F (54.44s C)[2]. Global warming intensifies these extreme conditions, making the race even more arduous[2].
1. **The Impact of Global Warming** - **Rising Temperatures**: Global warming tends to increase average temperatures worldwide, including in Death Valley. During the Badwater 135, temperatures can reach over 35°C (95°F), making it an even greater challenge for participants[2]. - **Health Risks**: The primary health risk for participants is heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The extreme heat also increases the risk of dehydration, which can severely impact performance and health[2].
2. **Adapting to the Challenges** - **Training in Heat**: Runners often train in heat to acclimate their bodies to such conditions. However, the unpredictable nature of global warming means that even well-prepared athletes may face unexpected challenges[2]. - **Safety Measures**: The race organizers implement safety protocols, such as providing cool water, shade, and medical support along the route to mitigate health risks[2].
3. **The Mental and Physical Struggles** - **Hallucinations**: During the race, Westergaard experienced sleep deprivation and hallucinations, such as conversations with a skateboarding kid and a dog, people luring him to rest on couches that were actually bushes, and watching a man swing off the edge of the crescent moon[1]. - **Sleep Deprivation**: Westergaard also faced sleep deprivation during the second night of the race, which caused his hallucinations[1].
The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon is a testament to human endurance, and as global warming continues to impact the race, participants and organizers must adapt and prioritize safety measures to ensure the well-being of all competitors.
[1] ABC News. (2021, August 1). 66-Year-Old Man Completes Badwater Ultramarathon With Daughters by His Side. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/66-year-old-man-completes-badwater-ultramarathon-daughters-side/story?id=79602905
[2] National Geographic. (2019, July 23). The Extreme Heat of the Badwater Ultramarathon. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/the-extreme-heat-of-the-badwater-ultramarathon
- Despite the challenging conditions of the Badwater 135 in Seattle's heatwave, with temperatures reaching 95°F, 66-year-old Danny Westergaard successfully completed the race in records, attributing the success to his daughters' support.
- After retiring from aerospace project management, Westergaard continues to engage in health-and-wellness activities, demonstrating his dedication to environmental science, particularly fitness-and-exercise.
- As the impacts of climate-change become more severe and heatwaves like the one in Death Valley increase, competitive sports such as the Badwater 135 are facing unprecedented challenges.
- Running in extreme temperatures enforces environmental-science knowledge about the effects of climate-change on our bodies and surroundings, underlining the need for action to curb climate-change.
- The aging population and increasing interest in sports-based fitness have led to an increase in participation in events such as the Badwater 135, highlighting the importance of accessible health-and-wellness initiatives across all age groups.
- While the Badwater 135 showcases human stamina in the face of adversity, it also illustrates the complexity of dealing with climate-change and its impact on transportation, politics, and everyday life.
