Category: ultras & other races

Zabriskie Point, Death Valley (Wikipedia)    

46-year-old, Lisa Smith-Batchen is going for a second Badwater Double this year. She will start at Badwater, Death Valley, 280 feet below sea level, at 10:00 am on Monday, July 23. After completing the official 135 mile Badwater course she’ll summit Mt. Whitney, 14,491 feet. That makes for a total distance of 146 miles with cumulative elevation gain of more than 19,000 feet! Then she’ll turn around and do it all backwards, 146 miles, 19,000 feet down, and 4,700 feet up. I don’t know about you, but the return trip sounds more difficult to me. The older I get the more I prefer going up to going down. Lisa is raising money for the MPD Foundation this year. If you feel inclined to make a donation now or get inspired by her efforts during the Double you can donate online at firstgiving or by mail.

To follow the race check out the webcast on the Badwater website. There will also be updates about Lisa’s Double on her blog. I will be there helping with the race timing. If I get a chance I will post a photo and/or note here.