What is it like to run for 135 miles in lethal heat? This past year, 99 athletes voluntarily experienced it firsthand. The Badwater 135 ultramarathon takes place over the course of 48 hours, in Death Valley, where—with global warming—temperatures have reached as high as 130F in July. During the event’s 37 years, no runners have ever died, but it takes vigilance to maintain enough hydration to prevent organ failure, and hyponatremia has sent runners to the hospital. One runner in his ‘60s has completed this event every year for the past 18 years, becoming accustomed to unique aspects of the experience such as strong hallucinations: He once was lured to sit on a “comfortable couch” that beckoned him from the side of the road (in reality, a desert bush) and another time, enjoyed conversation and companionship from a fellow who skateboarded alongside him for hours (completely nonexistent.) Family members wax quizzical about what compels him to do this every year, but are there to support him along the way, and at the finish line.
Read article https://apnews.com/article/heat-death-valley-ultramarathon-bb343589c766b091667a22ca064761e2