The Badwater Ultramarathon describes itself as "the world's toughest foot race". It is a 135 mile (217 km) course starting at 282 feet (85 m) below sea level in the Badwater Basin, in California's Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8360 feet (2548 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney. It takes place annually in mid-July, when the weather conditions are most extreme and temperatures over 120 °F (49 °C), even in the shade, are not uncommon. Consequently, very few people—even among ultra marathoners—are capable of finishing this gruelling race.

On July 12th, 2010 David Walker, a North Shore man with many years of endurance sport but only a couple of years of ultramarathon experience has been invited by the Badwater race committee to compete in this years Badwater Ultramarathon. He also intends to use this international event to raise awareness and funds for burn prevention in New Zealand.

He will follow in the footsteps of only 3 other New Zealanders who have attempted and completed this race, Max Telford's trail blazing run in 1982, Kym McConnell's successful run in 2004 and more recently Lisa Tamati's New Zealand record runs in 2008 and 2009.

You will be able to see 'live' updates to the course map that will allow all website visitors to follow his run in real time through satellite tracking.

Have a look at How can you help? to see how you can support him in his endeavour to raise awareness for burn prevention in New Zealand and raise funds for vital equipment for the National Burn Centre at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. He would love individuals, businesses and schools to support him in this initiative. If you would like to help in any way, please email Dave at dw1@xtra.co.nz.

Thankyou for your interest.