The Badwater Ultramarthon. The ultimate test of human endurance as runners embark on a 135 mile journey in extreme heat through Death Valley from Badwater to the portals of Mount Whitney. In order to participate in this event, each runner must submit a written application to the race directors and pray that their running resume is sufficient for admission. This book details the stories from 25 runner who participated in the 2003 race, which was one of the hottest races on record with temperatures topping out over 133 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only is this a grueling achievement for the runner, but for the running crew as well. The job of the crew is to make sure the runner has everything they need to keep moving. This job sounds almost as tough as running the race proper! The crew is constantly pacing, feeding, watering, medicating and facilitating wardrobe changes whenever needed. Sleeping is rarely part of the package.

One common thread of the runners in the 2003 Badwater race was how driven and goal-oriented each and every one of the participants were. This extends well beyond the race and into their professional personal lives as well. These stories are prime examples of how much focus is required for an individual to obtain a goals and how when you consciously choose to make something a priority you can accomplish just about anything. One complaint I have is that I wish the author would have followed less participants and gone a bit deeper. Many of the stories become redundant after a while, and I think more depth into the participants experiences or perhaps the history of the race could have helped with the monotony.

Final thoughts: Running Badwater will not be added to my bucket list. However, give this book a try if you are interested in learning a bit more about the Badwater race or the type of people who are willing to suffer through hell to meet their goals. ( )