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From Vegas Heat to Death Valley Hell: 2 Runners Attempt Badwater 135
Two Las Vegas Runners Take on the World’s Toughest Foot Race
What is the Badwater 135?
Imagine running from the hottest place in North America all the way up to the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. That’s the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon — often called the world’s toughest foot race.
IMPORTANT RACE FACTS
- Distance: 135 miles (that’s more than 5 regular marathons back-to-back!)
- Route: Death Valley National Park → Mount Whitney trailhead
- Elevation gain: 14,600 feet (like climbing a massive mountain)
- Time limit: 45 hours straight
- Mountain ranges crossed: Three
- Participants this year: 98 athletes from 21 countries
Meet the Runners
Two Las Vegas locals are among the brave souls attempting this incredible challenge:
| Runner | Age | Experience | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edher Ruben Ramirez | 41 | First-time Badwater runner, but top finisher in other ultramarathons | Runs a locksmithing business — calls himself "The Key Guy" |
| Karla Kent | 63 | Veteran — has finished every Badwater since 2012 | Works as a dealer at Bellagio casino since 1998 |
Edher Ruben Ramirez: The Competitive Newcomer
How He Started Running Ultras
- Seven years ago: Friends jokingly signed up for a half marathon (13.1 miles)
- During that race: Heard about "ultramarathons" (races longer than 26.2 miles) for the first time
- Initial reaction: "That’s not even possible or healthy!"
- But… he couldn’t stop thinking about it
- First ultra: Ran a 50-mile race, then kept pushing further to find his limit
Recent Big Races (Just in the Last Year!)
- May 2025: Cocodona 250 (250 miles in Arizona) → 3rd place overall
- September 2025: The Mammoth (214 miles in Eastern Sierra) → 3rd place overall
- February 2025: 100-mile race
- After Badwater: Heading to Italy for Tor des Géants (330 km / ~205 miles)
His Training Secrets
- Not a pro runner — runs a family locksmith business
- Philosophy: "Mountain running has to be more fun than serious"
- Weekly long run: 3–4 hours (sometimes climbing Griffith Peak three times in one day!)
- Race crew: 4 people to support him
Nutrition Science
During the race, he aims to eat 100–120 grams of carbs EVERY HOUR through:
- Energy gels
- Drink powders
- Fresh fruit
- Salt tablets
- Boiled eggs
Race Strategy
"Stay with the front runners until mile 100, then go for it on the last 35 miles and see what I have left."
Karla Kent: The Badwater Veteran
Her Ultra Journey
- Started with a marathon near Las Vegas
- Saw 50-mile runners and thought: "Why would you do that? … I have to try"
- 2010: Crewed (helped) another runner at Badwater
- 2012: Qualified and ran her first Badwater
- Since then: Has run every single year — holds the women’s record for most finishes AND most consecutive finishes
Why She Keeps Coming Back
- Running = "way of life"
- Community: Met people worldwide, raced in New Zealand and Jordan with her daughter
- Balance: Her casino job pays bills but doesn’t give deep satisfaction like helping others through running does
- Goal: "Run until I can no longer make the cutoff"
Extreme Training
- Monthly races to stay sharp
- January 2025: Arrowhead 135 in Minnesota — pulled gear in a sled in -20°F temperatures!
- Pre-Badwater: 30-mile training run in Red Rock Canyon
Minimalist Race Approach
- No big support van — crew operates from her Prius
- Listens to her body instead of following strict schedule
- Favorite fuel: Chex Mix (yes, the snack mix!)
- Mindset: "Our bodies are amazing. You can condition yourself and adjust to a lot of things. It’s uncomfortable at the beginning, but if I only want to be comfortable, I wouldn’t be running ultras, right?"
How Ultramarathon Support Works (ELI5 Explanation)
What is a "Crew"?
Think of them like a pit crew in NASCAR, but for a runner. They:
- Drive ahead to meeting points
- Hand off food, water, dry clothes, shoes
- Check for blisters, exhaustion, heat issues
- Provide moral support ("You’ve got this!")
What is "Nutrition" in a Race?
Since you’re moving non-stop for 1–2+ days, you can’t eat normal meals. Runners consume:
- Carbs (quick energy): gels, drinks, fruit
- Electrolytes (salt): tablets, salty snacks — replace what you lose in sweat
- Protein (muscle repair): eggs, nuts, bars
- Goal: 200–300+ calories per hour
Summary
Two incredible Las Vegas runners are tackling the Badwater 135 — a 135-mile race through Death Valley’s extreme heat up to Mount Whitney’s base.
Edher Ramirez (41) is the fierce newcomer: a locksmith who’s quickly become a top ultra competitor, fueling with scientific precision and chasing the leaders.
Karla Kent (63) is the wise veteran: a casino dealer who’s finished every Badwater since 2012, running on Chex Mix, a Prius crew, and pure love for the community.
Both prove that ultramarathoning isn’t just for "superhumans" — it’s for anyone willing to embrace discomfort, find their "why," and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
FAQ
What exactly is an ultramarathon?
A: Any foot race longer than a standard marathon (26.2 miles). Common distances: 50K (31 mi), 50 mi, 100K (62 mi), 100 mi, and beyond (like 200+ miles!).
How do people run for 45 hours straight?
A: They don’t usually run continuously without stopping. They take short breaks at aid stations, walk steep hills, and sometimes nap for 10–20 minutes. But the clock never stops!
Why is Death Valley so dangerous for runners?
A: It’s the hottest place on Earth (record: 134°F / 56.7°C). Heat can cause heat stroke, severe dehydration, and organ failure. Runners need crews to spray them with water, provide ice, and monitor health constantly.
Do runners sleep during a 100+ mile race?
A: In shorter ultras (50–100 miles), most don’t sleep. In 200+ mile races, many take micro-naps (10–30 mins) at aid stations. At Badwater, the 45-hour cutoff means very little sleep — maybe 15 mins total.
Can "normal" people do this, or do you need special genetics?
A: Anyone can train for ultras! Both runners started "late" (40s and 50s) with no athletic background. It takes consistent training, smart pacing, mental toughness, and time — not superhuman genes. Start with a 5K, build slowly, and find your community!
