Running on the Sun: The Badwater 135

As a former long distance runner, I was fascinated by this documentary about the Badwater race in Death Valley. It's billed as the most grueling race in the world. That's true since the temperature there gets up to 120 degrees. I admired what these runners were trying to do and was fascinated by the psychological aspects. Most of the runners of course never got to finish the race but those that did should be commended for their achievement. An excellent film.

Actually, most entrants DO finish. This film is a little misleading about certain things and this is one of them.

Here's another that had me wondering - the race was originally designed to run from the lowest point to the highest point in the continental US. They never said that because the race doesn't quite reach those goals any more. The last ten miles to the peak of Whitney is inside a park which doesn't allow racing. Thus, the original 145 became shorted to 135. That's why it appears to end in the middle of nowhere. Contests may go on to complete the 145 on their own. Hey - they're already half dead - what's another 10 miles uphill?

Nonetheless, it's a GREAT film. (Just don't try to eat anything while you're watching it.)

An unflinching examination of what is arguably the single most harrowing running event held annually in the United States, the Badwater 135. Do not expect a slick 35mm presentation with sweeping music and a Rocky-esque uplift. There is some rah-rahing but there are definitely some sad stories, too. This is a videotaped documentary-style look at Badwater, a 135 mile run held every July in Death Valley, when temps reach the 120s or higher. The cinematography is actually pretty good and benefits from the scenic desert and mountain locations. You will be witness to several graphic bouts of vomiting, the popping and draining of some truly heinous looking blisters, lots of dazed, limping athletes moaning in obvious (at times excruciating) pain. You'll also sit front and center with the dementia / disorientation which sets in on many athletes after they've stayed up far too long and pushed their bodies beyond the breaking point. While there is no one through line, there are many moving stories of the various maniacs who undertake this crazy run of more than five marathons. But do not be deceived; while many of these athletes' stories are highly inspirational and impressive, they are also frequently far from pretty.

If you're undeterred by the above, then this is a truly unique movie on the subject of pushing the human body and mind to its limits. The results are seemingly random; people you are sure won't finish do while others who seem strong drop out with less than ten miles to go. Still, the documentarian focuses more on the experience and the process rather than on "winners" and "losers." Anyone who has ever pushed themselves to their limits (most everyone on earth, really) will likely find inspiration from these courageous individuals. I'm still not sure I understand why some of these people undertake this event (a lot of time is spent at the end examining this central issue and the theme of pushing the body to its limits), but the drama and emotion of their efforts is real, and that is this movie's greatest strength.

Compared to these amazing athletes who run a 135-mile course from 283 feet below sea level to 8,300 feet above sea level, bearing 120 degree-plus heat, with no sleep and little or no solid food, every other athlete in sports seem to be wimps. For the first half of this film I was thinking these athletes are beyond crazy but then I began to understand. As one who loves running myself, I know the Zen of endurance and the bliss of reaching out beyond pain, so I can slightly imagine what the equivalent of over five marathons (!) must feel like. There's that incredible sense of 'being there' in that journey, where you're really on your own (despite the incredible support from crewmembers who help with rehydration, bandages, new shoes, and endless words of encouragement). The bliss isn't so much in crossing the finish line, but in completing each and every step (especially in the last twelve miles, which is straight up the summit).

This event also has something special that no other sports event of this caliber has; a total absence of TV cameras, throngs of crowds waving flags and balloons, and the usual billboards and signs advertising everything from shoes to beverages. The course is mostly barren road and desert, and the finish line looks like a trail of toilet paper with a couple dozen people standing around clapping. The prize is a belt buckle for everyone who can complete the course within 60 hours (the record at date is around 27 1/2 hours). I can think of no other setting that would make me so proud to run such a race. The documentary manages to keep our interest peaked throughout by focusing on several of the runners, not the least of whom is a British bloke named Chris Moon who as far as I'm concerned, won the race. His time was twice that of the 'winner', but he was running a one-legged, one-armed race (he'd lost his leg and arm while clearing land mines in war-torn countries). The next time you hear someone refer to pro-sports players as 'heroes', tell them the real definition by referring them to this film.

The 40 men and women who dare to compete in this event are true masochistic headcases. Why would anyone attempt to run 135 miles in 120 degree heat in the middle of the summer in Death Valley? This documentary takes you on this journey to show you what it's like and also gives us a chance to meet some of these people and find out what makes them tick. It's a powerful film to watch and recommended to anyone who is curious about what makes a masochist tick. Be warned, this is a difficult film to watch. All said, I'm glad I only watched the film and didn't have to participate in it!