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Eighty-Year-Old Runner Overcomes Extreme Heat, Mountains, and Elevation in California Desert, Finishes Race in 45 Hours, Enters History by Expanding Human Endurance Limits in Historic Badwater 135 Ultramarathon
Bob Becker, an 80-year-old runner, completed the Badwater 135 last week, facing 48°C and 217 km in the California desert, becoming the oldest person to finish the ultramarathon, a feat that expands human limits in endurance sports.
The athlete crossed the finish line of the Badwater 135, considered the hardest race in the world, after about 45 continuous hours of extreme physical effort.
The race starts in Death Valley, 86 meters below sea level, and ends at 2,447 meters, near Mount Whitney.
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Held annually since the 1980s, the ultramarathon imposes temperatures that can exceed 49°C, requiring physical preparation, strategy, and mental endurance from participants.
This year, Becker ran under 48°C heat, crossing three mountain ranges and facing a final ascent of 21 km to the finish line.
In an interview with CBS News, Becker stated that he felt physically well but completely relieved after completing the exhausting course.
The final time was within the official limit of 48 hours, with three hours to spare, a result considered remarkable given the extreme conditions of the race.
Elderly Becomes an Example: A Journey Marked by Extreme Challenges
A resident of Fort Lauderdale, Becker began his ultramarathon journey at 60, celebrating his birthday with a 240 km race in Morocco.
Since then, he has participated in competitions in countries such as China, Greece, Canada, Costa Rica, and Brazil, accumulating experience in different climates and terrains.
His longest race was 370 km and took place in the state of Tennessee, further expanding his history of extreme races.
In 2022, at 77, he attempted to break the record at Badwater 135 but finished 17 minutes after the official deadline, hindered by back pain.
Frustrated Attempt and Determined Comeback
After the frustration, Becker decided to try again, motivated by completing a 225 km race in Arizona, boosting his physical and mental confidence.
According to a report to CBS News, the athlete stated that after committing himself, he never doubted that he could complete the challenge again.
The determination was accompanied by rigorous planning, adaptation to extreme heat, and constant attention to body signals during the course.
Essential Support During the Race
The achievement involved a team of four people, led by coach Lisa Smith-Batchen, a veteran in international ultramarathons.
The team ensured hydration, proper nutrition, clothing changes, and blister treatment, as well as running alongside the athlete in crucial sections.
During the course, Becker consumed liquid calories, energy gels, and took two quick naps, a common strategy in long-duration races.
Training Routine and Sports Longevity
Outside of race periods, Becker runs between 48 and 64 km weekly, increasing to 96 to 112 km during intense training phases.
He also performs strength training, core exercises, and simulates climbs by running stairs or crossing steep bridges over long distances.
Becker had previously completed the Badwater 135 in 2008 and 2014, and in 2015, at 70, he completed the “Badwater Double,” according to The Guardian.
In attributing his sports longevity, Becker advocates for realistic choices for age and states that a little boldness is necessary for challenges of this magnitude.
With information from R7.
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