'Badwater Salton Sea' Ultramarathon Run From Salton Sea to Palomar Mountain

The BADWATER® ultra running experience returns to the Anza-Borrego Desert and Palomar Mountain when BADWATER SALTON SEA race takes place on April 18-19, 2026.

This remarkable event challenges teams of two or three ultrarunners – running together as duos or trios for the duration, NOT in a relay – to tackle an unimaginable traverse of Southern California deserts and mountains. The route covers 81 miles (130km) from Salton City (elevation 234 feet / 71m below sea level) to Palomar Mountain, the almost tallest mountain in San Diego County (elevation 5500 feet / 1676m.)* Eight of the 81 race miles pass through Anza-Borrego State Park on a single track trail from Borrego Springs to Ranchita, creating a race route which is a mix of road and trail. There is a total elevation gain of over 9000 feet (2740m.)

The twelve previous editions were received with wide acclaim. The thirteenth edition – with a limit of 100 runners – is scheduled for April 18-19 (Saturday-Sunday), 2026.

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