New Records Set at Badwater 135 in Death Valley — image accompanying Canadian Running's report. Image accompanying Canadian Running’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Max Jolliffe and Carmen Maria Perez set new records at the Badwater 135. Jolliffe, 34, won in 20:53:41, the first under 21 hours. Perez, 44, finished first among women in 21:05:32. Both were first-time participants.
The Badwater 135, a 135-mile ultra in Death Valley, is known for extreme conditions. Runners faced temperatures over 40 C. The course runs from Badwater Basin to Whitney Portal, with a 4,450-meter elevation gain. Read more culture coverage.
Jolliffe and Perez were not newcomers to ultra-distance running. Jolliffe has won several ultras, including the Moab 240 and Angeles Crest 100. Perez has won the W40 title at the 24-hour world championships. Related: Around the Bay Race Date and Distance Changes Announced.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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Questions about this report
What should runners know about New Records Set at Badwater 135 in Death Valley?
Max Jolliffe and Carmen Maria Perez broke course records at the Badwater 135. Max Jolliffe and Carmen Maria Perez set new records at the Badwater 135. Jolliffe, 34, won in 20:53:41, the first under 21 hours. Perez, 44, finished first among women in 21:05:32. Both were first-time participants.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on July 30, 2026. The underlying Canadian Running report was dated July 29, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Canadian Running. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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