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Two Weeks Out - Kieran Williams on Badwater 135
Two Weeks Out - Badwater 135
I couldn't believe it...
Seven years of running ultras across the country, building a resume, and wondering if running Badwater 135 would actually happen.
And then I got selected.
In February 2026 I was announced as one of 100 runners from around the world accepted into the 2026 Badwater 135.
What is Badwater 135?
Badwater 135 is a 135 mile footrace in Death Valley, California that takes place in July each year.
You start at Badwater Basin - the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level - and run to Whitney Portal, crossing three mountain ranges in the process.
Temperatures reach 120°F+ and you have 45 hours to complete.
It's often referred to as the hardest footrace on the planet not JUST because of the physical feat, but because of how difficult it is to get in.
To learn more about the qualifying standard and application process, read here.
TLDR: it's really hard to even be considered to be allowed to run.
Why this race?
I read about Badwater in a book before I ever ran an ultra in 2019.
Something about "the hardest foot race on the planet" has lived on the walls of my brain from the day I first read about it.
While it felt unattainable and incomprehensible at the time... I knew I'd find my way to the start.
Seven years later - after multiple 100 mile events, 50 milers, one and two day efforts - I was finally eligible to apply.
After applying in January 2026, you wait until February 2026 to see if you got in.
The Badwater team reviews all applications and jumps on Facebook live to announce the 100 person field.
All you can do... is sit and wait (and cross your fingers) and hope they call your name.
Something about the application process - and not just how difficult this race is physically - is part of what has always drawn me to it.
Why would you NOT want to say you've done the hardest foot race on the planet?
What have the last 24 weeks looked like?
Intense !
Early training block runs started at 5 miles and my longest effort built to a 100 mile event in April.
It was conveniently and inconveniently the worst weather imaginable - which made for an good adventure and better training.
For the first time in my ultra running career I worked with a coach.
I wanted to look back on my Badwater journey with no 'I wish I had's', and getting a coach was a great way to leave nothing on the table.
Coach Lisa Smith-Batchen - 10 time Badwater finisher, 2 time winner, and Badwater Hall of Famer - and I connected from a mutual friend and we hit the ground running (no pun intended) at the end of February.
I've never followed a plan, so it is really cool to see all the training stack in a way that's left me feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident the more I run.
Many people have asked:
'So what's been the hardest part of training for the hardest footrace on the planet ?'
& I don't really know how to answer...
of course the training is hard (duh, knew that when I committed to it).
But - the fact that I get to commit to something like this is something I'm incredibly grateful for. I don't really look at anything as 'the hardest part' when I can wake up each day and tackle the work required to accomplish a major goal of mine.
In terms of juggling it with running The Garage Gym - I picked a good line of work to do the ultra endurance stuff with, ha.
I spend most of my days working or working out.
It's really, really cool.
What does the race actually look like?
July 27th @ 8pm PST - Badwater Basin, CA.
My crew - fiancé, Taylor, my mom, and two of my best friends Mike and Pat - will crew me from a minivan for the entire 135 miles.
Through 120°F+ temps, three mountain ranges, and a lot of pavement...
I literally could not complete the race without them.
I'm expecting to have a really fun and challenging adventure with four of my favorite people.
Truly a once in a lifetime type thing.
Sometime on Wednesday July 29th… we'll be done.
What do you want people to take from this?
I wish everyone could find something that lights them up to pour themselves into.
Whether it's physical like Badwater, personal, or professional - I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity for adventure.
This has been a goal of mine for seven years and everything that has gone into completing it will leave me a better person because of it.
My hope is that other people lean into the voices that speak to and challenge them to be more as they pursue the best versions of themselves.
We all have 1 go at this game called life.
Might as well see what we're made of !
Follow the journey on Instagram @kieranfeelsgood.
Rooting for you on your pursuit of 100% -
Kieran
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FAQ
What is Badwater 135?
Badwater 135 is a 135 mile ultra marathon through Death Valley, California widely regarded as the hardest foot race on the planet. Runners start at Badwater Basin and travel to Whitney Portal in temperatures exceeding 120°F. 100 runners are selected annually through a rigorous application process.
Who is Kieran Williams?
Kieran Williams is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Garage Gym, a limited membership open gym with locations in Westfield and Little Silver, NJ. He's been running ultra marathons since 2019 and is competing in Badwater 135 in July 2026.
How do you train for Badwater 135?
Training for Badwater 135 requires months of progressive mileage building, heat acclimatization, and race specific preparation. Kieran has been training from February to July 2026 under Coach Lisa Smith-Batchen.
What is The Garage Gym?
The Garage Gym is a limited membership, application only open gym with locations in Westfield and Little Silver, NJ. Open 24/7 in Westfield and 4am to 11pm in Little Silver. Apply at www.thegaragegym.co
