AdventureCORPS in the News
2008 News
January 7, 2008
Los Angeles Times: Chris Kostman, Ultra Race Coordinator
"While most people can't fathom running a marathon, others can't fathom stopping at 26.2 miles. As the niche of ultra and endurance events grows, increasing numbers of otherwise ordinary men and women are pushing their physical and mental limits to extremes. Enabling them is Chris Kostman, an ultra athlete himself and founder of AdventureCORPS Inc." Full story
July, 2008
Competitor Magazine: Chris Kostman, Who Needs Him?
"Over the 20 years since I first interviewed him, I've seen Chris Kostman carve out a multi-faceted niche that is unique in cycling and endurance sports. He's a record-setting athlete with a penchant for crazy events like the Iditabike and the Triple Ironman; a trend-spotter and coach who rode the L.A. personal-trainer wave like John Travolta in the movie Perfect, and helped turn a local trend called Spinning into a world-wide phenomenon; and an entrepreneur who's built endurance events that are among some of the most sought-after by athletes from all around the globe, including the Badwater Ultramarathon and the Furnace Creek 508." Full story
July 25, 2008
Pahrump Valley Times: AdventureCORPS just loves Death Valley for events
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. -- There is much more to AdventureCORPS in Death Valley than an annual "ultramarathon." Death Valley offers the backdrop for this world-famous special event production firm to coordinate and produce endurance events practically year-round. Founded in 1984 by Chris Kostman, AdventureCORPS, Inc. describes itself as "an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle and media." Based in Oak Park, Calif., the firm produces countless events in the western states but has a special affinity for Death Valley, which it calls "Mother Nature's greatest sports arena." Full story
July 16, 2008
San Diego Union-Tribune: Another second for Konya
Features three-time Bawater Ultramarathon runner-up Akos Konya. Full story
July 16, 2008
The Santa Clarita Signal: Racing through Death Valley - Runners from 9 countries participate in long distance race
Features 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon entrant Cheryl Zwarkowski. Full story
July 17, 2008
The Santa Clarita Signal: A buckle for Zwarkowski - Victorville runner completes Badwater Ultramarathon in less than 48 hours
Features 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon finisher Cheryl Zwarkowski. Full story
July 17, 2008
Los Angeles Times: Racers finish the Badwater Ultramarathon
Story and slideshow about the 2008 Bawater Ultramarathon. Full story | Slideshow
July 18 2008
BusinessPortal24.com: Badwater Ultramarathon, Death Valley, Kalifornien, USA - Die durch die Hölle gingen
German language coverage of the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 20, 2008
German Television RTL: Wüsten-Marathon Death Valley
Television coverage of the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon. Watch It
July 29, 2008
Agence France Press / Yahoo Video: The Hottest Race of All
Video coverage of the 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon. Watch It
2007 News
December 24, 2007
Casper, WI Star-Tribune: "Cyclists finish grueling race; approach fundraising goal"
Feature on 508 solo finishers Keith Frick and Bob Thunselle Full Story
December 9, 2007
New York Times: "The 53 Places to Go in 2008"
The New York Times ranked the top 53 desinations in the world and reasonably deduced that Death Valley is at least the eighth best place to visit. They weren't smart enough, though, to suggest people go there to be active, such as cycling or running; instead they recommended the flower-viewing, which is sort of ironic for a placed called Death Valley, don't you think? Full story
December 9, 2007
Yuma, AZ Daily Sun: "Local woman finds happiness while running tough races"
"Barb Elias swears her favorite pastime isn't even close to being lethal, even when she's almost knocking on death's door and actually feeling pretty darn alive. 'The only time I would stop is if I knew I was going to do permanent damage to my lungs, if I was going to really mess myself up,' Elias says. 'But other than that I don't give up - never.' Whether she's hiking across a mountain range or loping for countless miles down a hot desert road, this Yuma woman is happiest when she's pushing herself to great physical extremes as a racer - an extreme racer, to be exact." Full story
September 26, 2007
Victorville, CA Daily Press: "Phelan man rides into history"
"Seven years ago, Steven Teal weighed 230 pounds and felt he needed a change." Full story
September 24, 2007
Syracuse Post-Standard Health and Fitness Blog: "Back to Death Valley..."
Reporter Amber Smith writes another flattering blog entry on Todd Baum about his second trip to Death Valley this year. Only this time he'll be on a bike for 508 miles rather than on foot for 135 miles. Full story
September 2007
Colorado Runner Magazine: "My Badwater Family"
"The Badwater Ultramarathon is one of the most demanding and extreme running races on the planet. I would be competing against 80 of the world's toughest athletes and against the elements." Full story
September 24, 2007
Syracuse Post-Standard Health and Fitness Blog: "Baum Speaks at School"
2007 Badwater Ultramarathon finisher Todd Baum speaks to the students who tracked his progress throughout the race, then mailed him a binder full of letters. Read about his visit to the school. Full story
September 10, 2007
Northwest Arkansas Morning News: "Run To Glory Pays Off For Local Runner"
Feature story on 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon finisher, Jamie Huneycutt. Full story
August 17, 2007
Lahontan Valley News: "Death Valley Run Hits 120 Degrees"
When reporter David C. Henley visited Death Valley on a whim in July he encountered many foreign tourists and learned a great deal about the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
August 9, 2007
North Texas Star-Telegram: "Runner Passes 'Ultramate' Test"
Feature story on Stephen Hudgens' experience at the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon.
August 8, 2007
Hudson Valley Journal News "Harrison Ultramarathoner Franklin Runs Badwater for Good Cause"
2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon finisher Martin Franklin is the focus of this story. Full story
August 7, 2007
ARD German TV: "Mittagsmagazin"
Featuring 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon runners Achim Heukemes and Dagmar Grossheim (German). Video
August 6, 2007
Syracuse Post-Standard Health and Fitness Blog: "Congratulations to Baum from Dr. King School"
As Todd Baum was recovering from running 135 miles across the desert in the Badwater Ultramarathon, he received a packet in the mail full of letters from local students who had been following his progress in the race. Read some of the letters here. Full story
August 6, 2007
U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, News Room: "Badwater Ultramarathon; Runner braves desert heat in 135-mile race"
Report on Blake Benke's experience completing the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
August 4, 2007
Orlando Sentinel: "Death Valley Dash"
Feature story on Badwater Ultramarathon veteran David Harper.
August 3, 2007
Navy Compass: "Navy SEAL conquers Death Valley"
This miltary publication reports on the third place finish of U.S. Navy Special Operator 1st Class David Goggins in this year's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
August 2, 2007
CNBC
2007 Badwater Finisher Martin Franklin is featured for a total of 2.5 minutes on two different financial news programs. Video
August 2, 2007
The Hamilton Spectator: "Not Bad! How Spec Roadrunner Beat Desert"
Reporter Mary K. Nolan tells John Rennison's Badwater Ultramarathon race story. Full story
July 31, 2007
Las Vegas Review Journal: "Clark County Firefighter Completes 135-Mile Race"
Post-race report on Tim Kjensted's 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon performance. Full story
July 30, 2007
Wichita Falls Times Record: "'Fate and Faith': 62-Year Old Man Completes 135-mile Ultramarathon"
This article details 62-year-old Jim Ingall's race at the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 30, 2007
Fresno Bee: "Smit pulls through at Badwater"
Post-race report on 70-year-old Robin Smit, 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon finisher.
July 30, 2007
American Forces Press Service: "SEAL Recruiter Finishes Strong in Badwater Ultramarathon"
Reporter David Mays talks to David Goggins, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, about his participation and performance in the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 29, 2007
Competitor Radio
Featuring 2006 and 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon third place finisher David Goggins. Audio
July 28, 2007
The Aspen Times: "Heaven and Hell: Part-Time Aspenite Tests Grit in Badwater Ultramarathon"
For the part-time Aspen resident Martin Franklin finished this year's Badwater Ultramarathon. This story, by reporter Jon Maletz, tells us about Franklin's experience. Full story
July 27, 2007
Associated Press Television
AdventureCORPS and Dan Dominy's Edge of the Map Productions release a Video News Release world-wide immediately after the race via APTV.
July 26, 2007
Le Monde: "Badwater, le marathon de la démesure"
Photo slideshow of the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon with captions (in French). Show
July 26, 2007
Chicago Sun Times: "Nothing Short of an Ultra-Accomplishment for Vondruska"
Post-race report on Bloomingdale, IL runner Jerry Vondruska's Badwater Ultramarathon experience. Full story
July 25, 2007
Desert USA Blog: "Valmir Nunes of Brazil Wins Badwater Ultramarathon Race, Lisa Bliss of Spokane, WA Wins Womens Field"
Detailed report on the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 25, 2007
Tahoe Daily Tribune: "Badwater Ultra Record Smashed"
Article on the top finishers of the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon, two of whom broke the previous course record. Full story
July 25, 2007
CNN: "Headline News"
As the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon was taking place, the race was mentioned several times in short, 30-second pieces.
July 24, 2007
Las Vegas Review Journal: "Badwater to Mount Whitney: Ultramarathoner Tests His Limits"
Clark County firefighter Tim Kjensted runs his third Badwater Ultramarathon in 2007. This story tells of his experiences in the race. Full story
July 24-25, 2007
Syracuse Post-Standard Health and Fitness Blog
Reporter Amber Smith follows Todd Baum's progress in the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. Entry 1 Entry 2 Entry 3 Entry 4 Entry 5 Entry 6
July 23-25, 2007
KABC Los Angeles
This Los Angeles, California television station featured the whole race with live feed from Whitney Portal Road.
July 23-26, 2007
The Hamilton Spectator
A series of stories following John Rennison's progress in the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. Story 1 Story 2 Story 3 Story 4
July 23, 2007
KHNL Honolulu: "Kiehl's Badwater Ultra Marathon"
Live report from Death Valley the morning of July 23rd highlighting race logistics and conditions, with special interest given to local 2007 Badwater competitor Don Fallis. (There were also live updates on Don as the race progressed.) Story text
July 23, 2007
KATU Portland: "Portland Man Tackles Death Valley"
This Portland, Oregon television station talks to ultrarunner Greg Pressler as he prepares to run the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Video
July 23, 2007
The Oregonian: "It's his Burning Desire"
Reporter Brad Schmidt talks to ultrarunner Greg Pressler about his quest to finish the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 21, 2007
New York Times: "Far-From-Basic Training for a 135-Mile Footrace"
This article features Blake Benke and David Balsley, New York City entrants in the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
This July 21st New York Times article included a heavily watched video on NYTimes.com which has been syndicated and is now available as far away as South Africa. Video
July 21, 2007
Fresno Bee: "He's a Bad Man"
This article features Robin Smit, a 70-year old doctor, as he readies himself for his fifth Badwater race.
July 20, 2007
The Coast News: "Oceanside Man Returning to World’s Toughest Foot Race"
Reporter Zach Jones talks to 2006 Badwater runner-up Akos Konya about the holy grail of ultramarathons: the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 20, 2007
Pahrump Valley Times: "Badwater Race Begins Monday"
Pre-race overview of the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 20, 2007
KNPR Las Vegas: "State of Nevada"
This Portland, Oregon radio station featured Badwater Ultramrathon race director Chris Kostman and entrants David Goggins, Barbara Elias, and Anita-Marie Fromm in its July 20th "State of Nevada" broadcast. Program Outline Audio
July 20, 2007
Morris County Daily Record: "Extreme Triumph"
Feature story on Tom Triumph as he prepares to run the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon.
July 16, 2007
ABC Fresno: "Local Doctor Chosen Among 90 in the World for Ultramarathon"
Dr. Robin Smit prepares to run his fifth Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Video and story text
July 12, 2007
Sirius Satellite Radio: "Outdoor Fitness with Tina Vindum"
Featuring Badwater Ultramrathon race director Chris Kostman.
July 11, 2007
KHNL Honolulu: "Kaneohe Senior Competes in World's Most Grueling Ultramarathon"
Feature story on 65-year-old Don Fallis, a Kaneohe resident who is running the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Story text
July 2007
Syracuse, NY TV
Several evening news features were broadcast before the race featuring entrant Todd Baum.
June 25, 2007
Chicago Suburban News: "Facing Down Death Valley"
This feature on Jerry Vondruska, a teacher from Bloomingdale, IL, highlights his running origins, his training for the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon, and his fundraising efforts for "Susan G. Komen for the Cure." Full story
June 8, 2007
North Texas Star-Telegram: Badwater Entrant Stephen Hudgens
Check out this nice feature about Stephen Hudges, a rookie Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon entrant from Fort Worth, TX. Full story
June 8, 2007
San Diego Union-Tribune: "Getting a toehold: Brothers' newfangled socks have become a hit with runners"
This article by Don Norcross in the San Diego Union-Tribune for this great story about our friends at Injinji, makers of high-performance toe socks that work great for every sport, including ultra running and ultra cycling. Full story JPEG Image of story
June 2007
Competitor Magazine: "Suffering, So Others Might Thrive"
Reporter (and 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon entrant) Greg Pressler brings us this story about Vito Bialla and Martin Franklin. These two corporate leaders will be toeing the line at this year's Badwater Ultramarathon. Bialla and Franklin will challenge themselves as they traverse through the harsh desert conditions, but they do it for the greater purpose of raising funds to help injured veterans. Full story
June 2007
NBC 11 San Francisco
Interview with Jonathan Gunderson regarding his participation in the 2006 and pre-race preparation for the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon. (There were also several evening news features before the race) Video
June 2007
Spokane, WA TV
Reporter Steve Mumm sits down with ultrarunner Lisa Bliss to talk about her upcoming participation in the 2007 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon and her fundraising for Team St. Lukes—Disabled Athletes who are in need of Wheel Chairs for racing events. Video
April 2007
Time Magazine: Badwater Champ Dean Karnazes Nominated For Time Magazine Top 100
A runner has been nominated for the TIME magazine Top 100 Most Influential People of the Year! That "runner" is Dean Karnazes, the 2004 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon champion (and five-time Badwater finisher) who ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days last year, generating incredible, positive impressions about running and health across the nation and beyond, especially for kids. He visited lots of schools along the way and spread an excellent, uplifting message about health and enjoyment of the outdoors. Dean's Page Results (Dean placed 27th)
February 2007
City on a Hill Press: "The Badwater 135:
The most intense sports event you've never heard of"
Writer Lisa Donchak speaks with past runners, crew members, and race director Chris Kostman to find out what attracts people to this crazy event we call the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
2006 News
December 2006
Nature: "Freaks of Nature"
This preeminent scientific journal explores how ultraendurance racers are able torture their bodies and minds to achieve near-impossible physical feats. Full story
December 7, 2006
Florida Today: "Ultra High from the Finish Line"
Feature story on Badwater Ultramarathon veteran Monica Scholz: how she started ultrarunning and the successes she's accomplished since taking up the sport in 1998. Full story
November 19, 2006
The Age: "The Ten Toughest Races on Earth"
The Badwater Ultramarathon made this Australian newspaper's list of the ten toughest races ever. Copy of full story
November 15, 2006
Outdoorsport Magazin: Halált megvető távolság
This story on the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon and its second-place finisher, Ákos Kónya, ran in the Hungarian sports magazine Outdoorsport (published in Hungarian). Full story
October 24, 2006
Spokesman Review: "Wheel to Win"
This feature story on Spokane cyclist Michael Emde tells of how he perservered through a mid-race crash to become the 2006 Furnace Creek 508 champion. Full story
October 3, 2006
Orange County Register: "One Tough Bike Race"
This pre-race feature on the 2006 Furnace Creek 508 tells of hallucinations, extreme conditions, and sheds a spotlight on local riders competing in this year's race. Full story
September 17, 2006
NBC: "Jeep® World of Adventure Sports"
This action and adventure sports series featured the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Show website
September 4, 2006
Orlando Sentinel: "Clermont Man's Feat: 135 Miles in Heat, Pain"
This article features 2006 Badwater finisher David Harper. Read about his Badwater effort and his upcoming plans to do the Furnace Creek 508 in hopes of earning the Death Valley Cup. This article has been reproduced on David's personal website. Copy of full story
August 28-30, 2006
Marin Independent Journal: "Running Death Valley"
A three-part series on the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon, specifically featuring Marin Country resident Mike Sweeney and his experience in the race. This is some of the very finest writing about this race. Full story
August 23, 2006
Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Ultraman"
This story tells of five-time Badwater finisher Ruben Cantu; he could not compete at this year's Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon, so he created his own challenge back home in Tennessee: the Firehouse 135. PDF of full story Event slideshow
August 13, 2006
St. Petersburg Times: "Ultra Marathon Revisited"
In its Neighborhood Times section on Running, the St. Petersburg Times ran a brief report on Noora Alidina's results at the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
August 3, 2006
Orange County Register: "Hottest man in Orange County"
This story tells of Ian Parker's fifth consecutive Badwater Ultramarathon, which he completed just 40 minutes shy of the cutoff. Full story
July 30, 2006
BBC News: "Athlete's Death Valley 'Triumph'"
This story features William Sichel, who is thought to be the first person from Scotland to take part in the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 29, 2006
Rocky Mountain News: "From Depths to Heights: 130-degree heat? Exhaustion? Four Coloradans survive them in Badwater"
Writer Bill Scanlon features four Colorado runners who competed in the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramrathon. Full story
July 28, 2006
White Rock Peace Arch News: "Return to Badwater Ferg Hawke takes fourth in Ultramarathon"
Race recap on Canadian Ferg Hawke's performance in the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. PDF of full story
July 28, 2006
San Diego Union Tribune: "Second to One: Akos Konya of Oceanside surprises even himself as runner-up in sun-baked, 135-mile Badwater Ultramathon"
Writer Don Norcross highlights Badwater rookie Akos Konya's impressive second place finish in the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramrathon. Full story
July 27, 2006
Arizona Daily Star: "Tucsonan 24th; Reed Drops Out"
Highlights on the performace of Arizona residents Bruce Gungle and Pam Reed in the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 27, 2006
CKNW AM 980: "And You Thought it Was Hot Here"
This Vancouver radio station ran a short story on Ferg Hawke, the fourth place finisher in the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ulramarathon. PDF of full story
July 27, 2006
The News Journal: "Sports Briefs: Bursler 41st in Death Valley run"
A snippet on David Bursler's performance in the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon appeared in this Deleware newpaper. PDF of full story
July 27, 2006
The Washington Post: "Marathon Melt"
Washington Post Staff Writer William Booth gives full details on the grueling experience that is the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 27, 2006
Los Angeles Times: "Mother of Two Thrives as Ultramarathoner"
Shanon Farar-Griefer tackles the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon once again. Find out how she does it and what makes her tick. PDF of full story
July 26, 2006
Tahoe Daily Tribune: "Jurek Defends Badwater Title"
A brief recap on the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. PDF of full story
July 24, 2006
The Desert Sun: "When You Want to Stop, Go On"
This feature on Badwater veteran Shannon Farar-Griefer tells of how she started running, what led her to then run ultras, and eventually Badwater. PDF of full story
July 23, 2006
The Sunday Times - Scotland: "Heat is on for Death Valley Endurance Racer"
How does a Scot prepare for the intense temperature of a gruelling ultra-marathon? Writer Fiona Russell reports. Full story
July 22, 2006
The New York Times: "After 70 Miles, Racer Just Warming Up"
Writer Oakley Brooks crafted this story on Scott Jurek, the pre-eminent American ultramarathoner who will be trying to defend his title at the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. PDF of full story
July 21, 2006
San Diego Union Tribune: "Heat and Run"
Writer Don Norcross sits down with Akos Konya to talk about his upcoming rookie attempt at the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 21, 2006
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Somerset Woman Warming up for Challenging Race"
This Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania newspaper features 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon entrant Mary Kashurba. This article highlights her history as a runner, how she came to do Badwater, and her goals for this year's race. Full story
July 21, 2006
The Daily News Journal: "Pushing Himself to the Limit"
David Jones' preparations for the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon are the highlight of this Murfreesboro, Tennessee newspaper article. PDF of full story
July 21, 2006
Today's Local News: "Ultimate Challenge: Oceanside Resident to Run in 29th Annual Badwater Ultramarathon"
Pre-race feature on Oceanside resident and Badwater rookie Akos Konya. Full story
July 21, 2006
Stellar Magazine: "Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon Up"
The North Face announces its sponsorship of the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 20, 2006
The Acorn: "Extreme Racers on Their Mark, Get Set...Go"
This pre-race feature on the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon talks about race preparations, conditions, and runners. Full story
July 20, 2006
KING-TV Seattle: "Badwater:World's Toughest Race"
This special on the Badwater Ultramarathon, produced and reported by Saint Bryan, received a Northwest Regional Emmy for Best Sports Special in June. In the re-airing of this show on July 20, the host will talk about this year's race with 2004 winner Dean Karnazes returning to compete.
Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4.
July 17, 2006
BBC News: "Athlete Shows a Burning Ambition"
This short feature on 52-year-old Scot William Sichel tells of his preparations for competing in the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 17, 2006
Hendersonville Times News: "More Than One Way to Make Dreams Come True"
Writer Susan Hanley Lane reveals the undercover plot to get David Horner to run in the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon. JPEG Image of story
July 16, 2006
The Tribune-Democrat: "Doctor Going to Extremes"
Writer Cory Isenberg wrote this feature on Mary Kashurba, a doctor from Somerset, PA, who will be competing in her second Badwater Ultramarathon this year. Full story
July 15, 2006
Rocky Mountain News: "Heated Competition"
Five Colorado runners train for the 2006 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July 11, 2006
Arizona Daily Star: "Some Like it Hot"
That drenched jogger running midday while heat waves radiate from the sidewalk is no desert mirage; it's Tucson's Bruce Gungle training for his second Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
June 25, 2006
Associated Press: "Way off the Beaten Path"
This Associated Press story by Elizabeth Gillespie features Badwater record-holder Scott Jurek, taking us back to his running roots and highlighting his current quest for a new record at the 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
June 20, 2006
Lakeland Ledger: "Top Athletes Teach Us to Focus on Function"
Being fit is about function, not form. That's the focus of top athletes like 2005 Badwater champ Scott Jurek. Full story
June 5, 2006
Marin Independent Journal: "Pushing the Limits: Athletes Drawn to Ultramarathons"
This story, featuring ultrarunner and Badwater veteran Michael Sweeny, takes a look at what draws people to ultra-endurance events. Full story
May 16, 2006
Tryon Daily Bulletin: "Horner Runs 75 Miles on Parkway to Train for Badwater"
Sunny View, NC resident Dave Horner shares updates on his Badwater training with "the world's smallest daily newspaper." This is installment #2. Full story
March 31, 2006
Navy Compass: "SEAL Takes on Death Valley in Honor of Fallen Warriors"
Feature story on 2006 Badwater Ultramarathon registrant David Goggins, Operations Specialist 1st Class (SEAL). Full story
March 3, 2006
Tryon Daily Bulletin: "Running on the Sun"
Sunny View, NC resident Dave Horner shares updates on his Badwater training with "the world's smallest daily newspaper." This is installment #1. Full story
February 3, 2006
The San Diego Union Tribune: "Ultra Tough: Exploits in 2005 Go a Long Way to Show Scott Jurek is King of Ultramarathoning"
Writer Don Norcross tells us about Jurek's groundbreaking success and what got him there. Full story
NEW! March, 2006
Men's Health Best Life: "A Prescription for Lifelong Living"
This feature on Ben Jones tells of his history as a doctor and a runner, and gives us some words of wisdom to live by. Full story
January 8, 2006 at 8pm
PBS: "Nature"
"Life in Death Valley," featuring the 2004 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon, will air on PBS on the program "Nature." Check your local listings to confirm air time. More information
2005 News
December, 2005
Motion Magazine, Germany: "Hell's Bells: Der Badwater Ultramarathon Durch Das Tal Des Todes"
Extensive feature story in German about the 2005 race with photos. PDF of feature.
November 11, 2005
The San Diego Union-Tribune: "Enduring the Furnace"
This article is about 2005 Furnace Creek 508 champion Kenny Souza. Souza recounts his descent into an inactive llifestyle and his rebound back to the top of the podium at the 508. Full story
October, 2005
The Walrus Magazine: "The White Line Through Hell"
World renown journalist Barb Adamski has covered the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon the past few years for a variety of Canadian and international publications. She's an incredible writer with a true passion for this event and its people. For a limited time, you can check out her 2005 story that was published in Canada's The Walrus magazine. Full story Magazine web site
September 28, 2005
The Daily Camera: "Boulder Cyclist Faces 500 Miles in the Desert"
Reporter Maggie Flannagan talks to cyclist Felix Gallo a week before his second attempt at the 508. PDF of full story
September 25, 2005
Orlando Sentinel: "Can't Stop, Won't Stop"
This story sheds light on ultra-endurance sports. It spotlights ultrarunner and 2005 Badwater entrant David Harper. Full story
September 13, 2005
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Ultramarathoner means going farther (inside yourself) than you ever thought possible"
This article on alternative sports highlights ultrarunning. Various ultrarunners recount the races they've done, iincluding the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
September 2005
Lake Magazine: "Pushing Himself to the Limit"
Writer James Combs tells of ultrarunner David Harper's experience running Western States and Badwater only two weeks apart. Full story
August 2005
University of Manitoba Recreation Services Magazine (FitDV): "Dry Run"
Badwater runners Dr. Lisa Bliss, Jack Denness, and Dean Karnazes discuss some of the details of training for the intense heat of the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
July/August 2005
Ultrafondus Magazine: "Badwater: Chaussée Brûlante" (Badwater: Extreme Roadway)
This coverage, from the French magazine Ultrafondus, is the most extensive Badwater report we've seen. (PDF, 29 pages in French). PDF of full feature
July 17, 2005
The Mercury News: "San Jose Man Shows he can Take the Heat"
This newspaper article features Badwater finisher Dan Marinsik. PDF of full story
June 2005
The Alaska Club Magazine (FitDV): "Going the Distance—and Beyond"
Extreme distance runner, Badwater veteran, and triathlete Christopher Bergland says that teaching your brain to associate exercise with happiness is the secret to sticking with it. Full story
May 19, 2005
The New York Times: "The Now or Never Athlete"
This edition of The New York Times highlights the training experience of 2005 Badwater entrant Frank McKinney. PDF of full story
May 18, 2005
The West Orange Times: "Local businessman to run 135-mile ultramarathon"
Reporter Michael Laval talks to 41-year-old David Harper in the months before his rookie attempt at the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
May 5, 2005
Orange County Register: "The Morning Read: She Flies by Day"
Judit Pallos, the youngest entrant and the third place female finisher in the 2005 Badwater race, is the focus of this article. Full story
March 27, 2005
CBS: "60 Minutes"
Leslie Stahl profiled Dean Karnazes and Pam Reed and the 2004 Badwater Ultramarathon. Online story
March 22, 2005
Lake Sentinel: "Putting One Foot in Front of the Other"
Ultrarunner David Harper's goal of running Western States and Badwater only two weeks apart is the focus of this story. Full story
March 16, 2005:
CBS: "Late Show with David Letterman"
The 2004 Badwater Ultramarathon champ Dean Karnazes was a guest.
March 15, 2005 (8:00 p.m.)
The Discovery Channel: "Architecture and Design of Man and Woman"
Featured 2004 Badwater Ultramarathon official finisher Francesca Conte.
March, 2005
Forbes: "Top Ten Toughest Endurance Races"
This sports feature names Badwater as one of the top ten toughest endurance races worldwide. Full story
Spring 2005
Ontario Roadrunner Magazine
The online magazine of the Ontario Roadrunners Association ran this story about the 2004 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon, highlighting the four Canadians who ran that year: George Biondic, Ferg Hawk, Albert Martens, and Monica Scholz. PDF of full story
February 2005
Runner's World Cover Story
Dean Karnazes is the cover boy of the February 2005 issue of the largest, most widely-read running magazine. This issue's feature story is about Karnazes and his efforts at the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon.
2004 News
December 2004
Flow: "Höllische Leidenschaft" ("Infernal Passion")
This coverage (in German) of the 2004 Badwater Ultramarathon appeared in the German magazine FLOW. PDF of full story
December 2004
Runner's World
The famed "Baghdad Badwater" runner Curt Maples is featured in the "Running Heroes" section and Christopher Bergland is featured in a feature on ultra treadmill running.
November 3, 2004
The Los Angeles Times: "Joined at the Toe Clip"
Writer Roy Wallack wrote this fine piece on his experience as a member of the four-person Team Sasquatch in the 2004 Furnace Creek 508. Full story
November 2004
Trail Runner Magazine
This issue of my favorite running and adventure magazine has a nice piece about Curt Maples, the Marine Corps Major who ran his own "Baghdad Badwater" in Iraq in July. Also of note in this issue are "In The Line of Fire" on page 12, as well as The North Face ad on page 27 with 2004 Badwater champ Dean Karnazes.
October 28, 2004
Matlock Mercury (UK)
This article tells of Chris Hopkinson's many cycling adventures in the U.S., with special focus given to his participation in the 2004 Furnace Creek 508. Full story
October 2004, Issue 44
Endurance News (published by Hammer Nutrition): Athlete Spotlight
This fascinating and educational publication has an athlete spotlight in each issue. Chris Kostman was interviewed by Steve Born, and appeared as the featured athlete in the October 2004 issue on pages 14 and 15. PDF of full publication (1.3mb file: 20 pages)
October 2004
Runner's World
RW ran a shortened version of the post-race press release and the results for the top three men and women on page 96 of the October edition. I even got a byline! (but no paycheck...)
October 2004
Ultrarunning Magazine
Full coverage of the 2004 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon on page18 includes two articles: "A Journey Through Inner Mountains and Valleys" by Guenter Boehnke (a German runner who finished 18th), and "Crewing Badwater: Hitting the Wall, a Car, and the Finish Line" by Jurgen Ankenbrand (crewmember for German runner and 9th-place finisher, Robert Wimmer)
Fall 2004
Seed Magazine: "Extremes: Research at Badwater"
The Fall 2004 edition of this magazine with the slogan "Science is Culture" contains a very fine piece by Adeline Goss entitled "Extremes: Research at Badwater." It takes a spirited look at the medical, physiological, and psychological aspects of the race, featuring Lisa Bliss, Arthur Webb, Nancy Shura, and others in the process. The only two blips are that somehow Death Valley got moved to Nevada, and it implies that only 24 racers did the event (the correct number of 10am starters, but 72 started the race altogether). PDF of full story
September 2004
Ultrarunning Magazine
Our friends at UR included a one column follow-up to their July feature story about Curt Maple's "Baghdad Badwater" on page 4, along with a short bit about the 2004 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon, and another about 2001 Badwater champ Mike Trevino who recently took second in the trans-continental bicycle race known as RAAM. There's also a note that "Full Coverage" of the 2004 race will appear in a subsequent edition, which is true. Stay tuned for that.
July-August 2004
Ultrarunning Magazine: "Adventure Run: Baghdad Badwater"
Garret Graubins wrote this feature story about Curt Maple's "Baghdad Badwater" on page 54.
July 30, 2004
The Carallon: "Albert Martens Survives Blistering Death Valley"
Gwen Blatz, a crewmember for Martens, wrote this story that was published in The Carallon newspaper of Southeastern Manitoba, Canada. PDF of full story
July 25, 2004
St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Heat 'just insane' in Race in Death Valley"
The July 25 edition of this newspaper included a nice story about 2004 participant Pierre Ostor. PDF of full story
July 12, 2004
BBC News: "Pensioner Runs in Desert Marathon"
This short feature spotlights 69-year-old Jack Denness' upcoming plans to run "the toughest athletic event on Earth" — the Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
2003 News
December, 2003
Running Times: "Desert Diva: Pam Reed's Run into the Record Books"
This article, written by runner and writer Matthew J. Nelson, covers Pam Reed's overall win in the 2003 Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
August 2, 2003
The Quad City Times: "Bettendorf Woman Goes the Distance to Reach Her Goals"
Sean Moeller wrote this story about Bonnie Busch's 2003 Badwater race. Full story
July 13, 2003
San Diego Union Tribune: "135 Miles. 125 Degrees. 3 Mountain Ranges. 2 Days. No IVs.
No Prize Money. It Could Only Be..."
In 2002, the Union-Tribune's Mark Zeigler and Sean M. Haffey followed the Badwater from start to finish. This is their story that ran in the Union Tribune nine days before the 2003 Badwater Ultramarathon. Full story
2002 News
October 17, 2002
Torrance Daily Breeze: "Ostendorff's Racing Skills Break Through"
Reporter Mike Mitchell writes about Eric "Ostrich" Ostendorff's 3rd place finish in the 2001 Furnace Creek 508, and how he came back in 2002 to win the race. PDF of full story
July 31, 2002:
NPR: "Braving the Badwater Ultramarathon"
NPR's Andy Bowers followed first-time Badwater competitor Angela Brunson through what's often called the toughest foot race in the world. Full story
February 25, 2002
Discovery Health Channel (USA): "The Science of Sleep"
One 508 entrant was followed by a TV crew studying sleep deprivation in October 2001 when she participated in the Furnace Creek 508 bicycle race. This program, "The Science of Sleep" was paired with "The Science of Dreams."
2001 News
August 23, 2001
New Times L.A.: "Dead Run"
Michael Gougis wrote this article featuring Vilma Mejia and her 2000 and 2001 Badwater attempts. Full story
July 2001
Midwest Express Airline Magazine: "Action Figures"
Read this very flattering article by Tina Lassen that covers Chris Kostman, Badwater, and the Furnace Creek 508. Full story
May 2001, Volume Four Issue #2
American Randonneur
As the new Regional Brevet Administrator for Southern California, Chris Kostman is profiled in the current magazine dedicated to this type of self-supported, long-distance cycling. Full article
2000 News
May 2000
Men's Fitness: "The We Generation"
Roy Wallack's article, "The We Generation," touches on the advent of team endurance events, and features his experience racing the 508 on a team. Full story
March 2000
City Sports Washington: "On the Inside Looking Out—How to Use Indoor Cycling to Become a Better Outdoor Cyclist"
Roy Wallack's story, written for City Sports, features Chris Kostman and his indoor cycling program. Full story
1999 News
October 7, 1999
The Los Angeles Times (Orange County edition): "Turning Up the Heat: Rugged Terrain, Difficult Climbs Make Furnace Creek 508 a Test for Cyclists"
Writer Martin Beck crafted this pre-race feature on Team Rat Pack. Other Orange county cyclists attempting the race in 1999 are also mentioned. Full story
|
