The World’s 10 Hardest Marathons

Badwater Ultramarathon

This 135-mile race began in 1987. It is held in Death Valley, at the Badwater basin and includes 13,000 feet of elevation gain through two mountain ranges. The heat also contributes to this being one of the hardest marathons in the world.

The route around Death Valley requires runners to go through a 5,500 foot incline into the Inyo Mountains, as well as three other mountain passes along the way. Additionally, runners climb a total of 17,000 feet, and go through 12,700 feet of descent during this marathon.