Running Badwater 135 for Alzheimer's.
Running Badwater - a 217km ultramarathon known as 'the worlds toughest footrace' in the hottest place on earth to raise money for Alzheimers
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What am I doing?
I will be running what's known as the world's toughest footrace in Death Valley, California in July to raise funds for Alzheimer's Wairarapa.
Each year 100 ultra-runners from around the world are invited to run the 217km from Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the lowest point in North America, to Whitney Portal, the gateway to Mt Whitney, the highest point on mainland USA. Death Valley is the hottest place on earth and temps in July can be upwards of 50°C. It is a race only 5 NZer's have completed in its 40+ year history. I aim to become the 6th.
Why am I doing this?
Alzheimer's Wairarapa exists solely on grants, fundraising, and donations. It is the only regional Alzheimer's organisation in NZ that doesn't receive funding directly from Te Whatu Ora. Unfortunately, the amounts raised annually do not allow them to extend the care & support programmes as they would like, particularly into South Wairarapa. With Alzheimer's sufferers expected to increase by 150% over the next 25 years, it is likely that you, or someone you know, will be impacted by this lack of funding in the future.
How you can help
Donations of any amount are hugely appreciated. As is sharing this page to help raise awareness and allow the amazing services & support provided to Alzheimer's sufferers to continue.
I am also looking for corporate sponsorship to contribute to the costs of getting myself and my team to Death Valley. Please get in touch if you would like to help.
James
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Latest update
Sunrise over Death Valley 26 March 2025
Just a little over 3 months to go before I head over to this spectacular place.
My preparations and training are well under way. I have an amazing team travelling with me who I know will look after me, but also push me to get the job done.
My training is ramping up and I'm looking forward to putting it to the test at a 12hr race in Akld in 6 weeks time.
In addition to training, the next month will be about finalising the logistics and other admin tasks. Organisation & planning are key for an event of this magnitude, and with such extreme conditions nothing can be left to chance.
Thank you so much to those who have donated already. The team at Alzheimer's Wairarapa are incredibly grateful.
Latest donations
Very generous and much appreciated Fergus!
Cheers John!
Thanks Ali. Your contribution is much appreciated.
Who's involved?
