Enjoy an out-and-back relatively flat course (fewer than 500 feet of climbing and descending). You'll admire the beauty of the surrounding desert as you follow this paved run from Furnace Creek Ranch along Hwy. 190 through the heart of Death Valley National Park. The entire course is below sea level with fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges: the Panamints, the Funerals, the Cottonwoods, the Blacks and the Grapevines. Your immediate surroundings are the exotic flora and fauna found only on the desert floor. This is probably one of the most unique courses you could pick for your next race. The desert is beautiful this time of year with mild temperatures; lows range between 30 and 40 degrees and highs hit the low 70s. Consider this the most unique way to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course is USATF certified. NOTE: After a 12-year history of taking place in early December, this event has been moved to this February date.

Death Valley Borax Marathon

Human Interest Story

Hermelin quit smoking and started running. His first 26.2-mile race was in Palos Verdes in 1977. Now, almost 30 years later, Hermelin is about to complete his 100th, the Borax Marathon in Death Valley Dec. 2, which he said will be the last.

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results