An 80-year-old man ran a 135-mile ultramarathon through Death Valley. Here’s what it took.

July 15, 2025

When 80-year-old Bob Becker crossed the finish line 135 miles from his starting point in the scorching Death Valley, he made history as the oldest runner to complete the Badwater 135.

The ultramarathon, nicknamed the “world’s toughest race,” takes runners through a desert in southwestern California in the middle of summer. It was around 118 degrees Fahrenheit when the race started for Becker last week. Over the next 45 hours, he ran along a blazing hot trail and up three mountain ranges.

At his age, Becker said his training is age and race specific. He makes sure to pick races realistic for himself.

While Becker isn’t signed up for another race just yet, he’s not hanging up his running sneakers. CBS News