Being an active duty servicemember often requires troops to survive in some of the harshest conditions in the world, so it should come as no surprise that several of the participants in the upcoming Badwater Ultramarathon have served in the military. Aside from being a true test of endurance this challenging 135-mile road race takes place in Death Valley, Calif., which is home to some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth. The race kicks off July 15, and fans should not be surprised if one of the three troops entered takes home the win, according to Military Times.
Rookies and veterans
Among those making the trip to Death Valley is Army Cpl. Doug Long, who will be participating in the lengthy race for the first time. However, he is certainly no stranger to running extremely long distances. He trained with ultramarathoner Navy Lt. j.g. Hannah Roberts, who has run several 100-plus mile races herself. Aside from helping him train, she also provided insight into how to pace oneself for such a long race.
"The biggest surprise last year was what happens after 100 miles, and just seeing how Hannah dealt with that," Long told the news source. "She was moving so well up until that 100-mile mark – she did 100 miles in under 24 hours – but it took her 10 hours to go that next 35 miles. That was something I'd never thought about before."
Army Capt. Matt Doellman will also be making his first trip to the Badwater Ultramarathon. Meanwhile, Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) David Goggins, will be making his fourth trip and his first since 2008.
All for a good cause
The three servicemember participants are running for more than just themselves. Each is running to support a charity – Wounded Wear, Fisher House and Special Operations Warrior Foundation to be precise. Doellman has participated in many long fundraising runs before, Military Times reports. Last year he set out to complete the so-called Grand Slam of Ultrarunning – the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run, the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run and the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Run – all to support Fisher House.