80-Year-Old Ultramarathoner
- inquiries800
- Jul 28
- 1 min read
At age 80, Fort Lauderdale’s Bob Becker became the oldest person ever to complete the legendary 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon—often called “the world’s toughest footrace”—which stretches from Death Valley’s scorching salt flats to the base of Mount Whitney. Facing 117°F heat and more than 13,000 feet of elevation gain, he crossed the finish line in just over 45 hours, cheered on by the ultra-running community he’s been part of for two decades. Becker didn’t start running marathons until his 60s and now trains by dragging SUV tires through Florida to simulate hills. He hopes his story is a reminder that with grit, preparation, and community, age is no limit to endurance and achievement.
Image via LA Times
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