Daniel's Day - Badwater Salton Sea April 29th, 2023
The Badwater Salton Sea is the only ultramarathon (81 miles) we know of where teams of 2 to 3 run together (not as a relay) through the entirety of the race from start to finish and every checkpoint in between. Journey through this cinematic blog and learn why this race was so very special for team Run Republic.
Timestamps | chapters
00:00 What is "Daniel's Day"? Introducing team Run Republic for Badwater Saton Sea 2023. Race check-in Friday 4/28/23. Background on how and why Alexander and Joe chose this race for Daniel's Day, read Alexander Koops blog here: https://epicxman.blogspot.com/2023/05...
03:04 Race day, 4/29/23. Leaving Borrego Springs, driving to Salton Sea for the race start at 6:30am
03:44 Badwater Salton Sea start line, sunrise
06:00 "jump shot" for Daniel. Daniel and Xander would always grab a "jump shot" during their epic adventures. See Alexander's blog here with a picture of Daniel and his friends grabbing a jump shot at their Joshua Tree run https://epicxman.blogspot.com/2023/05...
06:18 The race begins, promptly at 6:30am
07:04 Views of the landscape, capturing some of the plants Daniel loved. Ocotillo was in full bloom, the wildflowers were stunning.
07:26 Its already hot at Mile 7, first stop with the race crew and the last time for crew to purchase ice and gas until mile 38. Joe and Xander had planned on 60 seconds or less for each stop (minus 3 strategic stops for 10mins or less with hot food and shoe changes) with their race crew.
08:20 104°F at Mile 35 check-in, the first "10 min" planned stop for Joe and Xander. Joe and Xander check-in at 5 hours and 24 mins, exactly 30 mins behind the 1st place team (Constant Runtime). Mile 35 is a mandatory race check-in at the Borrego Springs Resort lobby where runners can find hot water, ice water and restrooms. https://www.borregospringsresort.com/
09:30 Mile 40 in 6 hours and 45 mins, checking in at Hell Hole Canyon trailhead. Runners change into trail shoes and must carry the mandatory gear for the entirety of the 8 mile trail section. This 8 mile section climbs over 3,200 ft through slippery desert rock, sand, cactus and this year amazing wildflowers in full bloom. For the top 3 teams, this is the hottest part of the day. An absolutely brutal but beautiful section of this epic race. Team Run Republic is now 55 mins behind the 1st place team, Constant Runtime. 3rd place (Baby Bathwater 135) is 52 mins behind.
10:33 Xander shares his race goals as they finish the trail section in just over 3 hours.
11:11 Xander refuels with homemade kefir from kefir grains that Daniel started and shared with his family and friends.
13:10 Mile 50 check-in at Ranchita, 10 hours and 47 mins. Xander and Joe are now 1 hour and 27 mins behind 1st place. Third and final "10 min" break for team Run Republic. Its time to turn it on and go for the gold! Xander and Joe run begin running their fastest spits around 7 min 30 sec per mile pace in hopes of catching Constant Runtime.
15:09 the final 11 mile climb with 2,800 ft of gain up Palomar Mountain. Joe and Xander are approximately 50 mins behind 1st place and gaining on them. Team Run Republic's mantra begins, "Stay tough for Daniel"!
16:41 Joe and Xander cross the finish line in 16 hours and 33 mins, only 25 mins behind 1st place.
visit @AdventureCORPS for more Badwater race videos and visit badwater.com for race info
Run Republic is a family owned specialty run store founded by Joe Nakamura, with locations in Walnut, Ca and Stockton, Ca. If you need anything running related please visit werunrepublic.com and help support this small family business.
This film was shot and edited by @jordanchoh
Crew Members: Pastor Andy Choh @TheologyOnTap from Heavenbound Church along with Madyson Nakamura and Jordan Choh
Run Republic finished 2nd place overall with a time of 16hrs and 33mins.