Fort Mill Runners Conquer the “World’s Toughest Foot Race” at Badwater 135

LONE PINE, CA — Fort Mill, South Carolina, was proudly represented at the 2025 Badwater 135 Ultramarathon by two local endurance athletes who completed the grueling 135-mile race from Death Valley to Mount Whitney—a course widely known as the most demanding footrace on the planet.

Lee Whitaker, a seasoned ultrarunner and the head coach of Fort Mill High School’s boys and girls cross country and track and field teams, delivered a standout performance, finishing 12th overall with a time of 28 hours, 53 minutes, and 19 seconds. He also placed third in the 50-59 age group. This marked Whitaker’s fifth official Badwater finish, adding to previous appearances in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. He also crewed for another runner in 2024.

Valmir Nunes, a former Badwater champion and Brazilian ultrarunning legend who now lists Fort Mill as his residence, finished 50th overall with a time of 38 hours, 46 minutes, and 47 seconds, placing fourth in the 60-69 age group.

Out of a highly selective field of 100 athletes from 24 countries and 25 U.S. states, Fort Mill was uniquely represented by two runners, underscoring the town’s place on the global stage of ultrarunning.

About the Race Course

The Badwater 135 course begins at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level, and ends at Whitney Portal, 8,300 feet high on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over the span of 135 miles, runners endure scorching desert heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 120°F, and battle through three major mountain ranges, totaling more than 14,600 feet of elevation gain and 6,100 feet of descent. The route includes iconic and unforgiving landmarks such as Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Townes Pass, and the Panamint Valley before the punishing final climb to Whitney Portal. The terrain, elevation, and extreme temperatures combine to make it not only a physical trial, but a mental crucible where even seasoned ultrarunners are pushed to their absolute limits.

All photos shared with permission of AdventureCORPS. Their full photo gallery is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/adventurecorps/

Fort Mill’s Dynamic Duo

Whitaker’s preparation included a slightly different approach this year. “I did train a little differently than I have in the past by running a little less in training, but racing more this year,” he said. “I train in a structured manner for about five months, and I include lots of running, strength sessions, and sitting in my sauna.”

He added that this year was the first in several where the race followed the traditional course without detours. “In 2023, we had to divert due to flooded roads, and in 2024, we had trail detours and even a bee swarm due to an overturned truck carrying hives. So we were happy to have no bees, no floods, and no trails. LOL.”

Despite running one of his most consistent races, Whitaker hit an unexpected wall with just seven miles to go. “I went from being completely fine to almost passed out and unconscious within a matter of seconds,” he said. “The last stretch took twice as long as it should have after feeling great and running the way I wanted all day long.”

Off the race course, Whitaker continues to build champions. Under his leadership, both the boys and girls cross country teams at Fort Mill High School won state championships in 2024, and the girls track and field team also claimed the South Carolina title. His coaching accomplishments earned him the title of Fort Mill High School Coach of the Year.

Coach Whitaker Named Fort Mill High School Coach of the Year After Historic Season

As for Nunes, his return to Badwater adds to a long list of ultrarunning achievements. A past winner of the race in 2007, he remains a revered figure in the sport and a unique tie between the international and local endurance communities.

Results at a Glance

Congratulations to both runners for their extraordinary accomplishments in one of the most extreme races on Earth. Their efforts are not only a personal triumph but also a point of pride for the Fort Mill community.

For full race coverage and results, visit https://www.badwater.com/event/badwater-135/.