Austrian defeats Höllen-Run: Ultra marathon in Death Valley!

Austrian defeats Höllen-Run: Ultra marathon in Death Valley!

Death Valley, USA - Christian Magadits from Enzersfeld recently successfully finished the extremely demanding Badwater 135 Ultramarathon in Death Valley. He completed the 217 -kilometer route in 33 hours and reached the finish line as 25 out of a total of 100 starters. This marathon is known for bringing the participants to their limits, whereby the temperatures can increase over 50 degrees Celsius during the day. At the start at 10 p.m. the temperature was already 44 degrees, which illustrates the additional challenges for the runners.

The Badwater Ultra-Marathon leads from the lowest point in North America, the Badwater Basin, which is 85 meters below sea level, to the Whitney Portal, which is located at 2,530 meters. During the run, Magadit had to overcome numerous obstacles, including crossing three passes and running through the jointly used airspace of the Air Force. The route is also not blocked off, which requires additional caution from the athletes. A four -person team of supervisors ensured intensive support, which had to cool him down regularly because heat shells are the greatest danger.

strict qualification requirements

Participation in the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon is strictly regulated. The organizers of AdventureCorps, Inc., select the participants based on strict criteria. In order to qualify for the event, athletes must have completed at least four ultramarathons with a distance of 100 miles. The selected participants are announced in January live on the Internet.

Magadits trains impressive 20 hours a week for his use and has also prepared for the extreme temperatures in the sauna. During the run, he reported hallucinations that are considered normal because they often occur with such extreme physical and psychological stress.

The health effects of ultramarathons

The psychological and physical stress that can occur during an ultramarathon have been extensively examined. Studies show that moderate endurance stress improves cardiovascular performance, while excessive stress can increase the risk of injuries and health complications. The most common risks include disorders of fluid and electrolyte balance as well as dehydration and problems in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended that athletes adapt their diet during the race to avoid catabolic effects that can be reinforced by a low protein content in competition food.

Magadits remained optimistic after completing the marathon. He plans to no longer take part in the Badwater Marathon because he is proud of his previous achievements and is now looking forward to family time and relaxation. He could not exceed his best time in 2019, but the experience and the personal limit he could cross remain unforgettable for him.