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Marathon Details - Death Valley Borax Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > CA > Death Valley > Death Valley Borax Marathon

Death Valley Borax Marathon

Envirosports Death Valley Borax Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Death Valley, CA USA

February 1, 2025

http://www.envirosports.com/death-valley-races

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Race Details

Enjoy an out-and-back relatively flat course (fewer than 500 feet of climbing and descending). You'll admire the beauty of the surrounding desert as you follow this paved run from Furnace Creek Ranch along Hwy. 190 through the heart of Death Valley National Park. The entire course is below sea level with fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges: the Panamints, the Funerals, the Cottonwoods, the Blacks and the Grapevines. Your immediate surroundings are the exotic flora and fauna found only on the desert floor. This is probably one of the most unique courses you could pick for your next race. The desert is beautiful this time of year with mild temperatures; lows range between 30 and 40 degrees and highs hit the low 70s. Consider this the most unique way to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course is USATF certified. NOTE: After a 12-year history of taking place in early December, this event has been moved to this February date.

Contact Information

Name:	Dave Horning
Address:	Enviro-Sports P.O. Box 1040 Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Phone Number:	(415) 868-1829
Fax Number:	(415) 868-2611
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

EVENT DESCRIPTION (11/15/06)

Enviro-Sports

Enjoy an out-and-back relatively flat course (fewer than 500 feet of climbing and descending).

You'll admire the beauty of the surrounding desert as you follow this paved run from Furnace Creek Ranch along Hwy. 190 through the heart of Death Valley National Park.

The entire course is below sea level with fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges: the Panamints, the Funerals, the Cottonwoods, the Blacks and the Grapevines. Your immediate surroundings are the exotic flora and fauna found only on the desert floor. This is probably one of the most unique courses you could pick for your next race. The desert is beautiful this time of year with mild temperatures; lows range between 30 and 40 degrees and highs hit the low 70s.

Runner Reviews (65)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 2.1

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Number of comments: 65 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

jim miller from Orlando, fl (2/15/2022) "who knew the desert was sooo beautiful" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 my FB post of this run started with 'who knew there were 50 shades of beauty in the desert?' as this race was indeed beautiful - out and back...did my # 205th marathon here just cuz it was DV! in addition to the beauty of the rum, the organization - starting right out side the front door of the resort, great aide stations, crew on bicycles to help with questions - I might go back from Orlando - just to enjoy the opening comments from the RD who WON the Escape from Alcatraz tri 3x - and has plenty of memorable one liners and then, asks everyone to sing America the Beautiful ...and everyone did! it was a very special moment and almost makes it hard to start a race at 6am with cheerful tears in your eyes...WELLLL done...put this one on your list!
A. B. from Chicago area (7/11/2020) "Not for everyone, but amazing for me" (about: 2020) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This race features a full marathon, a half, and a 10k. I ran the half. The first thing to point out is that Death Valley is not for everyone. It is remote, and I can see how some folks might just see a bunch of rocks and sand. I was just amazed at the beauty. Being there was almost a spiritual experience for me. The endless vistas, the mountains, the colors, were stunning. As for the race, it was very low key and low frills. The race starts near the Oasis hotel complex. There is maybe a mile of sidewalk before the course turns into Mustard Canyon. This is the tough part. About a mile or so of loose rocks and gravel. Runners need to be very careful here. They also have to deal with this again on the way back, when fatigued. Twisting an ankle or falling onto the sharp rocks is a serious possibility. Then the race proceeds straight down the highway. Runners are supposed to stay on the shoulder. The highway is hillier than it seems at first glance. The air is extraordinarily dry. Carrying water is highly recommended for the full. There were two aid stations on the way out for the half, so (obviously) total of four. That was enough for me. I did not carry water for the half and got away with it, but I stopped and drank lots at each station. Runners must take hydration seriously in this race. If you're not carrying water, you must do full stop and drink lots at the stations. Cotton t-shirt, small finisher medal. AG awards are customized ribbons that are mailed out later. This race was a very positive experience for me, but if you need cheering crowds and fancy race swag, this is not for you. I will absolutely be back at some point.
Scott Campbell from San Diego, CA (2/8/2016) "A Perfect Race.....for some runners" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The title says it all for me. If you're the kind of runner that needs constant distractions of music, cheering fans, different things to look at, then is is definitely NOT the race for you. However, if you don't mind running 26.2 (out and back) looking at the same thing (a beautiful sight I would add), enjoy the solitude, then this is the race for you! The weather was really nice. It was 50 degrees at the start (8 am) and about 68 by finish (1 pm for me), but I think we got lucky as it was predicted originally to be about ten degrees cooler. The guy running the show is a hoot, and all the people affiliated with the race were great. I started at the end of the pack (88 total runners) and ended up talking to a lot of runners along the way. I wasn't trying to get a PR and so it was easy to relax, enjoy the scenery and get to know fellow runners. The aid stations were 3 mile apart, so you want to hit the water, Gatorade (diluted) and snacks hard when you can. Running along the road is slightly unnerving, but most cars were respectful and gave us some extra space. Finishing was a blast for me because the runners were so spread out by the time I crossed that they called my name out about 100 yards in advance and all eyes (granted not a ton) were on me and cheering me on. That was something I'd never experienced. Shirts are given out after the race. It's 100% cotton (an oddity these days) and pretty original as it doesn't really look like a marathon shirt. It looks a bit more like something one might buy in the souvenir shop at a desert hotel. In sum, this is a race that you should put on your short list if you like this type of marathon. It's a definite keeper.
T. N. from California (2/18/2014) "One in a lifetime opportunity" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Extremely disappointing marathon medal and cotton tee shirt. They are really Envirosports advertisements; they don't even including the date of the run. Envirosports must not understand the importance of a good shirt for someone who runs a marathon in Death Valley. I believe folks would even be willing to pay extra for a shirt they would be proud of. I won't be wearing mine. Aid stations well run. Great sag support. No headphones allowed.
C. O. from Florida (2/9/2014) "The Race to Find Your Zen" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 In a nutshell, there is no other course like this in the world. The course isn't that challenging physically, but mentally it was one of the hardest. No music, the wind, solitude and miles of vast nothing and seeing the finish area from 10 miles away made this a really tough marathon. Otherwise, this is a low-key, low-budget event. Organization is fine, aid stations are spaced a little too far apart (every 3 miles), so definately bring water (even though I had no problems with the stations being stocked). During 2014, the NPS and Caltran were constantly leap frogging runners trying to catch somebody breaking the rules (we didn't!!). Medal was small and bland, but the tech shirt was nice. But does any of this really matter? The fact is very few people have run a marathon across Death Valley and this is why you should do this race!
B. S. from California (2/4/2014) "A nice excuse for a first visit to Death Valley" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I'd never been to Death Valley before, so was attracted to this race for an excuse to get there. Modest expectations were met. It got warm on the return but not unbearable; aid stations every three miles were minimally adequate (everyone should and I did carry food & fluids anyway). I never run with music so I didn't mind the prohibition, and though my previous marathons were all very large, I actually prefer to run alone so I didn't mind the sparse field or lack of crowd support. I was concerned about having to run on the gravel shoulder but in fact only rarely had to stray off the pavement edge. The course was not pancake flat but there were no challenging hills either, which made for a comfortable course. I have to agree with others re the swag - an ugly, undated, cotton T shirt (identical to the one my gf received running some years back), ditto the medal (couldn't they at least have invested in dated ribbons?) were disappointing, at best. But like I said, it was a great excuse to visit the park, which is spectacular, so I'm glad I did it.
P. R. from Calgary, Alberta (5/17/2012) "The loneliness of the long distance runner" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Two weeks before this race I was training in the frozen north of Canada in -40F temperatures; race day hit 80F for a termperature swing of 120F! Unique experience. Definitely not for everyone, but if you know what you're getting yourself in for, this is a race for your bucket list. Well organized, good people, nice ambience. Casual race package pick-up the morning of the race; quick, smooth and easy. Wander down to the start area, listen to the entertaining pre-race speech from Dave, and off you go. There were about 120 full marathoners this year, so don't expect to be fighting for room or bumping elbows. Take the time to talk to fellow runners; I met a fellow in his mid 60's doing his 300th marathon at Death Valley, his 'younger' companion (early 60's) had done 'only' around 250; inspiring! Pack your own water. Water stations are several miles apart, and with the heat and dry air I was happy to be packing my own bottle that I could re-fill along the way. Route and scenery are austere, stark, strangely alien. Hard to get a sense of scale or distance; can be mentally tough looking for miles and miles across the barren landscape, seeing how far you have to go, then knowing that you'll need to turn around and do it all again on the way home. No I-Pods/earbuds/music machines allowed, so if you need that stuff to keep entertained/motivated be prepared for a long day. Get in the mind frame to enjoy the scenery, listen to the wind (you did hope for a breeze, right?), and soak it all in. I thought that this might be a good race for a fast time, but ended up slowing down in the heat and going at a pace that let me enjoy running in this unique location. As a first time visitor to Death Valley, I was glad to have a couple of extra days to explore the area. Fascinating geology and landforms, much more scenic than I had been expecting, some great hiking and driving/exploring in the area, so spend a few days to really appreciate this special place. Not my fastest time, not the most fun I've had running a marathon, but Death Valley will go down as one of a handful of truly memorable races I'll have had the pleasure of taking part in.
C. S. from Illinois (2/11/2012) "Great Marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Small race. Beautiful scenery-very stark and open. Significant wind started after about an hour but was a tail wind the second half so was helpful. Was very well organized and the course was fairly flat and fast. Not a lot of aid stations, but enough, and volunteers were great! No spectators, which is not a problem for me. Other runners were friendly and encouraging-great group. I really enjoyed this marathon although it seemed hotter than 70's. Great time of the year to visit Death Valley, which is a very interesting and unique place.
Santosh Iyer from New Jersey (2/10/2012) "Enjoyable small race in exotic setting" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 A small race by all counts - no noise, no hoopla, a handful of hard core runners, an easy going bunch of organizers and volunteers (from a local school), reliable registration/ checkin / start / finish processing... if you want a race revolving around the actual run, this is the one. The desert settings are beautiful, though may get a little repetitive in the second half (and not just because its an out and back). Running on the shoulder of the road is not as restrictive as it sounds. Lack of spectators is in fact a positive, it allows you to focus on the silence which is what distinguishes it from regular marathons. Weather is perfect this time of the year. Course is more rolling hills than you would imagine from the 'flat course' description. Medal could have been better. I enjoyed this race overall!
Kirk Stafford from Portland, Oregon (2/8/2012) "Isolated, Surreal, and Tough" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Death Valley is not a typical desert, and this is not a typical marathon. If you like utter barrenness, the scenery is for you. The course stays below sea level with only slight hills. It was dry (of course) and temperature went from about 50 up to 72; it felt good to get out of the rain. The course was the road from Furnace Creek to Salt Creek. You had to get onto the gravel shoulder when a car was coming, which isn't very often. No spectators are allowed on the course, so the only encouragement is from fellow runners (who were all fantastic). 111 hardcore runners came all the way out here to run this year. It is as far removed from a big-city run that I can imagine. I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from it all.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]



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jim miller from Orlando, fl (2/15/2022) "who knew the desert was sooo beautiful" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 my FB post of this run started with 'who knew there were 50 shades of beauty in the desert?' as this race was indeed beautiful - out and back...did my # 205th marathon here just cuz it was DV! in addition to the beauty of the rum, the organization - starting right out side the front door of the resort, great aide stations, crew on bicycles to help with questions - I might go back from Orlando - just to enjoy the opening comments from the RD who WON the Escape from Alcatraz tri 3x - and has plenty of memorable one liners and then, asks everyone to sing America the Beautiful ...and everyone did! it was a very special moment and almost makes it hard to start a race at 6am with cheerful tears in your eyes...WELLLL done...put this one on your list!
A. B. from Chicago area (7/11/2020) "Not for everyone, but amazing for me" (about: 2020) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This race features a full marathon, a half, and a 10k. I ran the half. The first thing to point out is that Death Valley is not for everyone. It is remote, and I can see how some folks might just see a bunch of rocks and sand. I was just amazed at the beauty. Being there was almost a spiritual experience for me. The endless vistas, the mountains, the colors, were stunning. As for the race, it was very low key and low frills. The race starts near the Oasis hotel complex. There is maybe a mile of sidewalk before the course turns into Mustard Canyon. This is the tough part. About a mile or so of loose rocks and gravel. Runners need to be very careful here. They also have to deal with this again on the way back, when fatigued. Twisting an ankle or falling onto the sharp rocks is a serious possibility. Then the race proceeds straight down the highway. Runners are supposed to stay on the shoulder. The highway is hillier than it seems at first glance. The air is extraordinarily dry. Carrying water is highly recommended for the full. There were two aid stations on the way out for the half, so (obviously) total of four. That was enough for me. I did not carry water for the half and got away with it, but I stopped and drank lots at each station. Runners must take hydration seriously in this race. If you're not carrying water, you must do full stop and drink lots at the stations. Cotton t-shirt, small finisher medal. AG awards are customized ribbons that are mailed out later. This race was a very positive experience for me, but if you need cheering crowds and fancy race swag, this is not for you. I will absolutely be back at some point.
Scott Campbell from San Diego, CA (2/8/2016) "A Perfect Race.....for some runners" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The title says it all for me. If you're the kind of runner that needs constant distractions of music, cheering fans, different things to look at, then is is definitely NOT the race for you. However, if you don't mind running 26.2 (out and back) looking at the same thing (a beautiful sight I would add), enjoy the solitude, then this is the race for you! The weather was really nice. It was 50 degrees at the start (8 am) and about 68 by finish (1 pm for me), but I think we got lucky as it was predicted originally to be about ten degrees cooler. The guy running the show is a hoot, and all the people affiliated with the race were great. I started at the end of the pack (88 total runners) and ended up talking to a lot of runners along the way. I wasn't trying to get a PR and so it was easy to relax, enjoy the scenery and get to know fellow runners. The aid stations were 3 mile apart, so you want to hit the water, Gatorade (diluted) and snacks hard when you can. Running along the road is slightly unnerving, but most cars were respectful and gave us some extra space. Finishing was a blast for me because the runners were so spread out by the time I crossed that they called my name out about 100 yards in advance and all eyes (granted not a ton) were on me and cheering me on. That was something I'd never experienced. Shirts are given out after the race. It's 100% cotton (an oddity these days) and pretty original as it doesn't really look like a marathon shirt. It looks a bit more like something one might buy in the souvenir shop at a desert hotel. In sum, this is a race that you should put on your short list if you like this type of marathon. It's a definite keeper.
T. N. from California (2/18/2014) "One in a lifetime opportunity" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Extremely disappointing marathon medal and cotton tee shirt. They are really Envirosports advertisements; they don't even including the date of the run. Envirosports must not understand the importance of a good shirt for someone who runs a marathon in Death Valley. I believe folks would even be willing to pay extra for a shirt they would be proud of. I won't be wearing mine. Aid stations well run. Great sag support. No headphones allowed.
C. O. from Florida (2/9/2014) "The Race to Find Your Zen" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 In a nutshell, there is no other course like this in the world. The course isn't that challenging physically, but mentally it was one of the hardest. No music, the wind, solitude and miles of vast nothing and seeing the finish area from 10 miles away made this a really tough marathon. Otherwise, this is a low-key, low-budget event. Organization is fine, aid stations are spaced a little too far apart (every 3 miles), so definately bring water (even though I had no problems with the stations being stocked). During 2014, the NPS and Caltran were constantly leap frogging runners trying to catch somebody breaking the rules (we didn't!!). Medal was small and bland, but the tech shirt was nice. But does any of this really matter? The fact is very few people have run a marathon across Death Valley and this is why you should do this race!
B. S. from California (2/4/2014) "A nice excuse for a first visit to Death Valley" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I'd never been to Death Valley before, so was attracted to this race for an excuse to get there. Modest expectations were met. It got warm on the return but not unbearable; aid stations every three miles were minimally adequate (everyone should and I did carry food & fluids anyway). I never run with music so I didn't mind the prohibition, and though my previous marathons were all very large, I actually prefer to run alone so I didn't mind the sparse field or lack of crowd support. I was concerned about having to run on the gravel shoulder but in fact only rarely had to stray off the pavement edge. The course was not pancake flat but there were no challenging hills either, which made for a comfortable course. I have to agree with others re the swag - an ugly, undated, cotton T shirt (identical to the one my gf received running some years back), ditto the medal (couldn't they at least have invested in dated ribbons?) were disappointing, at best. But like I said, it was a great excuse to visit the park, which is spectacular, so I'm glad I did it.
P. R. from Calgary, Alberta (5/17/2012) "The loneliness of the long distance runner" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Two weeks before this race I was training in the frozen north of Canada in -40F temperatures; race day hit 80F for a termperature swing of 120F! Unique experience. Definitely not for everyone, but if you know what you're getting yourself in for, this is a race for your bucket list. Well organized, good people, nice ambience. Casual race package pick-up the morning of the race; quick, smooth and easy. Wander down to the start area, listen to the entertaining pre-race speech from Dave, and off you go. There were about 120 full marathoners this year, so don't expect to be fighting for room or bumping elbows. Take the time to talk to fellow runners; I met a fellow in his mid 60's doing his 300th marathon at Death Valley, his 'younger' companion (early 60's) had done 'only' around 250; inspiring! Pack your own water. Water stations are several miles apart, and with the heat and dry air I was happy to be packing my own bottle that I could re-fill along the way. Route and scenery are austere, stark, strangely alien. Hard to get a sense of scale or distance; can be mentally tough looking for miles and miles across the barren landscape, seeing how far you have to go, then knowing that you'll need to turn around and do it all again on the way home. No I-Pods/earbuds/music machines allowed, so if you need that stuff to keep entertained/motivated be prepared for a long day. Get in the mind frame to enjoy the scenery, listen to the wind (you did hope for a breeze, right?), and soak it all in. I thought that this might be a good race for a fast time, but ended up slowing down in the heat and going at a pace that let me enjoy running in this unique location. As a first time visitor to Death Valley, I was glad to have a couple of extra days to explore the area. Fascinating geology and landforms, much more scenic than I had been expecting, some great hiking and driving/exploring in the area, so spend a few days to really appreciate this special place. Not my fastest time, not the most fun I've had running a marathon, but Death Valley will go down as one of a handful of truly memorable races I'll have had the pleasure of taking part in.
C. S. from Illinois (2/11/2012) "Great Marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Small race. Beautiful scenery-very stark and open. Significant wind started after about an hour but was a tail wind the second half so was helpful. Was very well organized and the course was fairly flat and fast. Not a lot of aid stations, but enough, and volunteers were great! No spectators, which is not a problem for me. Other runners were friendly and encouraging-great group. I really enjoyed this marathon although it seemed hotter than 70's. Great time of the year to visit Death Valley, which is a very interesting and unique place.
Santosh Iyer from New Jersey (2/10/2012) "Enjoyable small race in exotic setting" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 A small race by all counts - no noise, no hoopla, a handful of hard core runners, an easy going bunch of organizers and volunteers (from a local school), reliable registration/ checkin / start / finish processing... if you want a race revolving around the actual run, this is the one. The desert settings are beautiful, though may get a little repetitive in the second half (and not just because its an out and back). Running on the shoulder of the road is not as restrictive as it sounds. Lack of spectators is in fact a positive, it allows you to focus on the silence which is what distinguishes it from regular marathons. Weather is perfect this time of the year. Course is more rolling hills than you would imagine from the 'flat course' description. Medal could have been better. I enjoyed this race overall!
Kirk Stafford from Portland, Oregon (2/8/2012) "Isolated, Surreal, and Tough" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Death Valley Borax Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Death Valley is not a typical desert, and this is not a typical marathon. If you like utter barrenness, the scenery is for you. The course stays below sea level with only slight hills. It was dry (of course) and temperature went from about 50 up to 72; it felt good to get out of the rain. The course was the road from Furnace Creek to Salt Creek. You had to get onto the gravel shoulder when a car was coming, which isn't very often. No spectators are allowed on the course, so the only encouragement is from fellow runners (who were all fantastic). 111 hardcore runners came all the way out here to run this year. It is as far removed from a big-city run that I can imagine. I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to get away from it all.

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Marathon Details - Death Valley Borax Marathon