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Phix-Fueled Athletes Finish the World's Toughest Foot Race
Recognized globally as the “World’s Toughest Foot Race”, the 34th annual Badwater Ultramarathon took place in Death Valley, California on July 11-13. The grueling event attracted approximately 90 ultra runners from all over the world to challenge their limits and attempt this 135-mile and 130 degree Fahrenheit enduring journey starting from the below-sea-level Badwater to the high-elevation Mt.Whitney within 48 hours.
“Badwater Ultramarathon is arguably the most demanding and extreme running race on the planet,” said Chris Roman, the 2011 Phix-sponsored runner who rocked his 16th place finish in 32 hours and 27 minutes. “The race and its surroundings place even the most seasoned athletes out of their comfort zone requiring amazing physical stamina and mental resolve.”
In a race where temperatures reach 130 F, kidney failure, heat exhaustion, and dehydration can plague every athlete. To help its racers stay hydrated and maintain mental clarity throughout the strenuous challenge, Phix, the all-natural energy drink, became the proud sponsor of Roman and another ultramarathoner, Anthony Portera. Portera, an experienced 3-time Badwater finisher, broke his prior records with a time of 39 hours 59 minutes this year.
“I took 1 Phix stick every 6 hours to maintain energy and to keep from fatiguing. It is a great wake-up not just for my pre-race training but also for the real game,” said Portera. “I feel thankful for Phix and so glad that all my preparation and devotion paid off.” To read more behind-the-scenes stories from their 2011 Badwater journey, please visit Chris Roman's blog and Anthony Portera’ s blog.
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