I’m Ben. JUST BEN.
THE ROWER, TURNED RUNNER.
135 miles across Death Valley, and everything that came after. A reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things, especially when they bring others with them.
I went to Death Valley
Badwater 135 is the most demanding footrace on the planet.
135 miles from the lowest point in North America to the slopes of Mt Whitney. It starts 86 metres below sea level in Death Valley, California, where summer ground temperatures pass 70°C. Three mountain passes, 14,000ft of climbing, and a 45 hour cut off.
100 athletes are invited each year.
In July 2026 I was one of them. It took me 39 hours and I crossed the line with my crew beside me, which is the only way anybody crosses it.
And then I came back
Nobody writes about this bit.
I came home on the biggest high of my life. Within a few weeks I couldn't run a kilometre without my knee going. Work got worse. Family time was strained. My mood went with it and I was cross with myself about everything, all at once, without really knowing why.
I have written all of that down too, because I think it is fairly normal and almost nobody says so out loud. The finish line photograph is the easy part. What comes after it is the real journey, and it is the one I am in the middle of right now.
I believe in real community, real people, real conversations and above all real experiences. I’d rather run next to someone and hear their story, than scroll past a filtered version.”
— Ben Burch
I’m Not a celebrity OR an influencer
I’m aware the internet rewards volume. Big claims. Big personalities. Big budgets.
That isn’t me. I don’t love shouting about achievements. I want the achievement to do the shouting, and actually be the positive influence for others to 'follow' in a more authentic way than a digital one.
So this is quieter: consistency, lessons, and a lot of miles.
If anything here is inspiring, I hope it’s for the most useful reason:
it feels doable, IT FEELS POSSIBLE.
The invitation
You can't come to Badwater. You can come for a walk.
Walk+Talk is free. It is local, there is no pace, no kit and no fitness required, and there is nothing to sign up to beyond turning up. People walk, people talk, and people go home a bit less alone than they arrived.
It is run by The Allegr Foundation, and it is the reason all of this has a point.
“The word community is used a lot these days, for clarity “social media” is not a community, it is a market. I believe in the true power of our communities, our tribes, it’s a fundamental part of being human. ”
— Ben Burch
For Companies
You can't send your team to Death Valley. You can get them outside.
A panel on resilience, an employee session, and a Walk+Talk programme running from your building. Not a webinar nobody attends.
Every penny of any speaking or panel fee goes to The Allegr Foundation.
“ANY Mask WE HAVE drops in the depths of an ultra, that’s real, that’s human, it’s not perfect, but it’s a place to visit and learn from. ”
— Ben Burch
Partners and Supporters
Coaching Partner
OneTrack Club - the coaching team behind me. Expert and human.
Apparel Partner
It’s hot in Death Valley, the California based clothing and eyewear experts are by my side.
Nutrition Partner
Nutrition is critical in a race like Badwater 135, Maurten are my partners in this adventure.
Writing
ENDURE together – because no one MAKES THIS JOURNEY ALONE.
I'm not running and I'm not doing very well as a result.
Let's not pretend it's entirely unexpected. I spent about 50 miles of Badwater smashing back paracetamol because my knee was hurting, so it's no major surprise that there's a bit of recovery needed.