Badwater—The Contenders

Runner #1 Zach Gingerich well off the front and pulling away the first 17 miles between Badwater and Furnace Creek. Final placing 4th. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #24 David Ploskonka between Badwater and Furnace Creek when he and Zack still had a gap on the group. Final placing 22nd.

Runner #1 Zach Gingerich running off the front between Badwater and Furnace Creek. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #11 Sumie Inagaki from Japan and women's overall champion between Badwater and Furnace Creek. Final placing 1st. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #5 Luis Escobar covered up and grinding it out between Furnace Creek and Stove Pipe Wells. Final placing 45th.

Runner #4 Marco Farinazzo from Brazil. I love this shot because it captures the spiritual energy of the Brazilian people who are so enthusiastic about life and racing. They are a lot of fun to be around. Final placing, DNF due to tendon strain. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #32 Jason Koop chopping up the Townes Pass climb outside of Stove Pipe Wells on way to Panamint Resort. He is the head coach for Carmichael Training Systems. Final placing, 30th. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #2 Oswaldo Lopez with crew outside Alabama Hills on way to Mt. Whitney switchbacks. This shot shows the magnitude of the grand finale finish with the vicious climb looming ahead. Approaching this climb during daylight can be quite intimidating. At this point he was commanding the lead and feeling the energy of running #1. Final placing 1st.

Runner #2 Oswaldo Lopez in about the same place as previous image but with a tighter shot of Mt. Whitney jagged welcome above. Final placing, 1st.

Runner and winner #2 Oswaldo Lopez right after he crossed the tape.

#2 Team Lopez proudly displays their heritage with Mexican flag after finish. They were very respectful people. They always referred to their pride for both Mexican running and being American. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #86 Ryoichi Sekiya from Japan shows some humor despite his exhaustion and lack of English. Final placing, 2nd.

Runners #2 Oswaldo Lopez and #86 Ryoichi Sekiya (1st and 2nd place finishers) share a moment without spoken language that transcends countries and culture—the language and mutual respect of ultraendurance competition. Photo: Ron Jones

Runners #100 Michael Wardian and #1 Zach Gingerich who finished 3rd and 4th exchange some quiet and personal moments of reflection afterward. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #16 Ed Ettinghausen finishing with crew in his funny jester hat that he wore the whole race. He was not in the 10:00 am wave, but was the 1st runner to finish from the 6:00 am wave. Final placing, 13th. Photo: Ron Jones

#2 Team Lopez in their characteristic circular embrace right after he crossed the tape. I dove under between their legs and just aimed up and ripped three quick frames without looking through viewfinder. Photo: Ron Jones

#2 Team Lopez proudly displays heritage. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #86 Ryoichi Sekiya shows both joy and physical pain and exhaustion at finish grimace. He had some incredible facial expressions. Final placing, 2nd. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #86 Ryoichi Sekiya from Japan releasing total joy of accomplishment while also displaying honorable sportsmanship with his 2nd place finish. Final placing, 2nd. Photo: Ron Jones