Scenes of Badwater

Runner #99 Greg Pressler getting his foot trauma attended by foot care guru John Vonhof. He walked (hobbled) by the medic room but did not stop until John ran out the door to corral him back. I had been waiting all weekend for some great foot trauma photos but only had one brief opportunity at finish line. This was great because I spent the whole 10-15 minutes watching and shooting close ups of Greg while John and Dr. Badwater Ben fixed his foot! Amazing what people can do when they put their minds to it—as in run through Death Valley in Badwater with mangled feet! Overall placing 43rd. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #51 Kim Budzik posing with crew (husband, daughter, and me) outside Lone Pine race headquarters. I would not normally include myself into a race photo for submission, but this is the most incredible story that captures the essence of Badwater and ultras. I got an e-mail from Kim's home state of Texas complimenting me on my photos but asking if there was a way to also photograph some of the lesser known runners at the back too. I explained that I was being directed by staff to cover the front finishers recently, but I had a gut feeling that this was something to follow up on so checked on her placing. She had not come through Lone Pine yet, so after I processed the current batch of photos I drove backward on the course instead of going forward like my original plan. I found Kim who apparently had lost a lot of time the night before with extreme stomach problems. I caught her and crew at a quick break and explained about her fan request from Texas. The news from home lit up her and the whole crew. I think this epitomizes Badwater and ultras in many ways because despite the intense conditions and competition, the human element is strong on the kindness end. Overall placing=68thPhoto: Ron Jones

Runner #46 David Walker at the exact moment his crew picked him up to place him back in the van and DNF. I turned off my flash despite the near blackness so I would not startle what was left of his spirit. The crew and runner were devastated, but his paramedic crew members were afraid of health issues if he continued. He was hypothermic beyond control at this point. Photo: Ron Jones

Unknown runner with pacer leaving switchbacks and heading back toward campground and finish line. Available light and the only location where I actually used a tripod and really long exposure. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner caution sign between Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney switchbacks. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #30 Jennifer Vogel cranks into the darkness at base of Mt. Whitney. I remember she was so damn strong here. Very little clothing even though it was chilly which means she was cranking it! Overall placing: 8. Photo: Ron Jones

Unknown crew member and runner. This was a really quiet and tender moment between the female runner and her husband as they approached the switchbacks after leaving Alabama Hills. They allowed me to follow for a few shots. I liked this one because he was looking over his shoulder at support crew members.Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #9 Divesh Bhatt (India) crew member sports the team mascot on the switchbacks near the finish line. I think Divesh was the first person from India to ever finish Badwater. I'm sure the mascot is special in India, although I do not know its name or placement in their culture. Overall placing: 33. Photo: Ron Jones

Unknown crew and crew member. I'm not sure which team she was assisting, but I noticed the light on her face as I was chatting with the crew and quickly asked her for a portrait shot. Photo: Ron Jones

Mt. Whitney cloud cover. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #52 Mary Betts. This was an incredible portion of the race for her striding through Alabama Hills approaching switchbacks. She had more absolute joy in this portion than any other runner of the year. It was fun to be there for and with her. Overall placing: 49. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #91 Arthurs Veics (Latvia), Overall placing: 40. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #91 Arthurs Veics (Latvia). One photo cannot go without the other. The guy never showed emotion throughout the race. I had worked so hard to shoot him and even gave him some compliments—but he never even acknowledged I existed until this moment in the Alabama Hills at base of switchbacks when I basically had given up on the guy for more photos—he suddenly and purposefully whipped his head around to stare me down over his shoulder. Look close at the other image of Arthurs and you'll notice he is smiling slightly. We said a lot to each other at that moment without verbal communications. Overall placing: 40. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #50 Cheryl Zwarkowski poses for just a brief second with her granddaughter outside Lone Pine race headquarters. Overall placing: 55. Photo: Ron Jones

Webcast staff Keith Kostman and Anna Leeg during another frustrating moment at Panamint Springs time station. We had multiple issues with the ISP provider. Photo: Ron Jones

Unknown runner and crew. Abandoned shoes on descent of Townes Pass heading down for Panamint Resort. Photo: Ron Jones

Unnamed crew and crew member. I was waiting at base of Townes Pass and she jumped out of van. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #38 Amy Palmiero-Winters gets her rhythm between Badwater and Furnace Creek. Overall placing 58th. Photo: Ron Jones

Banner during 8:00 am wave start. Photo: Ron Jones

Runner #34 Connie Dockendorf jumps for joy between Badwater and Furnace Creek! Overall placing=81stPhoto: Ron Jones