For 37 years in a searing California desert, runners from across the globe have embarked on a 135-mile race through one of the hottest places on Earth. But few have completed what’s billed the world’s toughest foot race more times than Danny Westergaard. At 66 years old, Westergaard ran to the finish line of Badwater 135 through Death Valley for the 18th time this year during the park’s hottest season. The race takes place in July, when temperatures last year hit a record 129 F. But even as one of the most extreme places on the planet, Death Valley is not immune to climate change. Seven of its hottest summers have occurred in the past 10 years, and if climate change continues at its current pace, more places will end up like it.





