18/08/2026
🔥 Tested at the world’s toughest foot race.
The Badwater® 135 takes athletes across 217 km of exposed roads through California’s Death Valley, crossing three mountain ranges and climbing more than 4,400 metres before reaching Whitney Portal.
In 2026, temperatures exceeded 50°C — putting performance, resilience and thermoregulation under extreme pressure.
Carmen Maria Perez relied on the Glacier Hat throughout her remarkable race at Badwater® 135:
“During Badwater, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, any help to combat the heat was essential. The Ultra Cool Tech hat became one of my greatest allies during the 21 hours of racing. My support team soaked it every time I reached the car, keeping it activated and providing the cooling sensation I needed so badly. During the sections where I could not reach the car, I was able to reapply water myself using the soft flask I carried with me. Its small front pocket also allowed me to add ice, providing even more cooling during."
Congratulations to Carmen for an extraordinary performance. She completed the race in 21:05:32, smashing the previous women’s course record and even finishing faster than the previous men’s course record. Her incredible time earned her second place overall and established a new women’s course record at the Badwater® 135!
Carmen also ran to support two initiatives raising awareness and funds for children with rare diseases: MARTINA ES MI ÁNGEL and Aurrera Markelekin Adelante Con Markel. Martina and Markel are also part of this success! We encourage you to visit their profiles, learn more about their stories and support these important causes.
Photo: Arnold Begay
More info about the race