Ultra-runner Norma Bastidas knows all too well just how physically and mentally challenging a run like this can be. On July 30, she completed the Badwater® 135 ultramarathon, the world’s toughest foot race, in Death Valley, California. She pushed her body and mind to tackle the most difficult race she has ever done, all in support of Operation Eyesight.

“I have never worked this hard for a race,” she says. “But I knew the further I went, the better off someone else would be.”

The race began at Badwater Basin, the lowest elevation in North America, 85 metres below sea level. From there, runners had 48 hours to run 135 miles to Whitney Portal, 2,530 metres above sea level. Nineteen of the 97 runners were unable to finish the race, succumbing to Death Valley’s brutal conditions. But Norma remained strong, crossing the finish line in just under 46 hours.

“Ultramarathons are symbolic of how you tackle something that seems impossible, like eliminating avoidable blindness,” says Norma. “You keep going until it’s done.”

Norma began supporting Operation Eyesight shortly after her oldest son, Karl, was diagnosed with a blinding eye condition with no cure. To deal with the stress in her life, she started running – and she has never stopped.

In 2009 she ran the “777 Run for Sight,” becoming the fastest woman to run seven ultramarathons on seven continents in seven days. In 2014, she broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest triathlon. So far in 2015, she has completed three Badwater® events, becoming the only Canadian to snag the Badwater® Ultra Cup this year.

Congratulations on an incredible Badwater® finish, Norma! Thank you for supporting Operation Eyesight and giving the gift of sight to so many children, women and men in need. We’d also like to recognize Rob and the rest of Norma’s run crew for helping Norma cross that finish line.

You, too, can support Norma’s vision – and congratulate her on an amazing Badwater® finish – by making a donation on her behalf. Thank you for your amazing support!

Check out our Facebook page for more photos and updates from the race.

The post Congratulations, Norma! appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

The temperature in Death Valley is expected to hit a staggering 45°C today, and it will be even hotter tomorrow. This ultramarathon will be extremely challenging, both physically and mentally – but we know that if anyone can complete the race in good stride, it’s Norma. She has proven time and time again that she can do anything she puts her mind to. She’s an amazing role model to her sons, aspiring runners, friends and supporters, and all of us at Operation Eyesight.

Norma, thank you for supporting our work through this incredible journey. We wish you all the best, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of way. We can’t wait to see you sporting that Badwater® belt buckle at the finish line!

Thank you to everyone who has donated towards Norma’s run so far. To date, she’s raised over $17,000 for blindness treatment and prevention programs in India and Africa.

You, too, can help us eliminate avoidable blindness by pledging your support at operationeyesight.com/normasvision. Thank you!

The post Go Norma go! appeared first on Operation Eyesight.