Prepare for an extreme test of endurance at the Honey Badger 100, a graduate-level ultra road race held on July 11, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. Drawing its spirit from the notoriously tough honey badger and the legendary Badwater Ultramarathon, this 100-mile event challenges runners with a unique combination of flat, exposed roads and intense summer heat. The course begins and ends in the scenic West Shore Area of Cheney State Park, offering a brief reprieve of about seven miles within the park's confines, but the vast majority—approximately 92.9 miles—unfolds on the paved roads of Kingman County. With a modest elevation gain of around 1,332 to 2,044 feet over 100 miles, runners face a relentless, flat surface that demands unwavering mental fortitude as much as physical strength.

What truly sets the Honey Badger 100 apart is its highly self-supported nature. Participants are mandated to provide their own crew (at least one person), a dedicated crew vehicle, all personal food, a minimum of 12 gallons of water, and 30 pounds of ice for the entire event. While there are three stationary ice and water replenishment points in the first 50 miles for crew vehicles and a roving vehicle for the latter half, the primary responsibility for sustenance rests firmly with the runner and their crew. Typical race day conditions in July bring highs around 94°F and lows around 71°F, with a 14% chance of precipitation, ensuring a brutal challenge where "cooking eggs on the pavement" feels like a real possibility.

This race has earned a reputation for its difficulty, reflected in historically low finisher rates. Runners describe it as a "crazy challenge" where perseverance through heat and potential headwinds is paramount. The Honey Badger 100 is not just a race; it's an ultimate test of raw, gritty determination, culminating back at Cheney State Park where finishers are awarded custom, date-specific buckles.