Australians know a thing or two about running in tough conditions - searing heat, endless sun, and testing terrain.
But even by Aussie standards, running 135 miles through Death Valley, the hottest place on earth, is next level. That’s where ultra-marathoner Laura Watts has made her mark: she’s the only British athlete to have finished the legendary Badwater 135 four times, recently smashing her course personal best by an incredible three hours.
What makes Laura’s story particularly relevant down under? Many Australian races serve up the same extremes: stifling temperatures, long stretches of bitumen, and relentless mental and physical demands.
Whether you’re training for the Big Red Run, a summer outback ultra, or braving a hot, humid marathon on the coast, the crossover between Death Valley and Australian racing is unmistakable - both in the challenges faced and the strategies needed to complete.
Powered by CurraNZ—From Death Valley to Down Under
In this exclusive blog, Laura credits CurraNZ with giving her a decisive edge - helping her shatter PBs at both Badwater 135 and her lead-in race, the Keys 100.
She shares how adding New Zealand blackcurrant supplements to her routine transformed her recovery, performance, and resilience in the face of extreme heat and fatigue.
Laura writes: I first heard about New Zealand blackcurrants a few years ago while training for one of my ultramarathons in the Heat Chamber at Chichester University (right). Andy Briggs, a PhD student and lab technician researching these “magic berries,” sparked my interest.
Fast-forward a few years, and I was back in the Environmental Chamber preparing for the Keys 100 in May. That’s when I met Fleur Cushman, CEO of CurraNZ, and began to learn about the enormous benefits blackcurrants offer both elite and recreational athletes. I went from curious to convinced – and CurraNZ has quickly become an essential part of my ultra-running life.
CurraNZ has become one of the most researched polyphenol supplements by universities worldwide, which made it even more credible for me. Since blackcurrants are a natural source, I had zero hesitation about adding them to my running strategy. I was excited to test them out for both the Keys 100 and, just eight weeks later, the Badwater135.
Keys 100: A Personal Best
Before the Keys 100, I started taking two CurraNZ capsules a day. On race day, I took four capsules just before the start, then re-dosed every five hours.
The Keys 100, an ultra marathon from Key Largo to Key West, is as beautiful as it is brutal, with 100 miles of tarmac, scorching heat, and high humidity.
It was my third time running this race, with previous finish times of 29:38:18 (2022) and 29:54:44 (2024). This time, I felt great for 85 miles. Even after some nausea late in the race, I finished in 20:54:14 - a new course PB by nine hours and my best-ever 100-mile time!
Despite having completed 18 races over 100 miles, the Keys 100 stands out as one of the toughest. Getting a personal best there was a dream come true. Even more remarkable, I wasn’t stiff the next day - I could walk normally. The quality of my recovery was unlike anything I had experienced. I was hooked on the purple power of CurraNZ.
Delivering the goods at Badwater 135
Soon, I was in California preparing for the infamous Badwater 135 - 135 miles through Death Valley, the hottest place on earth. In the week before the race, I increased my daily dose to four capsules, then took four capsules before the race started. Following Fleur’s suggestion, I re-dosed with two capsules every four hours during the race.
With CurraNZ “Run Like a Beast” decals proudly displayed on our support car and temporary tattoos on my arms and calves, I felt ready. I ran brilliantly until around mile 85. Compared to 2024 (when I was sick 30 times), I only experienced nausea twice - a huge improvement.
In ultra-hot conditions, GI issues are common, and 75% of ultra-runners suffer from these problems under ‘normal’ conditions – and Badwater is nothing but extreme. However, the nausea subsided, I continued with the CurraNZ, and I finished strongly over the final 13 miles. With an average elevation of 8% and 5,000ft uphill to Mount Whitney Portal, this is known as ‘the world’s toughest half marathon’ - after 122 miles on your legs.
I finished my fourth Badwater 135 in 33:49:45, three hours faster than my previous best, becoming the only British woman to finish this race four times.
Beyond Raceday - Remarkable Recovery
A number of elite runners have asked about my performance boost and at least six have begun their own journeys with CurraNZ. Post-race, I continued taking three CurraNZ capsules daily for a week. Once again, I wasn’t stiff the next day - the recovery benefits are truly outstanding.
Looking Ahead
Next up is the North Downs Way 100, a super hilly and challenging British ultra marathon, followed by the Daytona 100 in Florida this December.
Thank you, CurraNZ, for these incredible supplements. I almost want to keep them a secret, but the results truly speak for themselves. This is the only supplement I use - and I couldn’t imagine racing without it now.