The runners have started to arrive for this years Badwater Salton Sea race hosted by AdventureCORPS®, Inc.

Fighting steep terrain, injury and the constant heat, runners will cover 81 miles from Salton City to Palomar Mountain.

Eight of the 81 race miles pass through Anza-Borrego State Park and runners will pass near Borrego Springs.

Many of the runners are congregating in Borrego to hike some or all of the eight-mile California Riding & Hiking Trail which ascends over 3500 feet from Borrego Springs almost to the tiny hamlet of Ranchita, in order to get a look at some of the conditions ahead of them before before they head off to Salton City for Sunday's big start.