Endurance Activist Runs Around the Shrinking Salton Sea to Expose an Unfolding Environmental Crisis

March 6, 2025

BOMBAY BEACH, CA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – California’s largest lake, the Salton Sea, is drying up, taking with it vital ecosystems and presenting a public health crisis to surrounding communities. To document this loss, ultra-endurance athlete and activist Iröndäd runs its shoreline annually, tracking the water’s retreat mile by mile.

On March 14, 2025, he will embark on his third consecutive run. In 2023, Iröndäd became the first person to run around the lake without stopping, covering 96 miles in 36 hours. The following year, his route measured 92 miles. This year, he anticipates running fewer than 90 miles as the shoreline continues to recede.

In doing so, he aims to draw attention to the impact of the reallocation of Colorado River water from one of the most impoverished regions in California to more affluent coastal cities. As the Salton Sea shrinks, the exposed lakebed releases toxic dust into the air, exacerbating respiratory illnesses already prominent in Imperial County and Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, the loss of wetlands threatens millions of migratory birds that rely on this crucial stop along the Pacific Flyway. Despite over $750 million committed to restoration efforts at the Salton Sea, meaningful progress remains elusive. Wearing a mask to protect his lungs from airborne dust and snowshoes to navigate the unstable lakebed, Iröndäd’s unusual appearance reflects the stark reality of an unfolding ecological disaster.

The year-over-year recession of the shoreline can be seen by comparing Iröndäd’s routes recorded via GPS from previous years. His progress can be followed live on March 14th via his website. For the first time, he will be joined for sections of the run by community leaders and fellow endurance activists. Iröndäd invites the public to follow his journey live at iamirondad.com/salton-sea-run, explore conservation efforts at ca.audubon.org and ecomediacompass.org, and call on state leaders to take immediate action.

About Iröndäd

Iröndäd, 50, whose given name is William Sinclair, has completed several Ironman triathlons and ultra-marathons around the world. He resides in North Shore on the Salton Sea, dividing his time between work, training, and building art installations.

To learn more about Iröndäd, please visit iamirondad.com.

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Images and video footage from previous runs can be found at this link.

To request an interview with Iröndäd, please contact:

Larissa Olenicoff | larissaolenicoff@gmail.com | 949-568-7621