The Los Angeles Times has encapsulated the recent move by the National Park Service to put a halt on runs and cycling events through Death Valley.  The Badwater Run organizer, Chris Costman, had recently talked to the Inyo Supervisors about asking Congress to reverse the decision.  Supervisor Matt Kingsley pointed to the large number of visitors to Lone Pine for the event. 

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-death-valley-suspends-races-20131223,0,4616381.story#axzz2oPPhaDRX