Darth Vader Runs Across Death Valley in 129-Degree Heat So You Don't Have To

Throwing caution and good sense to the wind, Darth Vader decided to run a mile in conditions not unlike that of Tatooine. 

Really, it would have been far easier to just take a landspeeder. 

Amanda Kooser of CNET (h/t Nate Scott of For the Win) reports Jonathan Rice decided to run across a blazing-hot Death Valley June 30, when temperatures reportedly reached a whopping 129 degrees. 

If jogging in those conditions weren't enough, Rice donned the head-to-toe black garb worn by Darth Vader. Well, it would be what the nefarious villain would wear if he was out trying to lose some weight before beach season. 

As we know, only sith deal in absolutes, so Rice didn't even wear shorts on this hot day, deciding to go all the way with the costume.

The report notes this is something of a life's work for Rice, who started the Darth Valley Challenge, a venture with its very own website. 

Four times is a charm, because his fourth annual attempt might be in the Guinness World Records for hottest verified run, as mentioned in the CNET report . However, For the Win notes that nobody from Guinness was actually at the event. 

Don't think for a second that the lunacy behind the run is lost on Rice: "This is a ludicrously dangerous endeavor. I don't support you doing it. I don't even really support me doing it."

Scott Rochat of the Longmont Times-Call has a full report on the mile that took six minutes and 36 seconds to complete, as well as a picture of the sith lord and Chewbacca chilling by a sign that reads 131 degrees. 

While not an official temperature, it's enough to remind us that this particular challenge is one better left to Rice and his pals. 

Any Star Wars adventure is still best enjoyed on the comfort of your own couch. 

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