Dunedin endurance runner Glenn Sutton has completed the gruelling Badwater ultra-marathon race in the United States' Death Valley.

He came 33rd overall, in a time of 36 hours, 30 and 28 seconds.

Up to 100 competitors from around the world are invited to compete in the race each year.

But Sutton was the only New Zealander participating this time.

He was just 22 kilometres from the finish line at about 9 this morning.

At that point he had to navigate the last leg of the race - a 1400m climb to the end.

It's the first time the 40-year-old cabinetmaker has attempted the race.