# Race Overview
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is widely regarded as the most prestigious and challenging 100-mile ultramarathon in the United States. Established in 1974, this legendary race follows the historic Western States Trail from Olympic Valley (formerly Squaw Valley) to Auburn, California, covering 100.2 miles through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains.
**Key Race Details:**
– Distance: 100.2 miles (161 km)
– Start: Olympic Valley, California (elevation 6,200 feet)
– Finish: Auburn, California (elevation 1,200 feet)
– Total Elevation Gain: 18,090 feet
– Total Elevation Loss: 23,550 feet
– Net Elevation Loss: 5,000 feet
– Course Record (Men): 14:46:44 by Jim Walmsley (2019)
– Course Record (Women): 16:47:19 by Courtney Dauwalter (2023)
– Time Limit: 30 hours
– Terrain: Mountain trails, fire roads, single track, stream crossings
– Race Date: Last full weekend in June (typically Saturday)
Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is famous for its challenging terrain featuring extreme temperature variations, from potential snow at high elevations to 100°F+ heat in the canyons. Runners must navigate river crossings, technical rocky sections, and the notorious climb out of the American River canyon. The course’s demanding nature and limited field size have made Western States the gold standard for 100-mile ultramarathons worldwide.
# How to Qualify & Enter
Western States operates on a strict qualification and lottery system due to overwhelming demand. The race typically receives over 8,000 applications for approximately 270 spots.
## Qualification Requirements
**Qualifying Races:** Runners must complete a qualifying ultramarathon within the qualification period:
– Any 50-mile trail race in under 11 hours
– Any 50K trail race in under 7 hours
– Any 100K trail race (any finish time)
– Any 100-mile trail race (any finish time)
– Completion of Western States (automatic qualifying)
– Hardrock 100, UTMB, or other ITRA-designated races
**Qualification Period:** Runs from December 1st (two years prior) through November 30th (year before race)
## Entry Process & Timeline
**Application Period:** Opens December 1st, closes December 8th (7 days only)
**Key Dates:**
– December 1-8: Entry applications open
– December 31: Lottery drawing conducted
– January 15: Accepted runners notified
– February 15: Entry fee payment deadline ($550)
– March 31: Final roster confirmed
– May 1: Final instructions sent
## Lottery System
**Ticket Allocation:**
– 1 ticket: First-time applicants with qualifying race
– 2 tickets: Previous Western States finisher (within 2 years)
– 3 tickets: Previous Western States finisher (within 5 years)
– 4 tickets: Multiple Western States finisher
– Additional tickets for volunteers, sponsors, and special categories
**Priority Categories:**
– International runners (limited spots)
– Military active duty
– Volunteers (race crew)
– Sponsors and partners
## Waitlist Information
**Waitlist Process:**
– All non-selected applicants automatically enter waitlist
– Waitlist selections occur monthly from February-May
– Approximately 50-75 additional spots filled via waitlist
– Higher lottery ticket holders have waitlist priority
– No additional payment required for waitlist acceptance
**Important Notes:**
– Medical deferrals available for injury/pregnancy
– One-time transfer allowed for serious circumstances
– No refunds after payment deadline
– International runners require visa documentation
# Course Layout
The Western States Trail follows a challenging 100.2-mile point-to-point route through diverse Sierra Nevada terrain, featuring significant elevation changes and varied landscapes.
## Detailed Course Map Description
**Start to Mile 30 (High Country):**
– Olympic Valley Start (6,200 ft) → Escarpment (8,750 ft) → Granite Chief (9,000 ft)
– Red Star Ridge → Duncan Canyon → Robinson Flat (5,700 ft)
– Terrain: Snow possible, granite slabs, single track trails
– Key challenges: Early climbing, potential weather exposure
**Mile 30-62 (Canyons):**
– Robinson Flat → Dusty Corners → Last Chance (5,540 ft)
– Devil’s Thumb → El Dorado Creek → Michigan Bluff (3,230 ft)
– Terrain: Dense forest, stream crossings, technical descents
– Key challenges: Heat begins, river crossing at El Dorado Creek
**Mile 62-78 (American River Canyon):**
– Michigan Bluff → Foresthill (3,530 ft) → Cal 1 (1,320 ft)
– Cal 2 → Green Gate → Auburn Lake Trails (1,320 ft)
– Terrain: Steep canyon descents and climbs
– Key challenges: Notorious 1,000+ ft descent and climb out
**Mile 78-100.2 (Final Push):**
– Auburn Lake Trails → Quarry Road → No Hands Bridge
– Robie Point → Auburn Finish (1,200 ft)
– Terrain: Technical single track, fire roads
– Key challenges: Night running, final climbs when exhausted
## Elevation Profile
**Major Climbs:**
1. **Escarpment Climb** (Miles 3-10): 2,550 ft gain
2. **Duncan Canyon** (Miles 24-30): 1,200 ft gain
3. **Devil’s Thumb** (Miles 47-52): 1,000 ft gain
4. **Green Gate** (Miles 80-85): 800 ft gain
**Major Descents:**
1. **Granite Chief to Robinson** (Miles 10-30): 3,300 ft loss
2. **Michigan Bluff to Cal 1** (Miles 62-78): 2,200 ft loss
3. **Various canyon descents**: 1,000+ ft each
**Elevation Statistics:**
– Highest Point: Granite Chief Wilderness (9,000+ ft)
– Lowest Point: American River crossings (1,200 ft)
– Net Elevation Loss: 5,000 feet
– Total Climbing: 18,090 feet
– Total Descending: 23,550 feet
**Terrain Breakdown:**
– 60% Single track trail
– 25% Fire roads
– 10% Paved roads
– 5% Stream/river crossings
# Field Size
Western States maintains one of the most exclusive fields in ultrarunning with strict entry caps that ensure safety and preserve the race’s character.
## Entry Caps & Numbers
**Total Field Size:** 270 runners maximum
– Lottery selections: ~220 spots
– Waitlist additions: ~50 spots
– No walk-up or same-day entries allowed
**Historical Field Statistics:**
– Applications received annually: 8,000-9,000+
– Acceptance rate: ~3% (lottery only)
– Combined acceptance rate: ~3.5% (including waitlist)
– International runners: 15-20% of field
– Female participation: 25-30% of field
– Average age: 42 years
– Age range: 18-75+ years
## Field Composition
**Experience Levels:**
– First-time Western States: ~60%
– Previous finishers: ~25%
– Multiple finishers (3+): ~15%
– Elite/sponsored athletes: ~5%
**Geographic Distribution:**
– California residents: ~40%
– Western US states: ~30%
– Eastern US states: ~15%
– International runners: ~15%
– Most represented countries: Canada, UK, Japan, Australia
**Qualifying Race Breakdown:**
– 50-mile races: ~45%
– 100K races: ~25%
– 100-mile races: ~20%
– 50K races: ~8%
– Previous Western States: ~2%
## Safety & Logistics
**Entry Cap Rationale:**
– Trail capacity limitations
– Aid station support constraints
– Search and rescue capabilities
– Environmental impact minimization
– Volunteer availability
– Parking and logistics at start/finish
**Field Management:**
– Medical screening required
– Crew chief training mandatory
– Drop bag logistics planning
– Real-time runner tracking
– Emergency evacuation protocols
The limited field size ensures that every runner receives proper support while maintaining the intimate, community atmosphere that makes Western States special. This exclusivity, while challenging for entry, contributes to the race’s legendary status and ensures optimal conditions for those fortunate enough to participate.
# Rules
Western States has specific rules and regulations designed to ensure safety, fairness, and environmental protection throughout the race.
## Crew Rules
**Crew Access Points:** Crews can only access runners at designated aid stations
– Robinson Flat (Mile 30)
– Last Chance (Mile 43.3)
– Foresthill (Mile 62)
– Green Gate (Mile 79.8)
– Highway 49 (Mile 93.5)
**Crew Responsibilities:**
– Maximum 6 crew members per runner
– Crew chief training attendance mandatory
– Must follow Leave No Trace principles
– Cannot pace or run with runner
– Cannot provide aid outside designated areas
– Responsible for runner’s drop bags
## Pacer Rules
**Pacer Start Point:** Foresthill School (Mile 62) only
– One pacer allowed per runner
– Pacer must be registered with race
– No switching pacers during race
– Pacer cannot carry runner’s mandatory gear
– Pacer cannot physically assist runner
**Pacer Requirements:**
– Must be 18+ years old
– Sign waiver and emergency contact info
– Carry own nutrition and safety gear
– Follow all race rules and course markings
## Mandatory Gear
**Required Equipment (all runners must carry):**
– Headlamp with fresh batteries
– Backup light source
– Emergency whistle
– Emergency blanket (space blanket)
– Personal hydration system (minimum 20 oz)
– Personal first aid supplies
**Additional Gear Recommendations:**
– Electrolyte replacement
– Energy food/gels
– Weather protection layers
– Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
– GPS watch or tracking device
## Time Cutoffs
**Aid Station Cutoffs (mandatory):**
– Duncan Canyon (Mile 24): 10:00 AM (4 hours)
– Robinson Flat (Mile 30): 11:30 AM (5.5 hours)
– Last Chance (Mile 43.3): 2:30 PM (8.5 hours)
– Foresthill (Mile 62): 6:30 PM (12.5 hours)
– Auburn Lake Trails (Mile 85.2): 11:00 PM (17 hours)
– Final Finish: 11:00 AM Sunday (30 hours)
**Intermediate Checkpoints:**
– Escarpment (Mile 10.5): 8:30 AM
– Cal 1 (Mile 68.7): 8:30 PM
– No Hands Bridge (Mile 96.8): 4:30 AM
## Additional Race Rules
**Safety Regulations:**
– Medical examinations at Foresthill and finish
– Mandatory course markings and trail etiquette
– No outside assistance except at crew-accessible aid stations
– Weather gear requirements if conditions warrant
– Drug testing policy for placed finishers
**Environmental Rules:**
– Pack out all trash and food waste
– Stay on designated trails
– No picking of plants or disturbing wildlife
– Quiet hours in residential areas
– Respect private property boundaries
**Disqualification Reasons:**
– Missing mandatory gear checks
– Exceeding time cutoffs
– Receiving unauthorized assistance
– Unsporting conduct or rule violations
– Medical withdrawal by race personnel
– Leaving the designated course
**Awards & Recognition:**
– Silver belt buckle: Sub-24 hour finish
– Bronze belt buckle: 24-30 hour finish
– Cougar Rock: Sub-9 hour split
– Age group awards for top finishers
– Special recognition for 1,000+ mile weeks leading to race
# Aid Stations
Western States features 24 strategically placed aid stations providing comprehensive support throughout the 100.2-mile course.
## Complete Aid Station List
**Start – Mile 30:**
1. **Lyon Ridge** (Mile 10.5) – Water only
2. **Red Star Ridge** (Mile 16) – Water only
3. **Duncan Canyon** (Mile 24) – Full aid, time cutoff
4. **Robinson Flat** (Mile 30) – Major aid, crew access, medical
**Mile 30 – Mile 62:**
5. **Miller’s Defeat** (Mile 34.4) – Water, snacks
6. **Dusty Corners** (Mile 38) – Water only
7. **Last Chance** (Mile 43.3) – Full aid, crew access
8. **Devil’s Thumb** (Mile 47.8) – Water, snacks
9. **El Dorado Creek** (Mile 52.9) – Water only
10. **Michigan Bluff** (Mile 55.7) – Full aid
11. **Bath Road** (Mile 60.8) – Water only
12. **Foresthill** (Mile 62) – Major aid, crew access, medical, pacer start
**Mile 62 – Mile 85:**
13. **Cal 1** (Mile 68.7) – Water, basic aid
14. **Cal 2** (Mile 70.7) – Water only
15. **Placer High School** (Mile 73.8) – Full aid
16. **Green Gate** (Mile 79.8) – Full aid, crew access
17. **Auburn Lake Trails** (Mile 85.2) – Major aid, time cutoff
**Final Miles:**
18. **Quarry Road** (Mile 90.7) – Water, snacks
19. **Pointed Rocks** (Mile 94.3) – Water only
20. **No Hands Bridge** (Mile 96.8) – Water, checkpoint
21. **Robie Point** (Mile 98.9) – Water only
22. **Finish Line** (Mile 100.2) – Auburn
## Aid Station Support Details
**Full Aid Stations Provide:**
– Water and sports drinks (Tailwind, Gatorade)
– Ice and ice water
– Electrolyte tablets and supplements
– Energy foods: bananas, oranges, watermelon, grapes
– Salty snacks: chips, pretzels, crackers
– Sweet options: cookies, candy, cola
– Hot soup (chicken broth, ramen) at night stations
– Medical supplies and trained personnel
– Scale for weight monitoring
– Chairs and rest areas
**Water-Only Stations:**
– Fresh drinking water
– Ice (when available)
– Basic electrolyte replacement
– Emergency communication
**Major Aid Stations (Robinson Flat, Foresthill, Auburn Lake Trails):**
– Complete medical screening
– Body weight monitoring
– Drop bag pickup/organization
– Crew coordination areas
– Extended food options
– Cot/sleeping areas if needed
– Real-time tracking updates
– Emergency evacuation access
## Volunteer Support
**Staffing:**
– Over 1,500 volunteers across all stations
– Medical professionals at key points
– Ham radio operators for communication
– Course marshals and safety personnel
– Experienced ultrarunning volunteers
**Special Features:**
– **Robinson Flat:** Weigh-ins, extensive food spread
– **Foresthill:** Medical exams, family reunion area
– **Auburn Lake Trails:** Final major checkpoint
– **No Hands Bridge:** Historic American River crossing
**Night Support:**
– Enhanced lighting at all stations
– Hot food and warm beverages
– Extra blankets and warming areas
– Increased medical monitoring
– Safety personnel for dark trail sections
## Drop Bag Logistics
**Drop Bag Stations:**
– Robinson Flat (Mile 30)
– Foresthill (Mile 62)
– Auburn Lake Trails (Mile 85.2)
**Drop Bag Services:**
– Secure storage and organization
– Crew coordination for pickup
– Contents checking at athlete request
– Missing bag replacement protocol
– Post-race bag collection
The comprehensive aid station network ensures runners receive proper nutrition, hydration, and medical support throughout their Western States journey.
# Previous Winners
Western States has crowned champions since 1974, with legendary performances that have shaped ultrarunning history.
## Recent Male Winners (Last 5 Years)
**2023: Jim Walmsley** – 15:41:33
– Age: 34, Flagstaff, Arizona
– Second Western States victory
– Controlled race strategy despite heat
– First American male winner since 2016
**2022: Jim Walmsley** – 15:20:08
– Age: 33, Flagstaff, Arizona
– Breakthrough first Western States victory
– Defeated strong international field
– Career-defining performance
**2021: Alex Nichols** – 16:18:11
– Age: 29, Bluff, Utah
– First-time Western States winner
– Consistent pacing throughout
– Overcame challenging hot conditions
**2020: No Race** – COVID-19 cancellation
– Race cancelled due to pandemic
– First cancellation in race history
– Virtual event held instead
**2019: Jim Walmsley** – 14:46:44 (Course Record)
– Age: 30, Flagstaff, Arizona
– Shattered previous course record
– Dominant wire-to-wire victory
– Historic performance
## Recent Female Winners (Last 5 Years)
**2023: Courtney Dauwalter** – 16:47:19 (Course Record)
– Age: 38, Golden, Colorado
– New women’s course record
– Third Western States victory
– Dominant performance in heat
**2022: Courtney Dauwalter** – 15:29:33
– Age: 37, Golden, Colorado
– Second Western States victory
– Finished 7th overall
– Outstanding heat management
**2021: Courtney Dauwalter** – 17:12:32
– Age: 36, Golden, Colorado
– First Western States victory
– Overcame early struggles
– Strong second-half performance
**2020: No Race** – COVID-19 cancellation
– Race cancelled due to pandemic
– Virtual event conducted
– No official winners declared
**2019: Clare Gallagher** – 17:23:11
– Age: 29, Boulder, Colorado
– First Western States victory
– Consistent pacing strategy
– Breakthrough elite performance
## Historical Context
**All-Time Course Records:**
– Men: Jim Walmsley – 14:46:44 (2019)
– Women: Courtney Dauwalter – 16:47:19 (2023)
**Most Victories:**
– Men: Scott Jurek – 7 wins (1999-2005)
– Women: Ann Trason – 14 wins (1985-1996)
**International Winners:**
– Recent international success includes runners from France, Japan, and Spain
– Growing global competition at elite level
– Strong American resurgence in recent years
**Notable Trends:**
– Increasing competitiveness of women’s field
– Faster winning times despite challenging conditions
– Growing depth of elite American ultrarunners
– Impact of professional ultrarunning development
**Age of Champions:**
– Winners typically range from 28-38 years old
– Peak ultrarunning performance window
– Experience and endurance favor mature athletes
– Younger winners becoming more common
These champions represent the pinnacle of ultrarunning achievement, having conquered one of the sport’s most demanding and prestigious challenges.
# Official Website, Entry & Contact Information
Complete information for race registration, official resources, and communication with race organizers.
## Official Website & Resources
**Primary Website:** www.wser.org
– Complete race information and guidelines
– Historical results and statistics
– Course maps and elevation profiles
– Photo galleries and race reports
– Volunteer opportunities and information
**Live Race Tracking:** www.wser.org/live
– Real-time runner tracking during race weekend
– Aid station updates and split times
– Live stream coverage of key locations
– Social media integration and updates
**Course Information:**
– Interactive course map with aid station details
– Elevation profile and terrain descriptions
– GPS files and turn-by-turn directions
– Training recommendations and preparation guides
## Entry & Registration
**Online Entry System:** www.wser.org/entry
– Applications open December 1st annually
– Secure online lottery registration
– Qualifying race verification system
– Payment processing for accepted entrants
**UltraSignup Integration:** www.ultrasignup.com
– Official registration platform
– Results database and qualifying race verification
– Runner profile and history tracking
– Crew and pacer registration portal
**Entry Requirements:**
– Valid qualifying ultramarathon result
– Complete application within 7-day window
– $550 entry fee (non-refundable after deadline)
– Medical clearance and liability waivers
## Contact Information
**Race Directors:**
– Craig Thornley: Race Director
– Tim Twietmeyer: President, Western States Endurance Run Foundation
– Contact via official website contact form
**General Information:**
– Email: info@wser.org
– Mailing Address: Western States Endurance Run Foundation
161 Second Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603
– Phone: Race office (530) 823-7282 (limited hours)
**Specific Inquiries:**
– Entry Questions: entry@wser.org
– Medical/Safety: medical@wser.org
– Volunteers: volunteers@wser.org
– Media/Press: media@wser.org
– Sponsorship: sponsors@wser.org
## Social Media & Communication
**Facebook:** Western States Endurance Run
– Official race updates and announcements
– Community discussions and training tips
– Photo sharing and race experiences
– Live updates during race weekend
**Instagram:** @westernstates100
– Course photography and scenery
– Training inspiration and motivation
– Runner spotlights and stories
– Real-time race weekend coverage
**YouTube:** Western States Endurance Run
– Documentary films and race coverage
– Training advice from elite athletes
– Course preview and aid station tours
– Historical race footage and interviews
**Newsletter:** Monthly email updates
– Training tips and preparation advice
– Race announcements and important dates
– Featured runner stories and achievements
– Subscribe via official website
## Important Dates to Remember
**Annual Calendar:**
– December 1: Entry applications open
– December 8: Entry deadline (5:00 PM PST)
– December 31: Lottery drawing
– January 15: Notification of lottery results
– February 15: Entry fee payment deadline
– March-May: Waitlist notifications
– May 1: Final race instructions sent
– Last Saturday in June: Race day
**Pre-Race Events:**
– Race briefing (Friday before race)
– Gear check and bib pickup
– Crew chief training sessions
– Pasta dinner and community gathering
For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official website at www.wser.org as policies and procedures may change annually.