The History of Western States 100 & What’s New in 2025 🏔️
“It’s not just a race. It’s a rite of passage.”
Welcome to the Western States 100 2025 Ultimate Guide – your one-stop deep dive into the world’s most legendary 100-mile trail race. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or an inspired first-timer, this is where history meets endurance, pain meets glory, and the Sierra Nevada becomes your proving ground. 💥
🌄 A Race That Shaped Ultramarathon History
The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run wasn’t born out of a boardroom. It was born on the back of a horse… well, almost.
In 1974, a man named Gordy Ainsleigh attempted to run the Tevis Cup — a 100-mile horse race — on foot, after his horse went lame. The crazy part? He finished it in under 24 hours. Just like that, ultrarunning had a blueprint. 🐎➡️👟
From that moment, a legend was born.
Since then, WS100 has become:
- 🏆 The oldest 100-mile trail race in the world
- 📍 A pilgrimage for endurance athletes from across the globe
- 🎖️ Home to the iconic silver buckle (sub-24h finish) and bronze buckle (sub-30h finish)
📜 50+ Years of Glory
From Ann Trason’s unmatched streaks in the ’90s to Jim Walmsley’s historic 14:09 course record, every generation has left a mark. 💪
“The trail hasn’t changed much. But the people who run it have become legends.” – WS100 veteran
Over the years, runners have tackled:
- ⛰️ Over 18,000 feet of climbing
- 🏞️ Scorching canyon heat that melts the weak
- 🌲 Forest trails that turn to fog and fire
- 🌊 River crossings that test your soul (hello, Rucky Chucky!)
📜 The Origins and Legends of the Western States 100: Where It All Began
“No other race has a story like this. It’s a race born of horses, heart, and the human spirit.”
🐎 1974: The Accidental Genesis of an Ultra Legacy
The Western States 100 began not as a running race—but as a horse ride.
In 1974, Gordy Ainsleigh entered the famed Tevis Cup, a 100-mile horseback ride from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California. But just weeks before the event, his horse went lame. Rather than bow out, Gordy—an endurance athlete and adventurer—decided to attempt the route on foot.
He finished in 23 hours and 42 minutes.
People were stunned. Not only had he survived, but he had also done something previously unthinkable: run 100 miles through the Sierra Nevada in a single push. That year sparked a new idea—that the course could become a test of human endurance.
By 1977, the Western States Endurance Run was officially born.
The 1974 run didn’t include formal aid stations, GPS, or a fan base. Gordy carried what he needed, drank from streams, and relied on his own grit. That raw adventure still shapes the race ethos today: run prepared, run humble, and respect the mountains.
👑 The Legends of the Trail: Trason, Jurek, Dauwalter
🏃♀️ Ann Trason – The Queen of Pain
- Years Active: 1989–2004
- WS100 Wins: 14
- Known for: Consistency, intensity, and domination
Ann Trason isn’t just the most decorated woman in WS100 history—she’s one of the most dominant ultrarunners ever. Between 1989 and 2003, she won the race an astonishing 14 times, often finishing among the top overall (not just women). Her ability to pace, suffer, and finish strong is still studied by modern athletes.
She also famously battled head-to-head with elite male runners, including in the 1995 WS100 when she finished just 20 minutes behind overall winner Tim Twietmeyer.
“The canyons didn’t scare her. She owned them.”
🏃♂️ Scott Jurek – The King of Streaks
- Years Active: 1999–2005
- WS100 Wins: 7 (consecutive)
- Known for: Plant-based athlete, ultra strategy genius
Scott Jurek brought precision, pacing, and mental fortitude to the race. From 1999 to 2005, he won seven straight titles, often using late-race surges and perfect fueling to outlast faster starters. Jurek’s run at WS100 laid the groundwork for the modern science of ultra endurance.
His style was cerebral. He rarely led early, but always surged when it counted. His books and philosophies still inspire runners across disciplines.
“He didn’t just run races. He dismantled them.”
🧢 Courtney Dauwalter – The Mountain Whisperer
- Years Active: 2016–Present
- WS100 Wins: 2 (2022, 2023)
- Record: 15:29:33 (2023 course record)
Courtney Dauwalter, with her signature baggy shorts and headband, is redefining what’s possible for female athletes in ultrarunning. Her 2023 win at WS100 shattered the women’s course record—and she did it looking nearly casual. Her mix of grit, humility, and raw power has inspired a new generation.
Courtney’s unique approach—low-tech, fun-first, and fearless—has helped her dominate not just WS100, but Hardrock 100, UTMB, and beyond. Her 2023 season remains one of the greatest in ultrarunning history.
“You don’t pace Courtney. You just try to keep up with her legend.”
⚔️ Course Records & Rivalries: Walmsley vs Jornet vs History
🏃♂️ Jim Walmsley – The Trailblazer
- WS100 course record holder: 14:09:28 (2019)
- Known for: Explosive starts, fearless pacing
Jim Walmsley’s early attempts at WS100 were spectacular failures—blowing up in the canyons or missing turns. But in 2018, he broke through with a dominant win. In 2019, he ran what many believed was impossible: a sub-14:10 on a hot day.
His racing style is full-send: aggressive, bold, and sometimes reckless. But when it works—like in 2019—it’s historic.
“Walmsley redefined how fast we thought the Western States could be run.”
🏔️ Kilian Jornet – The Global Titan
- Never run WS100 (as of 2025)
- Known for: Winning everything else (UTMB, Hardrock, Zegama)
The dream match-up the world wants: Kilian vs. Jim at WS100. While Jornet has never officially started WS100, whispers about sponsor invitations or Golden Ticket entries have persisted.
Jornet’s alpine experience, descending skills, and sky running dominance would make him a massive threat—if he ever toes the line.
“Kilian is the ghost of the course—his legend haunts it even if he’s never run it.”
🔥 Walmsley vs. History
Walmsley’s 14:09 is the current standard, but with improved gear, pacing science, and trail conditioning, many believe a sub-14 finish is possible in the coming years.
The course record battle isn’t just athlete vs athlete—it’s a race against time, climate, and terrain evolution. In the age of carbon-plated trail shoes, precision fueling, and AI-based pacing tools, records may continue to fall—but the spirit of the original 1974 solo run still lives in every step.
🏃♂️ Runner Stories & Famous DNFs
“The finish line is only half the story. What happens on the trail—between mile 0 and wherever you stop—is where the real drama unfolds.”
💥 The Agony of DNF: When Legends Fall
Western States is famous not just for its finishers—but for its heartbreaks. Even the strongest runners sometimes fall to the course’s brutal demands.
🩸 Anton Krupicka – 2010
A fan favorite and minimalist trail icon, Krupicka dropped at mile 55 with a quad injury. He had been leading for much of the early race. His dropout shocked fans and proved no one is immune to the course’s bite.
🌡️ Jim Walmsley – 2016
He was on pace for a course record when he missed a turn near mile 93 and ran off course for 2+ miles. He ended up with a DNF despite being ahead by nearly 30 minutes. His mistake is now a cautionary tale in ultra pacing.
“I was flying—then I was lost. The buckle disappeared in the trees.” – Walmsley
🥵 Meghan Arbogast – 2009
A WS legend and age-group phenom, Meghan dropped late in the race due to heat exhaustion. It was one of her only DNFs in over a dozen starts. Her story is one of endurance and wisdom earned through hardship.
🥇 Redemption Stories: Comebacks That Inspire
🔁 Walmsley Returns – 2018
After two years of disappointment, Walmsley came back and destroyed the field, running 14:30:04 and finally winning. It set the stage for his 2019 record.
👣 Gunhild Swanson – 2015
At 70 years old, she became the oldest woman ever to finish WS100—crossing the line with just 6 seconds to spare. Her sprint around the track is the stuff of legends.
“They said I couldn’t do it. I believed I could. And I did.” – Swanson
🔄 Sally McRae – 2018
After multiple years of heartbreak and missed expectations, Sally crossed the line smiling and emotionally spent. Her 2018 finish became a symbol of persistence and personal growth.
👣 What These Stories Teach Us
- Western States isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence.
- Even elites crash. What matters is how you return.
- A DNF is not failure—it’s education. In ultras, pain is a professor.
“The real race happens inside your mind—and it doesn’t care about your watch.”
🔥 What’s New in 2025?
Western States 2025 isn’t just a race – it’s a movement. And this year, there’s a lot to be excited about:
✨ 1. The Return of Jim Walmsley
Yes. You read that right. After conquering UTMB, Jim is back in California to reclaim his mountain crown. Can he do it again?
🌐 2. Elite Field is Stacked
With Golden Ticket winners from around the world, returning champions, and European powerhouses, the men’s and women’s fields are deeper than ever.
👟 3. HOKA Basecamp + Gear Showcases
Trail shoes, tech talks, and giveaways leading up to race day. Gear heads, rejoice!
👭 4. Women’s Panel + Inclusivity Themes
Trail Sisters, HOKA, and WSER are teaming up to highlight female leadership and build a more inclusive trail running world.
🌱 5. Sustainability & Anti-Doping in Focus
This is a cupless race. And with partnerships like USADA, WS100 continues to protect both the trail and the sport’s integrity.
📸 Coming Next: The Course Breakdown
Get ready to dive into the terrain, weather forecasts, cutoff strategies, and how to survive the canyon heat. Oh, and we’ll also explore Strava insights from top contenders. 🔍
🏔️ The Full Western States 100 Course Experience: Step-by-Step From Mile 0 to 100.2
“100.2 miles of beauty, brutality, and transformation.”
— UltraRunning MagazineThe Western States 100 course isn’t just a path through the Sierra Nevada. It’s a pilgrimage, a gauntlet, and a test of soul. From snowy ridges to blazing canyons, it changes you with every step.
Here’s the full story—mile by mile.
🎬 MILES 0–4.5: The Olympic Climb to Emigrant Pass
Start: Olympic Valley, CA
Climb: +2,500 feet
Altitude: 6,200 ft → 8,750 ftYou start at 5:00 a.m., under the fading stars. The air is thin, the ground cold. Hundreds of headlamps zig-zag up the dusty fire road toward Emigrant Pass.
No one speaks. Everyone breathes hard. The climb is relentless—but the view at the top? 🤯 Worth it.🏞️ From the ridge, you can see the whole Sierra spread out in blue shadows. But you don’t pause long—this isn’t a sightseeing trip.
🌲 MILES 5–30: High Country, Dust & Deception
This stretch includes:
- Lyon Ridge (10.3)
- Red Star Ridge (15.8)
- Duncan Canyon (24.4)
- Robinson Flat (30.3) – first major aid & crew access
The terrain is fast and deceptive. Smooth singletrack lures you into running too hard, too early. It’s the section where first-timers fall into the trap of banking time—not realizing the heat is coming.
🩸 Dust kicks into your socks. Pine trees whisper in the wind. You’re still smiling. That will change.
🧠 Pacing tip: Run at 80%, walk anything over 3% incline. It’s a 100-mile race, not a 50K.
🔥 MILES 30–43: Robinson Flat → Devil’s Thumb (Welcome to Hell)
Now it begins.
- Robinson Flat (Mile 30.3): where your crew gets their first look at you.
- From here, you descend toward Dusty Corners, then Last Chance—a ghost town now haunted by race strategy mistakes.
- Then comes the beast: Devil’s Thumb.
👹 Climb: 1,500 ft in 1.5 miles
🌡️ Temps: Up to 95°F by mid-morning
😖 Trail: Switchbacks that feel endless“It’s the hill that breaks runners. And if it doesn’t, it just softens you for what’s next.” – 10x WS finisher
Runners vomit. Quads lock. This is crisis management mode. But once you crest Devil’s Thumb, you’re not safe yet.
🥵 MILES 43–55: Into El Dorado, Out to Michigan Bluff
After Devil’s Thumb, you drop like a stone into El Dorado Canyon. It’s beautiful and vicious—humid, airless, echoing with the sounds of cicadas and footfall.
You refill water at El Dorado Creek, then start a 2-mile, 1,800 ft climb to Michigan Bluff. The sun is now directly overhead. There’s no shade. Many runners say this is the worst part of the entire course.
🥶 If you’re not icing by now, you’re done.
🔥 If you pushed too hard in the first 30 miles, you’re paying for it here.“You see grown men crawl into camp chairs and cry at Michigan Bluff.” – Crew member, 2022
📣 MILES 55–62: Michigan Bluff to Foresthill – The Mental Reset
This is where your second race begins.
At Foresthill (Mile 62), crowds cheer like it’s a Tour de France climb. Pacers can now join. Runners chug Coke, chew salt tabs, cry, or all three at once.
🎽 This is where strategies shift:
- Some change shoes
- Some change clothes
- Everyone tries to change their fate
“I felt reborn at Foresthill.”
“I fell apart at Foresthill.”
“Foresthill is the eye of the hurricane.”🎯 Pro move: If you leave Foresthill smiling, your race just leveled up.
🌉 MILES 62–78: Cal Street & the Rucky Chucky River Crossing
This stretch feels like a dream. Or a hallucination. Or both.
You descend 3,000 feet in 16 miles through Cal 1, Cal 2, Cal 3… names that sound harmless but test every inch of your resolve.
Then comes Rucky Chucky (Mile 78)—the river crossing.
🌊 Runners cross via rope-guided volunteers in wetsuits.
🧦 Socks soaked. Blisters wake up. Adrenaline floods.“Crossing the river at night, I felt like I was stepping between worlds.” – 2023 finisher
On the far side: Green Gate — a climb into the final act.
🌌 MILES 78–100.2: Through Darkness, Toward Light
- Auburn Lake Trails (85.2)
- Quarry Road (90.7)
- Pointed Rocks (94.3)
- Robie Point (98.9)
- Placer High School (100.2)
The final 20 miles are quiet, dark, lonely. The stars are so bright they feel like they’re pulling you forward.
Pacers tell jokes. Runners mutter mantras. Every step is pain.
At Pointed Rocks, someone hands you broth and tells you you’re almost there. They’re lying. But it helps.
Then comes Robie Point, where you re-enter civilization. Asphalt. Streetlights. People. Emotions.
“I ran into the stadium at Placer High and sobbed. It wasn’t about the time. It was that I didn’t quit.”
– Sub-30 finisher, 2021
🎖️ The Track. The Light. The Buckle.
100.2 miles. One final lap. The stadium lights burn white against the dawn. You step onto the track. Every pain evaporates. The cowbells shake. Your name is called.
You. Are. A. Western. States. Finisher.
🧾 Key Aid Station Cutoffs (Summary)
Station Mile 24hr 30hr Cutoff Robinson Flat 30.3 11:30a 2:10p 2:10p Devil’s Thumb 47.8 3:30p 7:10p 7:10p Foresthill 62.0 7:15p 11:45p 11:45p Rucky Chucky 78.0 11:10p 5:00a 5:00a Placer High School 100.2 5:00a 11:00a 11:00a
🧊 Weather: The Wild Card
- High country = cool mornings, snowpack possible
- Canyons = furnace 🔥 (90–105°F expected in 2025)
- Nighttime = foggy, humid, sleepy hours
☀️ 2025 Forecast Prediction: Mild start (~50°F), hot canyon section (~98°F), clear night skies with 70% humidity.
🥇 The Return of Jim Walmsley & the Men’s Elite Field in 2025
“Western States is the one race that breaks you, rebuilds you, and makes you legendary.”
— Ultra fan sign at Robie Point
After conquering UTMB and spending years mastering the Alps, Jim Walmsley returns to his old battleground: the dust, heat, and heartbreak of the Western States 100. His course record from 2019 (14:09:28) still stands—but 2025’s field might just be the toughest challenge he’s ever faced on US soil. 👀
🏃 Who Is Jim Walmsley in 2025?
- Age: 35
- Base: Flagstaff, AZ
- Strength: Explosive downhill speed + relentless pacing
- 3x WS100 champion (2018, 2019, 2021)
- 1x UTMB winner (2023)
- 100K Road World Champs silver medalist
- Favorite gear: HOKA Tecton X 2, COROS Pace 3, Squirrels Nut Butter 🧴
“Western States taught me everything about how to suffer. It made me who I am.”
— Jim Walmsley on Trail Runner Nation podcast
After two years in Europe focusing on UTMB and Skyrunning, Jim’s 2025 return to the Sierra Nevadas is both strategic and emotional. In interviews, he describes WS100 as “unfinished business” and seems eager to test his evolved mountain mindset on home soil again.
📈 Strava Insights: Walmsley’s Training in 2025
Jim’s public Strava shows:
- 130–150 mi/week training blocks
- Long runs of 6+ hours at aerobic base
- High-altitude repeats in Coconino National Forest
- Progression runs at WS effort pace (6:45–7:00 min/mi on hilly terrain)
🔥 Clue from Strava Title:
“Hot canyon heat test 🔥—bring it on WS”
🥇 Who’s Chasing Jim? Meet the 2025 Men’s Elite Field
This year’s lineup isn’t just deep—it’s volcanic. 🌋 A perfect storm of Golden Ticket winners, international trail titans, and hungry US contenders.
🇺🇸 Rod Farvard
- 2nd in 2024 WS100
- Known for controlled pacing and late surges
- Runs like a metronome: 8:00 min/mi… for 100 miles 😮
🇺🇸 Hayden Hawks
- Speed demon from Utah
- Struggled with heat in 2023, but now focused on canyon prep
- Recently ran a 2:16 marathon in the off-season
🇫🇷 Thibaut Garrivier
- French Golden Ticket holder (via CCC 2024)
- Mountain goat with precise descents
- Says he’s “hunting Walmsley in his backyard” 🐺
🇪🇸 Kilian Jornet (⚠️ Pending Confirmation)
- Rumored entry via sponsor slot
- If he toes the line, this could be ultrarunning’s version of Ali vs Tyson
🇺🇸 Jeff Browning (Bronco Billy)
- 50-year-old master of strategy
- Top 10 in 2023
- May not win, but will outsmart someone big 🧠
🏁 Projected 2025 Race Scenarios
1️⃣ The Classic Jim:
Jim takes the lead by Robinson Flat and never gives it back. Finishes sub-14:20. Game over. 🏆
2️⃣ The Canyon Collapse:
Heat hits harder than expected. Rod & Thibaut reel him in around Green Gate. Final miles = war.
3️⃣ The Showdown:
Jim vs Kilian. Down to the last 3 miles. America vs Europe. History made on the Placer High track. 🎥
👂 “We might see the deepest men’s podium in WS history,” says iRunFar analyst Meghan Hicks.
🔥 Don’t Miss: Who’s Your Pick to Win?
Try this interactive “Pick Your WS100 Champion” poll on the site, or drop your predictions using #WS100Predictions.
👑 The Women’s Elite Field at Western States 100: 2025 Edition
“To run Western States is to run with fire in your legs and thunder in your heart.”
— Anonymous crew member at Foresthill
The women’s race at WS100 has evolved from historic dominance by Ann Trason in the ‘90s to a modern-day battlefield of strength, strategy, and global competition. This year’s edition is no different—except for one thing…
⚠️ 2024 Champion Katie Schide is NOT Returning
After storming to victory in 2024, Katie Schide (🇺🇸/🇨🇭) is sitting out 2025. Her absence opens the door for a new leader—or a dramatic showdown among returnees and newcomers.
📰 “Katie’s absence feels seismic. But look at the field—there’s no shortage of firepower.”
— Corrine Malcolm, Trail Society podcast
🏃♀️ Top Contenders in the Women’s Field
🇺🇸 Leah Yingling (Withdrawn)
A heartbreaking loss for fans. Leah was poised to podium after a brilliant spring season but officially stepped back due to injury.
🇺🇸 Rachel Drake
- 2nd at the 2024 Gorge Waterfalls 100K
- Clinical in her pacing, strong on descents
- Finished top 10 at UTMB in 2023
- Known for: smiling through carnage
Quote from iRunFar interview:
“WS isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of resilience. I’m showing up with gratitude and grit.”
🇺🇸 Camille Herron
- WR-holder for 100-mile road
- WS trail debut was rocky, but she’s learning fast
- Training heavily in Arizona canyon heat
- Gear note: running in Nike Ultrafly & air-cooled gaiters
🇫🇮 Johanna Antila (Golden Ticket via Tarawera)
- Surprise entry from Finland
- Strong endurance engine, solid mental game
- Trail purists calling her a “dark horse” for top 5
🇺🇸 Corrine Shalvoy (Waitlist Entry #31!)
- Small race experience, big potential
- Follows Courtney Dauwalter’s pacing methods
- Not on many radars… yet
💬 Women’s Field Power Rankings (Unofficial)
| Rank | Runner | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rachel Drake | Experience + speed |
| 2 | Camille Herron | Raw engine + proven endurance |
| 3 | Johanna Antila | Composure + Euro-style pacing |
| 4 | Corrine Shalvoy | Underdog fire + high motivation |
| 5 | TBD (Surprise?) | WS always delivers a curveball |
🧠 Strategy in the Women’s Race
Unlike the men’s “go hard early” style, the women’s podium often favors:
- 🕐 Even splits
- 🍓 Steady fueling
- 🧊 Heat-smart pacing through the canyons
- 🧘 Mental calm between Foresthill and Rucky Chucky
Fun fact: More women finish WS100 percentage-wise than men each year. 💪
🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: Women Who Crush
Listen in:
- Trail Society – “What Makes a Western States Champion?”
- Free Trail – Interviews with Rachel Drake & Johanna Antila
- The Freetrail Pod – Camille Herron discusses training with heat chambers & ice vests
🎧 Add these to your pre-race hype list.
🧠 Strategy, Drop Bags & Survival: How to Finish Western States 100 Like a Pro
“The buckle isn’t won at the start line. It’s earned in the canyons, in the dark, and in the decisions you make every hour.”
– Meghan Laws (15x WS finisher)
Whether you’re chasing the sub-24 buckle, racing for top 10, or just aiming to cross that Placer High track before the clock hits 30:00:00 — your strategy, gear, and self-management are everything.
Let’s break it all down…
🎒 DROP BAG MASTERCLASS
Western States allows 5 official drop bag locations (2025 list confirmed):
| Location | Mile | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson Flat | 30.3 | Ice bandana, sock change, electrolytes |
| Michigan Bluff | 55.7 | Night gear if slow, salt tabs, second shoes |
| Foresthill | 62 | Headlamp, caffeine gels, crew letter 💌 |
| Rucky Chucky | 78 | Dry socks, waterproof bag, anti-chafe |
| Auburn Lake Trails | 85.2 | Backup nutrition, mini flashlight, motivational quote |
✨ Optional Trick: Add a frozen sponge in a Ziploc. It’ll be perfect by the time you get to Robinson Flat.
⏱️ PACING STRATEGY FOR THE AGES
👟 Goal: Sub-24 Hour (Silver Buckle)
| Segment | Miles | Target Pace | Cumulative Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start to Robinson Flat | 0–30 | ~11:30/mi | ~5.5 hr |
| Robinson to Foresthill | 30–62 | ~13:00/mi | ~13 hr |
| Foresthill to Finish | 62–100 | ~14:00/mi | ~23.5 hr |
Tips:
- Don’t blow up before Foresthill
- Start with ice in a neck buff at Duncan Canyon
- Walk all climbs after mile 70 to conserve strength
🥵 Goal: Sub-30 Hour (Bronze Buckle / Finisher)
- First 30 miles: Run conservatively (50% effort)
- Use every aid station like a mini reset
- Sleep 5–10 minutes if needed at ALT or Pointed Rocks
- Smile often. The volunteers are your fuel.
🍌 FUELING PLAN: WS100 STYLE
- Calories/hr: 250–300
- Electrolytes: every 30–45 mins
- Hydration: 500–750 ml/hr (adjust for heat)
- Caffeine: save for Foresthill + Green Gate
- Real food: early on – PB&Js, rice balls, salty chips
☕ Fun fact: The coffee at Foresthill aid station is legendary. Take it.
🧊 HEAT PROTOCOL: Canyon Survival Guide
- Soak your shirt at aid stations
- Use ice bandanas from Robinson Flat onward
- Cold sponge trick in hat or sports bra
- Walk exposed climbs — especially Devil’s Thumb
🥵 2025 Projection: Canyon temps expected to peak at 95–100°F. Don’t mess with the heat.
📦 Pro Gear Checklist (100-Mile Tested)
- HOKA Speedgoat / Nike Ultrafly / Altra Olympus
- COROS or Garmin (30+ hr battery)
- Ice neck gaiter
- 2L vest or handhelds + collapsible cup (cupless race)
- Anti-chafe: Squirrel’s Nut Butter or Trail Toes
- Headlamp + backup
- Sunglasses + buff
- Trekking poles (legal, but not used often at WS)
🧠 Mental Tools to Keep You Moving
- 🔁 Break the race into 3 segments:
- Survive the climb (0–30)
- Manage the heat (30–70)
- Finish with heart (70–100)
- 📱 Music strategy:
- 0–30: no music
- 30–70: focus playlist
- 70–100: pump-up bangers + motivational audio clips
- 💬 Mantras:
- “I’m built for this.”
- “Just make it to the next aid station.”
- “Forward is a pace.”
- “Smile = Energy.”
🧰 Downloadable Aid Station Strategy Sheet (PDF)
🎧 Podcast & Media Insights: What the Elites Are Saying Before WS100 2025
“If you want to understand how a runner will race, listen to how they talk about pain.”
— Coach Jason Koop
Podcasts, YouTube interviews, Strava captions, and even a single emoji on X (Twitter) can reveal what’s really going on behind those cool race photos. For Western States 100: 2025, the media pulse is full of clues—from confidence to doubt, strategy to secrets.
🧠 Jim Walmsley: Focused and Dangerous
🎙️ Podcast: KoopCast – “Why I Came Back to WS100”
Jim dives into:
- Leaving France for high-heat training in Arizona ☀️
- Admitting past pacing mistakes at WS
- His new strategy: “It’s not about the first 50 anymore. It’s about the last 20.”
🔍 Strava Watch:
- Weekly titles like “Canyon Cookout 🔥” and “Placer Practice Pace” show intentional WS-specific prep
- He’s climbing less but running faster than in his UTMB blocks
- No back-to-back 100K training runs this year → perhaps aiming for efficient durability over volume?
🏃♀️ Rachel Drake: Calm, Smart, Ready
🎙️ Trail Society Ep. 114 – “Heat, Hope & WS100”
Rachel talks:
- Postpartum strength and resilience 💪
- Her 2024 WS effort and why she “left gas in the tank”
- Plans for more even pacing in 2025 and crew reliance
💬 Instagram Caption (April 2025)
“Not chasing splits. Just chasing the joy this year. WS is my celebration run.”
🧠 Translation: Confident. Centered. Dangerous.
🏔️ Camille Herron: Redemption Arc?
🎙️ Freetrail Podcast – “Trail Meets Road”
Key insights:
- Struggled with “technical anxiety” in early trail ultras
- Trained in Flagstaff on WS-like footing
- Running with ice vest, studying menstrual cycle fatigue data 📊
“I’ve conquered the flat. Now I want to conquer the fire.”
– Camille on WS heat and canyon fatigue
🇫🇷 Thibaut Garrivier: The Euro Wildcard
- Golden Ticket via CCC 2024
- Doesn’t speak much English, but in a French UTMB post, said: “California is where I will find my American line.”
(He means racing line, but it sounds poetic.)
He’s quiet online, but his Strava uploads are brutal vertical repeats in the Alps. This man climbs like a goat and descends like an avalanche. ❄️🐐
📲 X (Twitter) Hot Takes & Clues
| Runner | Tweet / Post Insight |
|---|---|
| @TrailWalmsley | “Back in the canyon. Same pain, different legs.” |
| @DrakeRuns | “Foresthill’s got my favorite aid station crew. Bring the waffles.” |
| @CorrineMalcolm | “This women’s field is explosive. Watch for fireworks by Peachstone.” |
| @Freetrail | “Walmsley vs the field. Drake vs the climb. Heat vs everyone.” |
| @iRunFar | “Top 10 predictions drop Friday. You won’t believe #3…” |
🎥 YouTube & Livestream Prep
🖥️ WSER Official Livestream – Begins Sat, June 28 at 5:00 a.m. PST
- Hosted on YouTube + live tracking at wser.org
- Drone footage over Emigrant Pass
- Real-time leaderboard and Twitter/X thread integrated
🎥 Pre-Race Coverage:
- iRunFar’s “On the Ground” series returns
- HOKA is doing a “Gear Breakdown with Elites” video on Friday before the race
- Trail Runner Magazine will release a “Course Flyover with Strategy Tips” 3 days before WS100
🗣️ Want to Listen Like a Pro?
Here’s your Pre-Race Podcast Playlist:
| 🎧 Podcast | Episode | Why Listen |
|---|---|---|
| KoopCast | “WS100 Mental Reset” | Focus on pacing psychology |
| Trail Society | “Heat, Hope & WS100” | Rachel Drake’s tactics + Camille insights |
| Freetrail | “Top 5 Male Picks” | Dylan Bowman breaks down men’s podium race |
| Singletrack | “Aid Station Ethics & Crew Mistakes” | Tips to avoid chaos at Foresthill |
🧠 TL;DR – Media Insights That Matter
- Walmsley is calm, calculating, canyon-tested
- Drake is joyful, efficient, and focused
- Camille is scientific, experimental, and chasing redemption
- Garrivier is quiet—but climbing quietly is what wins WS
👥 Crew Role Breakdown: What to Do & When to Do It
🚐 Robinson Flat (Mile 30.3)
- You see your runner for the first time. They’re excited. You should be calm.
- Focus: Swap socks, ice bandana, refresh calories, remind pacing.
- Avoid: Excitement. You are not a hype crew here. You are a calm operator.
🎯 Checklist:
- Chair & towel
- Ice bag / neck wrap
- Ready drink mix & hydration swap
- Sunscreen reapplication
- Brief mental check-in: “How’s your stomach? Feet? Mind?”
🌡️ Michigan Bluff (Mile 55.7)
- This is your runner’s first post-canyon meltdown zone.
- They might look terrible. It’s okay. Don’t panic.
💡 Your job here is to act like it’s all normal—even if they’re sobbing.
🎯 Checklist:
- Dry shirt & sock change
- Caffeine & cold drink
- Positive talk: “This is where you turn the corner.”
- Plan night gear if they’re behind pace
🎉 Foresthill (Mile 62.0)
- The party stop. But also the pivot point of the race.
- Here, pacers begin and runners re-energize.
👟 Pacer’s job:
- Keep the runner moving, talking, eating
- Block mental spirals
- Watch for missed nutrition or hydration signs
🎯 Checklist:
- New headlamp (if slow pace)
- Music device setup (if allowed)
- Mental refresh: jokes, music, hugs
🌉 Rucky Chucky (Mile 78.0)
- Night has likely fallen. Your runner has run 18 hours. They are different now.
- The river is cold, loud, and symbolic—this is a crossing of both terrain and psychology.
🎯 Checklist:
- Dry socks & towel
- Ginger chews or ginger ale
- Calories + caffeine for the final push
- Water-resistant gear prep (humidity spikes here)
🟢 Green Gate (Mile 79.8)
- 1.5 miles on foot (crew must hike).
- Runners often drop here because it’s quiet, dark, and they feel behind.
“You have 20 miles left. That’s just a training run.”
🎯 Checklist:
- Final nutrition plan
- Pacer switch if needed
- Remind runner of finish line friends & family
- Reframe pain: “This is the price of the buckle.”
🎽 Pacers: Rules, Tips, Tactics
✅ Rules
- Allowed from Foresthill (mile 62) onward
- One pacer at a time (no leapfrogging)
- No “muling” (can’t carry runner’s gear)
- Must be on foot—no bike, no assistance from vehicles
- Must check in at start of pacing leg
🧠 Pacing Tactics That Win Buckles
- Walk early climbs → save legs for later
- Remind hydration every 30 mins
- Repeat positive mantras: “You’re doing great,” “This is what you trained for”
- Tell stories, play music, or read out encouraging texts
- At mile 90+: talk less, stay close, let silence work
“Don’t race for them. Think of yourself as the left side of their brain.”
⚠️ Common Crew & Pacer Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overhyping early | Burnout by mile 50 | Stay calm and tactical |
| Skipping sunscreen | Canyon sunburn | Apply every stop |
| Feeding “new” foods | Gut issues | Stick to practiced fuels |
| Missing headlamp prep | Night crash | Pack backup in Foresthill bag |
| Getting lost en route | Crew no-show | Study shuttle schedules & maps in advance |
🧃 Elite Crew Pro-Tip Boxes
Jim Walmsley’s crew in 2019:
- Used frozen soft flasks → melted over 10 miles
- Rinsed hats with ice water before hand-off
- Gave him his splits on paper – no phones or screens
Courtney Dauwalter’s crew strategy (2023):
- Crew said “you look amazing” at every stop
- Had backup shoes with orthotics pre-inserted
- Sent handwritten note inside drop bag: “You do hard things.”
🧠 The Psychology of Finishing: Mental Strategies for Mile 80 to 100
“The body begs to stop. The mind decides to go on.”
🕳️ Welcome to the Pain Cave
By mile 80, most runners have been moving for 15+ hours. Fatigue is bone-deep, the stomach is unstable, and hallucinations are a real threat. This is where the Pain Cave opens.
Mental strategies become your gear:
- Chunking: Break the remaining race into 1-mile bites or aid station hops.
- Internal monologue control: Speak out loud. “This is hard. And I’m doing it.”
- Reframe pain: Shift from “this hurts” to “this is earning my finish”.
🎧 The Role of Pacers and Music
In the final 20 miles, pacers aren’t just guides—they’re therapists.
- Talk, joke, keep the runner awake.
- Remind them of their why: family, training, growth.
- Tell them what they’ve already survived.
🎵 Some runners use music here—slow, emotional tracks to connect to something bigger than themselves.
🧩 Mantras That Work
- “I didn’t come this far to only come this far.”
- “One step. One aid station. One miracle at a time.”
- “Let it hurt. Let it pass. Let it finish.”
These phrases act like fuel when the gels stop working.
🏁 The Vision of the Finish Line
Visualization is everything. Runners are coached to:
- Imagine the stadium lights.
- Hear their name being called.
- Feel their foot touch the track.
At mile 85, this future vision becomes a lifeline. When the body rebels, the brain pulls it forward.
“Ultras are run by the legs for 50 miles. The rest is heart, memory, and soul.”
🧢🥾 Gear & Nutrition Deep Dive: What It Takes to Survive Western States 100
“You don’t win WS100 in Hokas alone. You win it with what’s in your drop bag.”
Western States is a race of extremes—heat, elevation, distance—and gear choices are often deeply personal, sometimes controversial, and always critical. From elite runners’ race-day shoes to what they’re stuffing into soft flasks and drop bags, here’s the ultimate WS100 setup.
🥾 What Shoes Do WS100 Elites Actually Wear?
This race favors speed, cushion, and traction—not aggressive rock plates or super-stiff shoes. It’s not Hardrock.
Top 2023–2025 Picks:
| Brand | Model | Used by | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA | Speedgoat 5 / Tecton X 2 | Jim Walmsley, Clare Gallagher | Cushion + WS-tested durability |
| Nike | Ultrafly Trail | Camille Herron | ZoomX midsole + breathable upper |
| Salomon | S/Lab Genesis | International elites | Light + precise + fast transitions |
| Altra | Olympus / Mont Blanc | Mid-pack runners | Foot-shaped + max cushioning |
| Topo | MTN Racer | Heat-adapted, wide-toe runners | Roomy fit for swelling |
💡 Jim wore Tecton X2s in heat training loops in May 2025—same as 2024.
🧤 Essential Accessories & Gear Mods
- Socks: Injinji + Drymax remain top combos
- Cooling gear: Ice bandanas, arm sleeves, frozen buffs
- Pack: Salomon ADV Skin 12, Nathan VaporAir, or UltrAspire Zygos
- Headlamp: Petzl NAO RL / Fenix HM65R – must last >8 hrs
- GPS Watch: COROS Pace 3 / Garmin Enduro – multi-day battery
- Chafe guard: Trail Toes or Squirrel’s Nut Butter FTW 🧴
🥶 Pro tip: Keep a Ziploc of frozen grapes or cold ginger ale in drop bags at Michigan Bluff or Foresthill.
🥤 Top Nutrition Strategies from Finishers
🔁 Elite fueling pattern (hourly):
- 250–300 calories
- 500–750 ml fluids
- Electrolytes every 30–45 mins
- Caffeine microdoses after mile 62
- Real food pre-50M, gels/sips post-60M
🍌 Favorite fuels:
- Maurten + Spring Energy + GU Roctane
- Tailwind (classic at aid stations)
- Skratch Labs for light stomachs
- Solid food: PB&J bites, rice balls, salted boiled potatoes
🧠 Camille Herron’s 2024 plan included cocoa rice crisp bars and pickle juice sips at mile 70+
🧳 Drop Bag Optimization: Station-by-Station Gear Planning
| Station | Mile | Must-Pack Items |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson Flat | 30.3 | Sunscreen, fresh socks, buff, 2 gels |
| Michigan Bluff | 55.7 | Headlamp (if slow), electrolyte tabs, caffeine |
| Foresthill | 62.0 | Full night kit, caffeinated fuel, pep notes |
| Rucky Chucky | 78.0 | Dry socks, blister tape, ginger chews |
| ALT | 85.2 | Salt tabs, gel flask, painkiller (if needed) |
💌 Motivational notes in drop bags can give runners the edge when everything else hurts.
🛠️ Troubleshooting Kit for Pacers & Crew
Every crew station should have a ready-to-go “Oh crap” box:
- Extra lube
- Ice cubes in freezer bag
- Spare watch with alarm
- Blister pads + scissors
- Emergency candy (Snickers, sour patch kids)
- Zip ties for broken pack clips
🎙️ “You don’t need perfect conditions to finish. You need a plan for when things go wrong.” – 2023 crew chief
🌡️ Climate, Fire Risk & Course Variants Through the Years
“At Western States, the course doesn’t change… until it does. And when it does, it changes everything.”
– Craig Thornley, WSER Race Director
The WS100 course is legendary—but it’s not always the same. Over the years, wildfires, snowpacks, extreme heat, and even smoke have forced dramatic changes to the trail, the route, and the runners’ strategies.
Let’s explore how nature has shaped this race and what that means for 2025.
❄️ The Snow Years: Icy Starts and Slushy Chaos
🧊 2017: Snowmageddon Year
- Record snowpack in the Sierra.
- Runners started on packed snow and post-holed through miles of slush.
- Pace was dramatically slower in first 15 miles.
- DNFs spiked due to cold exposure early, heat later in the canyons.
🗣️ “It felt like Hardrock up top and Badwater down below.”
❄️ 2011, 2006 also saw heavy snow starts
- Microspikes were optional gear.
- Socks got soaked by mile 3 → Blisters began early.
🔥 The Heat Years: Canyons Like Ovens
🥵 2013, 2018, 2022: Canyon temps hit 100–105°F
- El Dorado Canyon became a DNF graveyard
- Finish rates dropped to low 60% range
- Heat training and ice management strategy were key to survival
“If you’re not icing at Duncan Canyon, you’re cooking by Devil’s Thumb.”
🔥 2022: 95°F at Michigan Bluff at 3pm
☀️ 2013: Record number of DNFs between miles 30–55
🔥 Wildfires & Smoke: The Invisible Threat
❌ 2008 – Race Cancelled
- First time WS100 was officially cancelled.
- The reason? Unhealthy air quality from massive wildfires.
- Replacement “No States 100” was informally run in other locations.
“No one ever trains to DNS. But that year, the fire gods made the call.”
2021: Closely watched due to surrounding blazes
- Race went on, but with fire contingency plans in place
- Backup evacuation protocols tested
🌫️ Smoke can impact:
- Oxygen uptake
- Heart rate & pacing
- Crew logistics & shuttle safety
🛣️ Course Detours & Route Variants
🧭 Key Alternate Routes in History:
- 1980s–90s: Some years included deeper canyon detours
- 2017: Snow reroute via French Meadows
- 2008: No official race
- 2020: COVID-19 pandemic cancellation
📍 New trail building, environmental protection measures, and storm damage often shift course sections by 0.5 to 2 miles each year.
📊 Weather Impact by Year: Sample Snapshot
| Year | Finish Rate | Max Temp | Notable Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 85% | 91°F | Ideal “fast” year |
| 2022 | 63% | 104°F | Brutal heatwave |
| 2017 | 67% | 89°F | Snow start + heat flip |
| 2013 | 64% | 102°F | Multiple heat strokes reported |
| 2008 | 0% (canceled) | — | Smoke/fire closures |
⚠️ 2025 Forecast: What to Expect?
🛰️ Based on early NOAA projections and historical patterns:
- ❄️ Below-average snowpack → no reroute expected
- ☀️ Above-normal June heat → temps may reach mid-90s
- 🔥 Fire season expected to peak mid-July → low immediate risk, but backup plans in place
2025 may shape up to be a “classic Western States year”: hot, dusty, runnable, and dangerous if you don’t respect the canyons.
🏃♂️🏃♀️ Top 10 Runners to Watch in Western States 100 – 2025 Edition
“You don’t run WS100 to disappear. You run it to make history.”
– Dylan Bowman
The 2025 Western States Endurance Run field is stacked with former champions, rising stars, international threats, and redemption arcs. Here are the runners to watch as the battle for buckle glory unfolds.
🔥 Men’s Field
🧢 1. Jim Walmsley (USA)
- WS100 Wins: 3 (2018, 2019, 2021)
- Best Time: 14:09:28 (Course Record)
- Storyline: The King Returns
After a two-year UTMB and European mountain focus, Walmsley returns to the race he mastered and then abandoned. He’s leaner, smarter, and focused on legacy. Expect fireworks—or carnage.
“He’s either breaking the record again or breaking himself trying.”
🐐 2. Rod Farvard (USA)
- Top 5 finisher in 2023 & 2024
- Known for: Consistent pacing, quiet dominance
Rod isn’t flashy, but he gets the job done. A likely podium finisher if chaos breaks out up front. His low heart rate and strong canyon performance make him a serious sub-15 contender.
🇪🇸 3. Kilian Jornet (Spain) [Not confirmed, but rumored]
- Never raced WS100
- If he starts, it’s the biggest showdown since Walmsley vs Miller
Though not on the confirmed list as of May 2025, whispers of a surprise Golden Ticket entry via Chianti or UTMB circulate. If he shows, the world watches.
“He’s the ghost haunting the start line.”
⚡ 4. Hayden Hawks (USA)
- Former Golden Ticket winner
- Explosive but injury-prone
If healthy, Hawks has the footspeed to hang with Walmsley. But WS requires patience, and his pacing style is full-send. Expect a fast first 50, and drama at Foresthill.
🥉 5. Jeff Browning (USA)
- Veteran of the game
- Late 40s, still clocking sub-20s
- If it gets hot or wild, he’s top 5 material
💫 Women’s Field
🌟 1. Camille Herron (USA)
- Best WS100 finish: TBD – first finish expected in 2025
- Nutrition dialed. Training smart. Chasing legacy.
- If heat doesn’t wreck her, she’s a podium threat.
🧠 2. Rachel Drake (USA)
- Top 5 in 2023, 2024
- Returns smarter, stronger, and with more canyon-specific prep
- Recently gave birth → Back stronger than ever
🏔️ 3. Johanna Antila (Finland)
- Golden Ticket winner from CCC 2024
- Cold weather runner adapting to California heat
- Wildcard with elite mountain pedigree
🧬 4. Leah Yingling (USA)
- Withdrawn early in 2024, returning to prove herself
- Excellent at pacing, nutrition, late-stage surges
- Crew + course knowledge top-tier
💥 5. Kaci Lickteig (USA)
- 2016 WS100 champ
- Veteran with a strong finish rate
- May not win, but top 10 is likely
🧐 Who’s Missing?
- 🏆 Katie Schide – 2024 champ, not returning
- 🇳🇴 Yngvild Kaspersen – top 5 in 2024, also absent
- ❓ Jim’s French training partner Xavier Thevenard not starting
🏁 Dark Horses to Watch
- Shea Aquilano (USA) – Sub-17 Golden Ticket winner at Black Canyon
- Dan Green (USA) – Rising talent from East Coast ultras
- Sarah Ostaszewski (USA) – 2024 waitlist turned finisher, now racing with confidence
📊 Data Corner: Finish Rates, Buckle Odds & Cutoff Pressure Points
“Western States is a race of legends… and statistics. Because the clock never lies.”
Whether you’re a first-time entrant or a silver buckle chaser, understanding the numbers behind the race gives you the edge. Here’s a breakdown of historical trends, cutoff hazards, and what it really takes to finish.
🎓 Overall Finish Rates: What Are Your Odds?
| Year | Starters | Finishers | Finish Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 369 | 319 | 86.5% ✅ |
| 2023 | 369 | 314 | 85.1% |
| 2022 | 369 | 236 | 63.9% 🔥 |
| 2017 | 369 | 248 | 67.2% ❄️ |
| 2013 | 376 | 242 | 64.3% 🔥 |
Takeaway: In “fast” years (mild temps, dry trail), finish rates climb above 85%. But when heat or snow hits, the carnage begins.
🥇 Silver vs Bronze Buckle Rates
At WS100, there’s no finisher medal. You earn a belt buckle—and there are only two:
| Buckle Type | Requirement | % of Finishers |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Silver Buckle | Under 24:00:00 | ~30–35% |
| 🥉 Bronze Buckle | Under 30:00:00 | ~65–70% |
Sub-24 Tips:
- Pace for 13:45 min/mi overall
- Avoid aid station dawdling
- Nail the “big 3” segments: Devil’s Thumb, Foresthill, Green Gate
“The silver buckle isn’t about running fast. It’s about not stopping.” – 2022 finisher
⏰ Aid Station Cutoff Pressure Points
| Aid Station | Mile | Cutoff Time (24h) | Cutoff Time (30h) | Real Danger? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinson Flat | 30.3 | 11:30am | 2:10pm | ⚠️ Medium |
| Michigan Bluff | 55.7 | 5:40pm | 9:55pm | ✅ High |
| Foresthill | 62.0 | 7:15pm | 11:45pm | 🔥 Very High |
| Rucky Chucky | 78.0 | 11:10pm | 5:00am | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Placer High School | 100.2 | 5:00am (24h) | 11:00am | 🎯 Final Sprint |
💀 Most DNFs occur between miles 55–78 due to heat, missed fueling, and foot damage.
📈 Buckle Pace Tracker (Miles per hour required)
| Time Goal | Avg. Mile Pace | Avg. MPH |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | ~8:42 min/mi | 6.9 mph 🏎️ |
| 20:00 | ~12:00 min/mi | 5 mph 🏃♂️ |
| 24:00 | ~14:23 min/mi | 4.2 mph 🧠 |
| 30:00 | ~18:00 min/mi | 3.3 mph 🚶 |
🧠 Staying under 15:00 min/mi pace keeps you silver eligible.
🧠 Bonus Stats:
- 🧊 Average DNF Mile: Between 55.7 (Michigan Bluff) and 78 (Rucky Chucky)
- 🚺 Top Female Finishers’ Average Time (Last 3 years): ~17h 45m
- 🦵 Most Common Injury: Quads + foot blister combo
- 📉 Time Lost at Aid Stations: Avg 90–120 min for mid-packers
“Every minute you sit is a minute you’ll chase later.”
🌎 WS100 vs UTMB vs Hardrock: How the Giants of Ultra Stack Up
“WS100 is the speedway. UTMB is the festival. Hardrock is the pilgrimage.”
These three races define what it means to run 100 miles at the edge of human potential. But while all are brutal, their personalities are wildly different.
📊 Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Feature | WS100 🇺🇸 | UTMB 🇫🇷 | Hardrock 🇺🇸 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 100.2 miles | 106 miles | 102.5 miles |
| Elevation Gain | ~18,000 ft ↑ / 23,000 ft ↓ | ~33,000 ft ↑↓ | ~33,000 ft ↑ / ↓ |
| Max Altitude | ~8,750 ft (Emigrant Pass) | ~8,800 ft | ~14,048 ft (Handies Peak) |
| Cutoff Time | 30 hours | 46:30 hours | 48 hours |
| Terrain Type | Runnable, canyon heat | Alpine technical trails | High-altitude rugged terrain |
| Notable Risk Factor | Heat exhaustion | Altitude + technical descents | Hypoxia, storms, snow crossings |
| Buckle / Award | Silver/Bronze buckles | Finisher vest + UTMB stones | Silver buckle + kiss the rock |
| Lottery Difficulty | High (10,000 entries) | Ultra-competitive | Extreme – few spots |
🏃♂️ What Kind of Runner Excels at Each?
- WS100: Fast trail runners with heat tolerance and strong leg turnover
- UTMB: Mountain goats with endurance over steep climbs, poles, and vert
- Hardrock: Slow-twitch machines with altitude acclimation and route-finding skills
“You can fake your way through UTMB. You cannot fake a Western States silver buckle.”
💬 Vibe Check: The Cultural Differences
| Race | Vibe Description | Crowd Culture |
|---|---|---|
| WS100 | Americana grit, local legends | Family crews, home-style aid stations |
| UTMB | Ultra-Olympics, gear-heavy, big brands | Cowbells, crowds, corporate tents |
| Hardrock | Minimalist, sacred, community-first | Low-key, self-reliant, invitation-only |
🌐 Which One Should You Chase First?
| Your Priority | Start Here |
|---|---|
| I want a fast, classic intro to 100s | WS100 |
| I want the biggest race scene in the world | UTMB |
| I want a spiritual sufferfest | Hardrock |
| I want to run 100+ miles and still get to work Monday | WS100 😉 |
🏆 Finish Rate Comparisons
| Race | Avg Finish Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WS100 | ~80–85% (good years) | Predictable pacing, strong aid |
| UTMB | ~60–65% | Altitude, terrain, and cutoffs eat runners |
| Hardrock | ~65–70% | Altitude + lightning risk + wild terrain |
🧠 Runner Wisdom
“If WS100 is a fire you run through, UTMB is a mountain you climb. Hardrock is a hallucination you survive.”
🏆 Legacy & Bucket List Value: Why Western States Still Reigns Supreme
“It’s not just the oldest. It’s the most human.”
– Ultrarunner Magazine
📜 A Trail Etched in History
WS100 began with a man and a broken horse. That alone makes it special.
But the story didn’t stop in 1974—it’s been built, step by step, with:
- Ann Trason’s grit
- Jurek’s strategy
- Courtney’s joy
- Walmsley’s redemption
- And thousands of unknown warriors whose stories unfold in silence.
At every finish line, legacy is handed down—not in trophies, but in belt buckles, tears, and trail dust.
🥇 The Buckle as a Badge of Transformation
- Sub-24 silver = speed and sacrifice
- Sub-30 bronze = willpower made visible
- DNF = a tattoo on the soul, fuel for next time
At Western States, every runner is either a finisher, or a future finisher. And every buckle tells a story worth retelling.
“My kids know what that buckle means. It means I didn’t quit.” – WS Finisher, 2023
📍 The Magic of the Community
Ask any returning runner why they came back. It won’t be for the prize money.
It will be for:
- The handshake at Robie Point
- The aid station volunteer who filled your bottle at 3am
- The stranger who paced you the final mile just because you were crying
Western States is built not just on runners—but on people who believe in what a human being can endure.
🎯 The Bucket List Power
For new ultrarunners, WS100 is the North Star.
For veterans, it’s a homecoming.
For the sport, it’s the heartbeat.
Even in an era of carbon-plated shoes and live drone coverage, Western States reminds us of one simple truth:
“When your world shrinks to 100 dusty miles, you find out who you are.”
🙌 Join the Journey: Your Western States 100 Starts Now
You’ve read the stories. You’ve seen the data. You know the odds.
But here’s the truth:
No one is ever ready for WS100. Not really.
They just decide to start.
So whether you’re watching in 2025, crewing a friend, or planning your own 2026 qualifying race… this is your call to action:
🎯 Dream bigger.
🎒 Train smarter.
🔥 Chase that buckle like it owes you everything.
And when you do toe that line in Olympic Valley…
Know this:
“You are not running 100 miles.
You are becoming the version of you that can.”❓ FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Western States 100 – 2025 Edition
This isn’t just another 100-miler. It’s the Super Bowl of ultrarunning. 🏆
Let’s answer the questions every new (and returning) runner asks…
🏁 What is the Western States 100?
The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run (WSER) is the oldest 100-mile trail race in the world, first completed on foot by Gordy Ainsleigh in 1974. It starts in Olympic Valley, California, and finishes in Auburn, crossing 100.2 miles of rugged mountain terrain.
📆 When is the 2025 race?
🗓️ Saturday, June 28, 2025, starting at 5:00 a.m. Runners have until 10:59:59 a.m. on Sunday, June 29 to officially finish within the 30-hour cutoff.
🎟️ How do you get into Western States?
Through:
- 🎲 A lottery system (held December 7, 2024, for 2025 race)
- 🥇 Golden Ticket races (top finishers qualify directly)
- 🎖️ Top 10 finishers from the previous year (automatic entry)
- 🎁 Special Consideration or Sponsor Invitations
🏔️ What’s the elevation gain/loss?
- ⬆️ Gain: ~18,000 feet
- ⬇️ Loss: ~23,000 feet
You’ll climb steep alpine trails and descend into furnace-like canyons. The terrain is brutal but beautiful.
🔥 How hot does it get?
The canyon sections can reach 95–105°F (35–40°C) during midday. Proper heat training, ice bandanas, and smart pacing are essential.
💧 Is it a cupless race?
Yes. Runners must carry their own reusable cup or flask for aid station drinks, in line with WSER’s sustainability mission.
🎒 How many drop bags can runners use?
Up to 5 official drop bag stations:
Robinson Flat (30.3), Michigan Bluff (55.7), Foresthill (62), Rucky Chucky (78), and Auburn Lake Trails (85.2)
👥 Can I have a pacer or crew?
✅ Yes:
- Pacers allowed from Foresthill (mile 62)
- Crew access allowed at certain aid stations: Robinson Flat, Foresthill, Rucky Chucky (near side), Green Gate (on foot only)
🎽 What’s the sub-24 hour silver buckle?
Finish under 24 hours? You earn the iconic silver WSER belt buckle.
Finish between 24:00:00–29:59:59? You earn the bronze buckle.
Finish after 30 hours? Officially DNF.
🥇 Who holds the course record?
- Men: Jim Walmsley – 14:09:28 (2019)
- Women: Courtney Dauwalter – 15:29:33 (2023)
📺 How can I follow the race live?
- WSER YouTube Livestream: youtube.com/user/wser100
- Live Updates & Leaderboards: wser.org
- iRunFar Twitter Coverage: twitter.com/iRunFar
📝 How do I prepare for Western States?
Focus on:
- 🥵 Heat adaptation training
- ⛰️ Long climbs and downhill strength
- 🧠 Mental toughness
- 🍌 Dialed-in fueling strategy
- 💧 Staying cool and hydrated in the canyons
🏔️ Are You Ready to Take on Western States 100?
Take this fun 1-minute quiz to find out if you’re WS100 material.
📚 Further Reading: Western States 100 Deep-Dive Resources
From historic milestones to race-day strategies and performance data, these trusted sources offer valuable insights into the world of Western States 100. Special thanks to the journalists, statisticians, and runners who keep the trail community informed. 👏
🏁 Official Information & Course Details
- Western States Endurance Run – Official Website
The home base for all things WS100. Registration details, course maps, participant guides, and official updates. - Year-by-Year History of the Race
A fascinating timeline of WS100 from Gordy’s 1974 solo run to present-day elite battles.
📰 Race Coverage & News
- iRunFar – Western States 100 Coverage Hub
One of the most respected media outlets in trail running. Previews, live updates, elite interviews, and finish line reports. - 2024 Western States Results & Recap – iRunFar
Full race breakdowns, times, and takeaways from last year’s epic competition.
📊 Results & Performance Databases
- UltraSignup – WS100 Results Archive
Historical results, runner profiles, and searchable finish times dating back decades. - DUV Ultra Marathon Stats
Global ultramarathon statistics, including splits, finish rates, and trend data for WS100.
🧠 Training & Strategy Guides
- Trail Runner Magazine – How to Train for a 100-Miler
Practical advice for first-timers and veterans alike. Includes mileage plans, gear recs, and mental prep. - Outside Online – How to Survive Your First 100-Miler
A deep dive into pacing, recovery, and emotional ups and downs from seasoned ultrarunners.
💬 Community Insights & Race Reports
Wikipedia – Western States 100 Overview
Useful for quick background, rules, and historical course records.
Reddit: r/Ultramarathon – Mental Advice After a 100-Miler
Real experiences from everyday runners. Raw, unfiltered, and full of valuable mental tactics.
About the Author
Lost Pace is an ultramarathon runner, shoe-tester and the founder of umit.net. Based year-round in Türkiye’s rugged Kaçkar Mountains, he has logged 10,000 + km of technical trail running and completed multiple 50 K–100 K ultras.
Blending mountain grit with data, Lost analyses power (CP 300 W), HRV and nutrition to craft evidence-backed training plans. He has co-written 260 + long-form guides on footwear science, recovery and endurance nutrition, and is a regular beta-tester of AI-driven coaching tools.
When he isn’t chasing PRs or testing midsoles, you’ll find him sharing peer-reviewed research in plain English to help runners train smarter, stay healthier and finish stronger.
Ultrarunner · Data geek · Vegan athlete