Olympic Valley, California · Trail
Official site ↗Western States 100
The world's oldest 100-mile trail race, run point-to-point through the Sierra Nevada from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California.
Completed June 27, 2026
women
- 1. Jenn Lichter (CR)15:28:05
- 2. Riley Brady15:42:14
- 3. Marianne Hogan15:51:44
men
- 1. Vincent Bouillard (CR)13:46:15
- 2. Francesco Puppi13:51:08
- 3. Ryan Montgomery13:53:55
Next edition: Saturday, June 26, 2027
Distances
- Distance
- 100.2 mi (161 km)
- Vert gain
- 18,000 ft (5,500 m)
- Cutoff
- 30 hr
WSER 2027 qualifier (sub-30:00)
| Distance | Vert gain | Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100.2 mi (161 km) | 18,000 ft (5,500 m) | 30 hr | WSER 2027 qualifier (sub-30:00) |
Course records: Jenn Lichter 15:28:05 (2026) · Vincent Bouillard 13:46:15 (2026)
About
The Western States Endurance Run began in 1974, when Gordy Ainsleigh joined the Tevis Cup horse race on foot and finished the 100-mile course in under 24 hours. It has been the sport's reference point ever since.
The course climbs from Olympic Valley to Emigrant Pass in the first four miles, then works west through the high country, the notoriously hot canyons of the American River, and the river crossing at Rucky Chucky before finishing on the Placer High School track in Auburn. Finishers under 24 hours earn the silver belt buckle; finishers under the 30-hour cutoff earn bronze.
Course
One big climb to Emigrant Pass opens the race, the middle miles drop in and out of the canyons of the American River, and the final third rolls along river trail to the track finish in Auburn. Net downhill overall: about 18,000 feet of climbing against 23,000 feet of descent.
How to register
Entry is by lottery, drawn each December for the following June. Applicants must finish a qualifying race within the qualifying window and accumulate tickets for each consecutive unsuccessful year. A small number of spots go to top finishers at Golden Ticket races, sponsors, and aid organizations. The field is capped at 369 pending permit conditions.