Western States 100: 15 Ultra-Fun Facts About This Iconic Race

Chances are pretty good you've heard of Western States 100. It's like the Boston Marathon of ultras.
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On Saturday, 376 runners will step up to the starting line at Western States 100 in California to go the distance: 100 miles from Olympic Valley to Auburn, Calif.

• Some will make it.
• Some will fight to the finish to make The Golden Hour cutoff. 
• And for some runners, Western States 100 will win the fight.

Want to know more about one of the most iconic ultras in the world?
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Check out these 15 ultra-fun facts about Western States 100...

While most recognize Gordy Ainsleigh as the first to finish Western States 100 in 1974, he technically wasn't the first.

• "In 1972, 20 soldiers from Fort Riley Kansas attempted to march the Western States Trail Ride course," says Davy Crockett, author of Western States 100 on Foot: The Forgotten First Finishers 
• "Seven made it. They were the first, two years before Gordy Ainsleigh."

• 🏃‍♂️Nick Bassett. In 2018, he finished Western States 100 in 29:09 at the age of 73.
• 🏃‍♀️Gunhild Swanson. In 2015, she finished Western States 100 in 29:59:54 at the age of 70.

• Jim Walmsley set the male Western States 100 course record in 2019, crossing the finish line in 14:09:28.
• Courtney Dauwalter set the female Western States course record in 2023, finishing in 15:29:33.

Western States 100 warns runners of 16 risks and potential medical issues associated with running 100 miles, including...

• Renal shutdown
• Heat stroke & hyperthermia
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
• Snow hazards
• Wildlife hazards
• Vehicle hazards
• Injuries from falling
• Altitude sickness
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle cell death)
• Overuse injuries
• Fatigue
• Poison oak
• Getting lost

About 12 to 15 miles of the Western States Trail were still covered in snow after a harsh winter.

About 16 miles of the Western States 100 course was burned in the Mosquito Fire, eliminating miles of shaded forest.

• Gain. Western States 100 runners will climb a total of 18,000 feet
• Loss. Runners will descend about 23,000 feet over the 100-mile course

• 30 hours. Western States 100 runners must cross the finish line in Auburn, Calif., on the Placer High School Track by 10:59:59 a.m. on Sunday, June 30, based on a 30-hour cutoff.

• The "Golden Hour" begins at 10 a.m. It's the final hour before the 30-hour cutoff time. 
• Spectators fill the Placer High School Stadium to cheer on runners chasing the 30-hour cutoff.
• Many inspiring finishes happen in this critical period, showcasing runners' determination and grit. 

Every year, Western States 100 surveys runners to learn more about the brands, shoes and gear participants use to take on this iconic race.
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Ever wonder what Western States 100 runners are wearing or using to go the distance?
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Here are a few of the highlights from the survey...

• Hoka: 38.2%
• Altra: 17.6% 
• Salomon: 10.1% 
• Saucony: 5.6% 
• Topo: 4.6% 
• Nike: 3.9%
• North Face: 2.9% 
• Brooks: 2.0% 
• Other: 15.0%

• Injinji: 26.2% 
• Dry Max: 16.1% 
• Balaega: 7.2% 
• Smartwool: 7.2% 
• Feetures: 4.3% 
• Exxo: 3.6% 
• Others: 35.2%

• Petzl: 45.9% 
• Black Diamond: 16.2% 
• Fenix: 7.1% 
• Kogalla: 2.0% 
• Other: 22.2%

• Salomon: 50.2% 
• Ultimate Direction: 13.9% 
• Nathan: 9.9% 
• UltraSpire: 5.6% 
• OrangeMud: 2.0% 
• Amphipod: 1.3% 
• Other: 17.2%

• Garmin: 59.7% 
• Coros: 29.5% 
• Suunto: 7.2% 
• Other: 2.3%

One of the 376 participants toeing the line at Western States 100 this year is ultrarunner Marianna Grudziak.

• Check out her interview on the WeeViews podcast: The Hobby Jogger
• E15 | Preparing for Western States with Marianna Grudziak

Tell us all about it in the comments. Or create a WeeView and give us the scoop on your Western States 100 experience.