Western States 100-Miles Endurance Run

If you're chasing the birthplace of ultrarunning, it's right in front of your eyes! 👀

It all began in 1974 in the Sierra Nevada of California 🏜️ in the United States 🇺🇸. At the time, the Western States was a horses-only race 🐎. But that year, a certain Gordy Ainsleigh found himself with a wounded pony just before the start. Rather than sulking in the paddock, he decides to run it on foot, taking on the 161 kilometers separating Olympic Valley from Auburn. By crossing the finish line in under 24 hours, he didn't just pull off a crazy feat; he basically invented ultrarunning 😯. This is not just a race, it's an unforgettable adventure. By joining the UTMB® circuit, you'll be at the heart of one of the UTMB® events at its most prestigious, surrounded by wild, pristine nature 🌍.

Today, starting the Western, means choosing to traverse a totally wild course 🔥. Imagine covering 161.26 km and 5 400 mD+ through majestic mountains and lush forests of Squaw Valley, in the heart of Placer County 😍. The first miles push you up the Escarpment, to altitudes above 2 500 meters. It's the postcard section, the moment that makes you almost forget the overall profile is downhill and that your quadriceps will soon implode to pay for every meter descended 📉. The true peace judge arrives when the trail suddenly plunges into the Canyons. There, the scenery changes dimension: the air becomes dense, heavy, and the thermostat climbs beyond 40°C 🥵. It’s in this dusty hell that the race is won or lost 🤷‍♀️. Aid stations become survival oases where you’ll do everything to cool the inner engine that smokes 😬. This is where the dreams of (this massive silver belt buckle reserved for the beasts who finish in under 24h) evaporate 🥈.

The story of this race is paved with performances that make you doubt your own humanity. We obviously think of Jim Walmsley who, after years of struggle, finally shattered the record with 14h09 ⚡. Or the extraterrestrial Courtney Dauwalter who literally blew the game apart in 2023 👑. The finish at the Placer High School track is so intense you might shed a tear 😢. With only 369 bibs distributed via a lottery more unlikely than EuroMillions, being a Finisher of the Western, is carrying a piece of history on you 🍀.

But after crossing the finish line, the adventure continues... 🌲! Explore local wonders, like the stunning Lake Tahoe, a top destination for water activities or a relaxing hike 🚣. Discover the fascinating history of the town of Truckee, where you can admire historic buildings and savor delicious local cuisine 🎣. For a family-friendly experience, take a detour to the Donner Memorial State Park, and enjoy a day outdoors between sightseeing, hiking and picnicking 🧺.

So, ready to step into the history? 📕