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The Western States Endurance Run is one of the
oldest ultra trail events in the world and certainly one of the most
challenging.
The Run is conducted along the Western States Trail
starting at Squaw Valley, California, and ending in Auburn, California,
a total of 100 miles. The trail ascends from the Squaw Valley floor
(elevation 6,200 feet) to Emigrant Pass (elevation 8,750 feet), a climb of
2,550 vertical feet in the first 4½ miles. From the pass, following the
original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850’s, runners
travel west, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before
reaching Auburn.
Most of the trail passes through remote and rugged
territory, accessible only to hikers, horses and helicopters.
Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the
trail, the Western States Endurance Run differs substantially from other
organized runs. Adequate mental and physical preparation are of utmost
importance to each runner, for the mountains, although beautiful, are
relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.
The Race begins at 5:00 am on Saturday of the last
weekend in June at the west end of Squaw Valley. Runners must reach the
finish line no later than 11:00 am the following day in order to be eligible
for an award.
Approximately 1,500 dedicated volunteers help out at
each Western States Endurance Run. They are truly the life-blood of the Run
and will do everything possible to make your day a success. Many spend more
hours out on the trail than do the runners themselves.
More about the WS Run and its history.
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