1. 100 Miles of Raw, Rocky California Trail Running
Held the last weekend of June in Northern California, the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is considered the best ultra marathon by runners across the country. It starts in the Olympic Village of Squaw Valley and ends in Auburn, and consists of 100 miles of rocky trail running, and an elevation that ascends over 15,000 feet.
2. Are You Up For The Ultimate Physical Challenge?
Not everyone can register and run in the ultra distance Western States 100. You have to qualify to compete. Prior experience in ultra marathons is required. The qualifying period starts in October and ends one year later in November. During this time runners must officially complete a 50 mile run in under 11 hours, a 100 kilometer run in under 14 hours, any 100 mile trail race, or three 50 mile runs in the time allotted by the race, but under 12 hours. Once done, you can submit your name into the lottery. Typically, around 400 runners are able to compete in this event. The lottery takes place in December, leaving just under 7 months to train.
3. Acquaint Yourself With The Last 70 Miles
They hold training runs in Northern California to help runners get a feel for the terrain of the Western States Endurance Run. Early in the year, around February, they hold a one-day run that takes the runners over the last 20 miles of the race. Another training run, held over Memorial Day weekend, consists of a three-day camp where runners experience the last 70 miles of the course. Day one consists of a 32-mile run to camp from Robinson Flat, day two is a 20-mile run from Foresthill to Rucky Chucky and back to White Oak Flat, and day three is the last 20 miles from Green Gate to the finish line in Auburn.
4. Find Yourself a Pacer
Runners who want a pacer to help them through the race can sign up at the Western States Endurance Run website. Here you will type out special considerations, like "I want to finish in the top 5 overall," or "This is my first ultra distance race and need all the help I can get." Runners interested in being a pacer can contact the racers through this website. Pacers are used from Foresthill to the finish in either one or both sections, Foresthill to Green Gate and/or Green Gate to the finish in Auburn.
5. Taste the Action Without the Sweat and Pain
Volunteers are always needed and appreciated at the Western States Endurance Run and both training camps. Volunteers can sign up at the main website to help as an assistant at aid stations or the start/finish line, or to provide medical assistance to runners.
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