The world's oldest 100 mile trail race.
Western States Endurance Run takes place on June 27, 2026 in Olympic Valley, CA.
Western States Endurance Run is 100.2 miles with 18,000 ft of elevation gain.
Yes — entry to Western States Endurance Run is decided by lottery.
Yes, crew is allowed at Western States Endurance Run. Sign in to Trailrace to see crew access for each aid station.
Yes, pacers are allowed at Western States Endurance Run.
Yes, Western States Endurance Run allows drop bags.
Western States Endurance Run has 20 aid stations along the course.
The overall cutoff for Western States Endurance Run is 30h. Per-aid-station cutoffs are available to signed-in Trailrace members.
Other trail races within 127 miles
The Western States Endurance Run is the world's oldest 100-mile trail race, following the historic Western States Trail from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California. Originally a horse race, it became a foot race in 1974 when Gordy Ainsleigh completed the course on foot in 23 hours and 42 minutes.
The course traverses the Sierra Nevada mountains, featuring dramatic canyons, river crossings, and a cumulative elevation change of over 40,000 feet. The race's prestige has made it one of the most coveted entries in ultrarunning.
Experienced ultrarunners
Olympic Valley, CA, United StatesJune 27, 2026
Tickets accumulate (double) each year you enter without being selected.
Total tickets = 2(n-1) where n is the number of years entered.
Must complete an approved qualifier event within the qualification window
Qualifying window: November 04, 2024 – November 02, 2025
Moderate trail conditions with some technical sections
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Olympic Valley Start | 0.0 | 6,230 ft |
Lyon Ridge Aid Station | 10.9 | 7,005 ft |
Red Star Ridge Aid Station | 16.5 | 7,139 ft |
Duncan Canyon Aid Station | 24.9 | 5,741 ft |
Robinson Flat Aid Station | 30.8 | 6,716 ft |
Miller's Defeat Aid Station | 34.4 | 6,086 ft |
Dusty Corners Aid Station | 38.7 | 5,135 ft |
Last Chance Aid Station | 43.3 | 4,528 ft |
Devils Thumb Aid Station | 47.8 | 4,370 ft |
El Dorado Creek Aid Station | 53.4 | 1,788 ft |
Michigan Bluff Aid Station | 56.3 | 3,471 ft |
Foresthill Aid Station | 62.0 | 3,271 ft |
Dardanelles (Cal-1) Aid Station | 65.9 | 1,886 ft |
Peachstone (Cal-2) Aid Station | 70.8 | 1,722 ft |
Fords Bar (Cal-3) Aid Station | 73.6 | 971 ft |
Rucky Chucky Aid Station | 78.2 | 735 ft |
Green Gate Aid Station | 80.0 | 1,427 ft |
Auburn Lake Trails Aid Station | 85.3 | 1,450 ft |
Quarry Rd Aid Station | 90.7 | 768 ft |
Pointed Rocks Aid Station | 94.7 | 1,572 ft |
Robie Point Aid Station | 98.9 | 1,181 ft |
Placer High School Finish | 100.2 | 1,296 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Western States is notorious for extreme heat in the canyons. Proper heat training is essential.
Canyon temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Plan 2-4 weeks of heat acclimation training. Many runners use saunas or hot yoga to prepare.
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