OLYMPIC VALLEY

More than 350 runners from around the world will gather at Palisades Tahoe on Saturday, June 27, for the start of the Western States Endurance Run presented by HOKA, the world’s oldest and most prestigious 100-mile trail race.

Beginning at 5 a.m. in Olympic Valley, runners will embark on a 100.2-mile journey from Palisades Tahoe to Auburn. The race begins with a challenging climb from the base area to Emigrant Pass at 8,750 feet before traversing the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada. Along the way, runners will cross high alpine ridgelines, remote backcountry trails, deep river canyons, and historic Gold Rush-era pathways before reaching the finish line at Placer High School in Auburn.

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious ultramarathons in the world, the Western States Endurance Run features more than 18,000 feet of climbing and nearly 23,000 feet of descent. Athletes must contend with technical terrain, high elevations, and often extreme summer temperatures, particularly in the race’s lower canyon sections where temperatures frequently exceed 100 degrees.

The race follows much of the historic Western States Trail, a route originally used by Native American tribes, later traveled by explorers and settlers, and eventually utilized during California’s Gold Rush. First held in 1974, the event has grown into one of the most sought-after races in endurance sports.

Additional race information is available at wser.org. 

~ Palisades Tahoe press release