Olympic Valley, California, California, United States · usually late June (date TBC)

100 mi

Western States 100

161 km Distance

5,500 m Climbing

10.0 Grit · Elite / extreme

39.1969° N, 120.2357° W © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles Data from OpenStreetMap

What the course asks

Climbing rate 34 m / km Rolling. Moderate undulations. Requires consistent effort across varying grades.

Time limit 30 hours 11:11 min/km average. Firm. Sustained running. Long aid-station stops will cost you. About average for a 100 mi. Measured against 41 races of the same distance. Cut-off calculator →

Typical conditions, June

Daytime high 23°C

Night low 8°C

Rainfall Dry — rain unlikely

Regional 2001-2020 average for June — NASA POWER, grid elevation 1918 m. Not a forecast.

Course notes

terrain This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.
gear With mountain terrain, choose a shoe with aggressive lugs (5mm+) for optimal performance.
nutrition For 100km+ efforts, prioritize real food at aid stations to prevent palate fatigue.

Gear for this race

Chosen for 161 km of mountain with 5,500 m of ascent.

Trail Running Shoes 34 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
Race Nutrition Past 161 km the palate quits before the legs do — carry more than one flavour.
Hydration Vests Pole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
Trekking Poles 5,500 m of ascent to walk up.
Headlamps A 30 h limit puts you out there after dark.