Western States 100 facts for kids

The Western States 100 is a super long and tough running race held every July in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It's one of the oldest and most famous ultramarathons in the world. An ultramarathon is any race longer than a traditional marathon (which is 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers). Many people think the Western States 100 is one of the hardest races to finish! Famous runners like Scott Jurek and Tim Twietmeyer have competed in this challenging event.

What is the Western States 100?

The Western States 100 is a 100-mile (160-kilometer) endurance race. It's not just about running fast; it's about lasting a very long time. Runners have to deal with many different challenges during the race.

Where Does the Race Take Place?

The race starts in Olympic Valley, California, which is near Lake Tahoe. It then goes through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range. The finish line is in Auburn, California. Runners cross high mountain passes and deep canyons. They also run through forests and along rivers.

What Makes the Race So Hard?

There are many reasons why the Western States 100 is considered very difficult:

• Distance: Running 100 miles is a huge challenge for anyone.
• Elevation Changes: Runners climb over 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) and drop more than 23,000 feet (7,000 meters). This means lots of uphill and downhill running.
• Weather: The race is in July, so it can be very hot in the lower canyons. Temperatures can reach over 100°F (38°C). At higher elevations, it can still be cool, and sometimes there's even snow!
• Terrain: The course is mostly on trails, which can be rocky, dusty, or muddy.
• Time Limit: Runners have only 30 hours to finish the entire race. If they don't make it to certain checkpoints by a specific time, they are not allowed to continue.

History of the Race

The Western States 100 has a unique history. It actually started as a horse race!

From Horses to Humans

The race began in 1955 as the "Western States Trail Ride." This was a 100-mile endurance ride for horses and riders. It was also known as the Tevis Cup. In 1974, a man named Gordy Ainsleigh decided to try running the course instead of riding a horse. He finished the race in 23 hours and 42 minutes! This amazing feat showed that humans could also complete the 100-mile trail.

The First Human Race

After Gordy's run, more people became interested in running the course. The first official Western States 100 for runners was held in 1977. Since then, it has been held every year. It quickly became one of the most famous and respected ultramarathons in the world.

Famous Runners

Many incredible athletes have run the Western States 100. Finishing this race is a huge accomplishment. Winning it is even more special.

Scott Jurek

Scott Jurek is one of the most famous ultramarathon runners ever. He won the Western States 100 seven times in a row, from 1999 to 2005! This is a record that shows his amazing skill and endurance.

Tim Twietmeyer

Tim Twietmeyer is another legend of the Western States 100. He has finished the race 25 times, which is an incredible achievement. He also won the race once in 1992. His dedication to the race is truly inspiring.

Why Do People Run It?

People run the Western States 100 for many reasons. Some want to test their limits and see how far they can push themselves. Others love the challenge of the mountains and the beauty of the trail. For many, it's about the community of runners and the support they get from volunteers. Finishing the Western States 100 is a dream for many long-distance runners.