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Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
Race Details:
- Location: Auburn, CA, USA
- Race Date: 06/26/2027
- Race Distances: 100 Mile, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: Yes
Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run Description
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, held each June, is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, traveling from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, across the rugged Sierra Nevada. The point-to-point course crosses Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness before descending through remote canyon country and a cold-water crossing of the Middle Fork of the American River. Entry is by lottery, and finishing within the time limit is among ultrarunning’s most coveted achievements.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run Additional Details:
Western States is steeped in ultrarunning lore, and much of that comes from the terrain: the high alpine beauty of Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, punishing canyon sections in the middle miles, and an icy wade across the Middle Fork of the American River. Runners go without pacers for the first 62 miles, picking one up at Michigan Bluff to help push through the night toward Auburn. Aid stations are a lifeline in the canyon heat, restocking runners and crews before the course climbs back out. Finishing under 24 hours earns a hand-crafted sterling silver belt buckle with a raised cougar design; finishing under the 30-hour cutoff earns the bronze version. Every buckle is handmade, so no two finishers’ buckles look exactly alike.
Course Information
Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 30 hours
# of Finishers
100 Mile: Average 60-70% of approximately 369-385 entrants.
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 18,000 ft
Elevation Loss: 23,000 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 59°F
- High: 89°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Plans for every ultra distance, from your first one to your longest day yet.
Things to Do in Auburn, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Auburn Firehouse Clock Tower
Snap a photo beneath the 1891 clock tower atop the historic Auburn Firehouse, Old Town’s beloved landmark and symbol — a quick, flat stop right downtown.
Museums & History
Gold Country Museum
Browse Gold Rush artifacts, Native American exhibits, and Placer County history at this free museum inside an 1851 courthouse — an easy, air-conditioned stop for recovering runners after race day.
Shopping
Old Town Auburn Shops
Browse antique shops and boutiques inside Old Town Auburn’s preserved 1850s Gold Rush storefronts — an easy, flat stroll that’s gentle on tired legs after race weekend.
Outdoors & Trails
Auburn State Recreation Area
Hike a stretch of the legendary Western States Trail through Gold Rush-era canyon country in the Auburn State Recreation Area — choose an easy section if you’re tapering or recovering.
Food & Drink
Placer County Wine & Ale Trail
Sip Sierra Foothills wine and craft beer from local wineries and breweries along Auburn’s Wine & Ale Trail — a relaxed, low-key way to celebrate the finish line.
Sports & Entertainment
Gold Country Fairgrounds
Catch a car show, music festival, or the annual Gold Country Fair at the Auburn fairgrounds — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend an afternoon in town.
Arts & Culture
Old Town Auburn Galleries & State Theatre
Wander Old Town’s 1850s storefronts turned galleries and catch a show at the 1940s State Theatre, where miners once gathered — a relaxed, low-impact evening option.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Lake Clementine Trail
Follow the 3-mile Lake Clementine Trail along the North Fork American River for canyon views and a historic dam — an easy, scenic option for tired legs after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
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