Skip to main content
MULTIDAYRUNNING
Fixed-Distance

Western States 100

A 100.2-mile point-to-point race from Olympic Valley through the Sierra Nevada and foothill canyons to Auburn, with qualification and lottery entry.

Plan this raceOfficial WebsiteBack to Events

Event dates, entry rules, qualification standards, and course details can change. Always verify current information on the official event website before registering or booking travel.

Event Overview

Listed edition overview
DateJun 26-27, 2027
LocationOlympic Valley to Auburn, California, USA
FormatFixed-Distance
TerrainTrail
RegionNorth America
Distance / duration100.2 mi
State / areaCalifornia (CA)
Course modelPoint-to-point
Cutoff30 hours
HighlightsSierra Nevada, Qualification and Lottery

Course & Terrain

Point-to-point trail route from Olympic Valley to Auburn.

Entry & Logistics

Listed qualification and support details
Registration and feesCheck the official event website for current availability, deadlines, prices, taxes, and refund terms.
QualificationA qualifying performance is required. The 2027 lottery accepts applications November 1–21, 2026; the drawing is December 5, 2026.

Why This Race Matters

Western States 100 is a useful reference point for runners comparing long fixed-distance ultras that still unfold over multiple days. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.

Planning Notes

  • Prepare for sleep decisions, weather swings, and aid-station discipline. The distance is only one part of a multi-day fixed-distance race.
  • Treat intermediate cutoff gates as part of the course. Build enough margin for aid stops and late-race slowdown, and verify every current gate in the official rules.
  • Train for terrain-specific fatigue. Technical trails and mountain courses demand downhill durability, hiking efficiency, and reliable night lighting.
  • The directory does not mark this as having simpler logistics. Confirm qualification, terrain, support, registration, medical, and withdrawal requirements before planning around it.

Verification & Sources

Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated September 22, 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.

  1. Official Western States course overview — https://www.wser.org/
  2. Official 2027 dates and entry process — https://www.wser.org/entry-process/
  3. Multiday Running event directory review scope: September 22, 2026.