Western States 100 2026

Western States 100 2026

Presented by Grand Slam of Ultra-Running
Trail Running
Olympic Valley, CA
Jun 27–28, 2026
Lottery Entry Solo Technical Ultra Extreme Climbing Technical Trail Dirt Road Alpine Mixed Surface

100 Mile

Distance
100 miles
Elevation Gain
18,000ft gain, 23,000ft descent
Terrain
singletrack
Ultra · Extreme Climbing
Duration
2 Days
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About This Event

The Western States 100 2026 is an epic 100-mile trail from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests worldwide. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. The race’s highest elevation crosses Emigrant Pass and Granite Chief Wilderness before ending in the quaint California town of Auburn. At the finish line, participants will be celebrated with awards, including the Wendell Robie Cup, which goes to the first male and female runner to cross the finish line within 24 hours. Finishers under 24 hours receive the hand-made silver Western States Endurance Run belt buckle. All other finishers will receive the finisher’s medallion. Runners must complete the course within 30 hours to be considered official finishers. Strambecco rates the Western States 100 2026 as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Northwest.

The Western States 100 starts early on Saturday, and participants must finish by Sunday morning, a little more than 24 hours to complete the 100 miles. The course includes the middle portion of the well-known recreational trail, the Western States Trail. Starting in Olympic Valley at a location near the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, runners ascend immediately for the first 4.5 miles; then, the course continues along the trails used in the 1850s by gold and silver miners. The terrain includes a mix of wide dirt roads and remote, rugged territory. Most of this area is only accessible by foot, horse, or helicopter. Half the race is through the night, so runners should remember their flashlights. A river crossing at mile 78 is dangerous, but will be roped off on race day with volunteers available to help. There are over 1500 volunteers involved, and most participants will remember their support and the aid stations, which are fully stocked with water, soda, energy drinks, and plenty of snacks to keep runners fueled. The night aid stations include soup, coffee, hot chocolate, and the standard snacks and energy gels. Of the 21 aid stations, medical care is available in 10 of them.

Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. The Western States 100 is a UTMB World Series qualifier and a Grand Slam of Ultra-Running event, a series of five races representing the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile races contested in the US.

Grand Slam of Ultra-Running

Event Organizer
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The Grand Slam of Ultra-Running is a prestigious challenge in the ultrarunning community that involves completing four of the oldest and most difficult 100-mile trail races in the United States within a single summer. This achievement is highly respected in the sport and tests the limits of endurance, mental fortitude, and physical resilience.

Races in the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running:

  1. Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Woodstock, Virginia
    • Description: The Old Dominion 100, first held in 1979, is a classic ultramarathon that traverses the rugged terrain of Virginia’s mountains. The race features a mix of gravel roads, single-track trails, and steep climbs, with 24 aid stations to support runners along the challenging course. Participants have 28 hours to complete the race, with those finishing in under 24 hours earning a sterling silver buckle.
    • Link: Old Dominion 100 Details
  2. Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Olympic Valley to Auburn, California
    • Description: Western States 100 is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, starting in 1974. This iconic race takes runners from the high-altitude start in Olympic Valley through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, with over 18,000 feet of elevation gain and 23,000 feet of descent. The course is known for its scenic beauty, difficult terrain, and extreme weather conditions.
    • Link: Western States 100 Details
  3. Vermont 100 Endurance Race
    • Location: Killington, Vermont
    • Description: The Vermont 100 is one of the oldest 100-mile races in the U.S. and offers both a 100-mile run and a 100-kilometer option. The course takes participants through Vermont’s picturesque countryside, featuring rolling hills, dirt roads, and forest trails. The race is unique in that it also includes a simultaneous horse race over the same course.
    • Link: Vermont 100 Endurance Race Details
  4. Leadville Trail 100 Run
    • Location: Leadville, Colorado
    • Description: Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” the Leadville Trail 100 is one of the most challenging ultramarathons at high altitudes in the Colorado Rockies. Runners must navigate 100 miles of rugged trails, including steep climbs and rocky terrain, all above 10,000 feet.
    • Link: Leadville Trail 100 Run Details
  5. Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Kaysville, Utah
    • Description: The Wasatch Front 100 is the final race in the Grand Slam series and is often considered the most challenging. The course winds through the Wasatch Mountains, with technical trails, steep climbs, and breathtaking scenery. The race is known for its difficulty, including extreme weather conditions and the rugged nature of the course.
    • Link: Wasatch Front 100 Details

Completing the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running is a remarkable accomplishment that requires physical endurance, strategic race planning, and mental toughness. Runners who finish the series earn significant respect and recognition in the ultrarunning community.​

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