Western States Endurance Run
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Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run
The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is a trail race covering approximately 100.2 miles between Olympic Valley, California, and Auburn, California. The course climbs more than 18,000 feet and descends nearly 23,000 feet before reaching the finish at Placer High School in Auburn. The route crosses the traditional lands of the Nisenan, Washoe, and other neighboring Indigenous Peoples.
Runners pass through high country including Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, follow canyon terrain in the California gold country, and cross the Middle Fork of the American River. The course includes historic reddish brown trails that led many travelers to Auburn. The event awards a silver belt buckle for finishers under 24 hours and a bronze belt buckle for finishers under 30 hours.
The race is supported by a large volunteer effort, with more than 1,500 volunteers assisting during race operations. The organization maintains an entrants list and a wait list for the 2026 race. In partnership with federal and nonprofit partners, the event also supports trail stewardship work; a Granite Chief Wilderness trail reroute project will add and rehabilitate over seven miles of trail, with portions planned to open in 2026 and the remainder by 2028. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
