Western States 100 - The origin of trail running
The Birth of Ultra Trail Running: Western States 100
Before UTMB. Before Hardrock. Before the global trail running boom — there was Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, the race that started it all.
Held annually in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Western States 100 is widely recognized as the first 100-mile trail race in history. Its origin story begins in 1974, when Gordy Ainsleigh, a young horseman, decided to run the Tevis Cup — a 100-mile horse race — on foot after his horse was injured. He finished in 23 hours and 42 minutes, proving that the course could be completed without a horse and unknowingly laying the foundation for a new sport: ultra trail running.
In 1977, the first official edition of the Western States 100 took place. Only 14 runners started, and just one — Andy Gonzales — finished within the 24-hour cutoff. That moment marked the birth of a movement.
Trail Running Legends Forged at Western States
Over the decades, Western States has become a proving ground for the greatest athletes in ultra running. It’s where legends are made and stories of endurance, grit, and triumph are written.
Pat Smythe became the first female finisher in 1978, paving the way for generations of women in ultra running. Scott Jurek dominated the early 2000s with seven consecutive wins. Ann Trason remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures, with 14 victories, including 10 in a row. Jim Walmsley broke the course record in 2019 with a time of 14:09:28. In 2023, Courtney Dauwalter made history by winning Western States, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in the same year — a feat never before accomplished. Even Kilian Jornet, the mountain running icon, has raced Western States, adding his name to the list of legends.
Western States: A Cultural Touchstone in Trail Running
Western States is more than a race — it’s a rite of passage and a symbol of endurance. Its traditions, like the coveted silver buckle awarded to finishers under 24 hours, have become iconic in the trail running world.
One of the most emotional moments of the race is Golden Hour — the final 60 minutes before the 30-hour cutoff. Thousands of spectators gather at the Placer High School track to cheer on the last finishers, many of whom are age-group runners balancing training with full-time jobs and family life. The atmosphere is electric, emotional, and deeply human.
Golden Hour celebrates grit over speed, reminding us that trail running is, at its core, a celebration of perseverance and community.
