Western States Endurance Run
Olympic Valley, United States • 27-28 Jun 2026
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run : overview
The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is described as the world’s oldest 100 mile trail race. The Run began in 1974 and carries on as an annual event. The listed race date is June 27-28, 2026. Lottery registration is scheduled for November 1-21, 2025, with the lottery drawing on December 6, 2025. The event starts in Olympic Valley, California, and finishes at Placer High School in Auburn after 100.2 miles. The Run uses more than 1,500 volunteers to support race operations.
Course, terrain and awards
The course climbs more than 18,000 feet and descends nearly 23,000 feet. It traverses the traditional lands of the Nisenan, Washoe, and other neighboring Indigenous Peoples and passes through locations such as Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness. The route includes a crossing of the Middle Fork of the American River and finishes on historic reddish brown trails into Auburn. A Granite Chief Wilderness trail reroute project is underway to create over seven miles of new and rehabilitated trail; construction began in 2023 with portions expected to open in 2026 and remaining sections in 2028. The Run awards a silver belt buckle for finishes under 24 hours and a bronze belt buckle for finishes under 30 hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.