The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run is the world's oldest 161-kilometer trail race. Starting in Olympic Valley near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the course finishes 161.05 kilometers later in Auburn. Traversing the traditional lands of the Nisenan, Washoe, and neighboring Indigenous Peoples, the route follows historic prospector trails through the Granite Chief Wilderness and the rugged California gold country.

The elevation profile tells a demanding story: 5,482 meters of total ascent and a substantial 6,952 meters of descent.

Weather is a defining strategic factor. The race begins before sunrise at 5:00 AM, with early morning temperatures typically around 4 degrees Celsius. As athletes move through the high country and descend into the deep canyons, midday temperatures climb sharply. Historical highs approach 26 degrees Celsius under near-cloudless skies, creating intense heat exposure across the most exposed sections of the course.

The course profile is notably asymmetrical. It opens with the longest climb of the day — a 5.76-kilometer ascent at a 12.83 percent average grade directly from the starting line. From there, the route shifts into a net descending profile, characterized by steep drops into deep canyons followed immediately by steep to extreme climbs out of them.

Runners spend over 40 percent of the race navigating moderate to steep declines. This sustained eccentric loading makes muscular preservation early in the race essential to managing the continuous descent to the finish line.

• Event Date: June 27, 2026
• Event Type: Trail 100 Mile
• GPX Course Length: 161.05 km
• Course Type: Point to Point
• TrailScore: 188.78
• Total Ascent: 5482.59 m
• Total Descent: 6952.41 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 0, 5.76 km at an average grade of 12.83%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 98.38, 5.59 km at an average grade of -7.9%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 74.57, 2.62 km at an average grade of 18.45%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 83.28, 2.3 km at an average grade of -14.06%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 13 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 12 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Moderate Decline: 14.6%
  • Flat: 14.4%
  • Challenging Decline: 14.2%
  • Steep Decline: 12.4%
  • Steep Incline: 10.7%
  • Challenging Incline: 9.3%
  • Minor Decline: 8.7%
  • Moderate Incline: 7%
  • Minor Incline: 6.8%
  • Extreme Incline: 1.1%
  • Extreme Decline: 0.8%

Starting in Olympic Valley at 5:00 AM, runners set out well before the 5:36 AM sunrise in crisp air hovering around 4 degrees Celsius.

The section opens immediately with a significant climb up the escarpment, demanding a serious effort right out of the gate as athletes ascend out of the valley. After cresting near the Watson Monument, the route transitions into the Granite Chief Wilderness, where the terrain shifts to rolling high country with a mix of moderate inclines and challenging descents.

The early morning hours help keep conditions comfortable, though the net descending profile of the back half of this section begins the long process of loading the quadriceps — a cumulative effect that will be felt in the miles ahead.

Runners pass through the Lyon Ridge aid station before concluding this section at Red Star Ridge.

• Pacing the Escarpment: The first 5.76 kilometers average a steep 12.83 percent grade. It is critical to manage heart rate here, as overexertion in the cool morning air will cost you dearly later in the day.
• Early Muscular Fatigue: The drop from the escarpment includes challenging to steep declines up to 11.34 percent. Keep your stride light to preserve your quadriceps for the canyons.

• Climb #1: Km 0 to Km 5.76, 5.76 km, avg grade 12.83%, total gain 738.74 m
• Climb #2: Km 17.92 to Km 18.58, 0.66 km, avg grade 14.51%, total gain 95.82 m
• Climb #3: Km 23 to Km 23.99, 0.99 km, avg grade 9.31%, total gain 91.82 m

• Descent #1: Km 5.76 to Km 6.41, 0.65 km, avg grade -11.34%, total drop 74.28 m
• Descent #2: Km 8.21 to Km 10.51, 2.3 km, avg grade -10.95%, total drop 252.03 m
• Descent #3: Km 21.52 to Km 22.51, 0.99 km, avg grade -10.09%, total drop 99.46 m

• Lyon Ridge (Km 16.6)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Toilet: Unknown
• Red Star Ridge (Km 25.4)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Toilet: Unknown

• Watson Monument (~Km 5.76): Historical marker near the top of the initial escarpment climb.

This segment covers the high country from Red Star Ridge to Dusty Corners. While the overall trend is net downhill, expect plenty of rolling terrain with minor to moderately challenging inclines throughout.

The trail here lends itself to a steady rhythm, though warming temperatures will become increasingly noticeable as morning gives way to midday. You will pass through several key locations, including Duncan Canyon and Robinson Flat. Robinson Flat serves as a major crew access point and marks the transition into warmer, slightly lower elevations.

These miles are highly runnable, but managing your effort here is critical. The gradients ahead in the canyons are severe, and arriving there depleted will compound an already demanding stretch.

• Sustained Descending: A 4.76 kilometer descent begins at kilometer 35.15 averaging a challenging 7.21 percent drop. Maintain a controlled pace rather than braking heavily.
• Heat Accumulation: Temperatures will rise rapidly through the late morning. Begin proactive hydration and cooling strategies before reaching Duncan Canyon.

• Climb #4: Km 46.14 to Km 47.62, 1.48 km, avg grade 12.7%, total gain 187.52 m
• Climb #5: Km 49.59 to Km 50.41, 0.82 km, avg grade 8.12%, total gain 66.36 m

• Descent #4: Km 35.15 to Km 39.9, 4.76 km, avg grade -7.21%, total drop 342.89 m
• Descent #5: Km 50.41 to Km 53.53, 3.12 km, avg grade -6.79%, total drop 212.08 m

• Duncan Canyon (Km 39.3)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Robinson Flat (Km 48.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Miller's Defeat (Km 55.4)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Dusty Corners (Km 61.2)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes

• None.

Known historically as "the canyons," this section presents the most severe elevation changes on the entire course. Expect to navigate massive canyon trenches, plummeting down steep descents only to face equally demanding climbs up the opposing walls.

The steepest ascent of the race occurs here, averaging an 18.45 percent grade beginning at kilometer 74.57 out of Deadwood Canyon. This challenge is compounded by timing, as this segment typically coincides with peak afternoon heat, where temperatures frequently reach 26 degrees Celsius.

You will pass through iconic checkpoints including Last Chance, Devil's Thumb, El Dorado Creek, and Michigan Bluff before completing this demanding stretch at the major aid hub of Foresthill.

• The Steepest Ascent: The 2.62 kilometer climb to Devil's Thumb is the steepest uphill of the course. Rely on a low gear, short steps, and consistent fueling.
• Extreme Descending: The drop into El Dorado Canyon features a stretch at an extreme 15.09 percent negative grade. The compounding effect of heat and steep descending requires acute focus.
• Thermal Stress: With afternoon highs near 26 degrees Celsius and minimal cloud cover, managing core temperature through the exposed climbs to Michigan Bluff is paramount.

• Climb #6: Km 74.57 to Km 77.2, 2.62 km, avg grade 18.45%, total gain 484.05 m
• Climb #7: Km 85.58 to Km 88.05, 2.46 km, avg grade 14.76%, total gain 363.41 m
• Climb #8: Km 96.74 to Km 98.38, 1.64 km, avg grade 9.01%, total gain 147.54 m

• Descent #6: Km 70.31 to Km 74.57, 4.27 km, avg grade -12.69%, total drop 541.24 m
• Descent #7: Km 78.51 to Km 82.79, 4.28 km, avg grade -10.29%, total drop 440.42 m
• Descent #8: Km 83.28 to Km 85.42, 2.14 km, avg grade -15.09%, total drop 322.81 m

• Last Chance (Km 69.7)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Devil's Thumb (Km 76.9)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• El Dorado Creek (Km 85.1)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Michigan Bluff (Km 89.6)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Foresthill (Km 99.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes

• Swinging Bridge (~Km 74.42): Historical footbridge crossing at the bottom of the canyon.
• Deadwood Cemetery (~Km 80.16): Historical pioneer cemetery located along the route.

Leaving the energy of Foresthill behind, runners begin the long journey down toward the American River via Cal Street. This section is defined by the longest downhill of the race: a sustained 5.59 kilometer descent averaging a challenging 7.9 percent negative grade.

As evening approaches, temperatures will drop rapidly, offering a much-needed reprieve from the afternoon heat. The terrain settles into long, moderate declines broken up by short but punishing climbs. Three aid stations along Cal Street provide opportunities to regroup before the descent bottoms out at the iconic American River crossing at Rucky Chucky.

• The Longest Downhill: Starting near kilometer 98.38 and continuing into this section, this prolonged 5.59 kilometer descent will test the remaining strength in your quadriceps.
• Transition to Night Running: Declining light requires a mental shift. Ensure your headlamp is accessible and you are prepared for dropping temperatures before reaching the Dardanelles aid station.

• Climb #9: Km 116.36 to Km 117.02, 0.66 km, avg grade 13.49%, total gain 89.5 m
• Climb #10: Km 124.42 to Km 124.58, 0.16 km, avg grade 7.63%, total gain 12.58 m

• Descent #9: Km 100.2 to Km 103.97, 3.77 km, avg grade -10.32%, total drop 389.39 m
• Descent #10: Km 111.73 to Km 112.88, 1.16 km, avg grade -12.63%, total drop 146.02 m

• Dardanelles (Cal-1) (Km 105.7)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Peachstone (Cal-2) (Km 113.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Ford's Bar (Cal-3) (Km 117.5)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Rucky Chucky (Km 125.5)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes

• None.

The final push to Auburn begins after navigating the American River crossing at Rucky Chucky. The profile through this concluding section is primarily rolling, featuring a mix of minor to moderate inclines as you work your way up to Pointed Rocks and Robie Point.

While the gradients here are objectively less severe than those found in the canyons, cumulative fatigue makes these late-race climbs feel far more significant than the numbers suggest. The final kilometers offer some welcome downhill relief, allowing runners to gather momentum as they hit the pavement and make their way to the historic finish line at Placer High School.

• Late Race Climbing: The 2.95 kilometer climb starting at kilometer 156.59 is a challenging 7.27 percent grade, but it occurs with over 150 kilometers already in your legs. It requires deep mental resilience.
• Maintaining Momentum: The final stretches into Auburn are highly runnable minor declines. Focus on high turnover and efficient forward progress to carry you to the finish.

• Climb #11: Km 125.08 to Km 127.86, 2.78 km, avg grade 7.63%, total gain 212.39 m
• Climb #12: Km 147.06 to Km 149.7, 2.63 km, avg grade 7.53%, total gain 198.47 m
• Climb #13: Km 156.59 to Km 159.54, 2.95 km, avg grade 7.27%, total gain 214.58 m

• Descent #11: Km 127.86 to Km 129.01, 1.15 km, avg grade -7.37%, total drop 84.54 m
• Descent #12: Km 144.11 to Km 145.75, 1.64 km, avg grade -9.31%, total drop 152.32 m

• Green Gate (Km 128.4)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Auburn Lake Trails (Km 137.1)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Quarry Rd (Km 146)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: No
• Pointed Rocks (Km 151.8)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes
• Robie Point (Km 159.2)
  • Offerings: Standard Ultra Menu
  • Crew Access: Yes

• Auburn State Park Trail Parking (~Km 154.95) (Spectator Zone): Trail access and parking zone marking the final stages of the race.