The Western States Endurance Run is one of the oldest ultra
trail events in the world and certainly one of the most challenging.
The Run is conducted along the Western States Trail starting at Squaw
Valley, California, and ending in Auburn, California, a total of 100
miles. The trail ascends from the Squaw Valley floor (elevation 6,200 feet)
to Emigrant Pass (elevation 8,750 feet), a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in the
first 4½ miles. From the pass, following the original trails used by the
gold and silver miners of the 1850’s, runners travel west, climbing
another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn.
Most of the trail passes through remote and rugged territory, accessible
only to hikers, horses and helicopters.
Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the trail, the Western
States Endurance Run differs substantially from other organized runs. Adequate
mental and physical preparation are of utmost importance to each runner, for
the mountains, although beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and
unforgiving to the ill-prepared.
