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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.
The Race begins
at 5:00 am on Saturday of the last weekend
in June at the west end of Squaw Valley.
Runners must reach the finish line no later
than 11:00 am the following day in order to
be eligible for an award.
Approximately
1,300 dedicated volunteers help out at each
Western States Endurance Run. They are
truly the life-blood of the Run and will do
everything possible to make your day a
success. Many spend more hours out on the
trail than do the runners themselves.
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