With Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. behind us, the calendar flips to June. And with that, the eyes of the ultrarunning world — and these of this columnist! — are directed to the 2024 Western States 100.
Taking place on June 29, this yr’s occasion, like yearly, is crammed with intriguing tales. I’d like to focus on 5 of the most compelling tales on this yr’s race and additionally current the 12 runners — let’s name them AJW’s Dirty Dozen — who I believe are more likely to be at the entrance of the pack come sunset at the end line at Placer High School in Auburn, California, on race day.
The begin of the 2021 Western States 100. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Eric Spector
California’s Eric Spector is making an attempt to grow to be the oldest finisher of Western States 100. The 77-year-old from Marin County has had a formidable build-up to the race this yr, with robust finishes at the Big Alta 50k, Napa Valley Endurance Run 50k, and Marin Ultra Challenge 50 Mile. In latest weeks, Spector has additionally logged over 200 miles on the course in preparation for the huge day.
1,000-Mile Bucklers
Due largely to the rising issue of stepping into the race, it has been 5 years since we’ve seen a 10-time finisher circle the observe at Placer High School. This yr, nevertheless, three runners try to gather their 1,000-mile buckles. Philip Sanderson of California, Ken Ward of Oregon, and Kaci Licktieg of Nebraska are all making an attempt to attain the feat this yr.
Kaci Lickteig profitable the 2016 Western States 100. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
No Defending Champions
While Jim Walmsley and Kaci Licktieg, two earlier Western States winners, are in the subject this yr, neither winner from the 2023 version of the race is returning. Tom Evans and Courtney Dauwalter, the 2023 winners, have chosen to deal with different races this yr, leaving the subject open for a brand new or returning champion.
Women’s Race
In 2023, we noticed an unimaginable ladies’s race, with Courtney Dauwalter profitable in a course file time of 15:29, and the tenth place lady, Colorado’s Meghan (*100*), ending in 18:11, a time that might have gained the race outright a number of instances over the years. With this yr’s ladies’s subject much more stacked than final yr, I’m anticipating much more density at the entrance of the pack this time round.
Environmental Factors
Mother Nature has not been form to Western States over the previous few years. Between wildfires, snow, and highway closures, the challenges dealing with the race group have been immense. This yr, nevertheless, it appears to be like like issues are returning to regular.
While the harm from the 2022 Mosquito Fire stays, the forest is slowly returning. Mosquito Ridge Road, the main highway accessing the Duncan Canyon and Dusty Corners assist stations, has just lately been reopened after being closed for over 18 months on account of the fireplace. And until there are important late spring storms, it appears to be like like the snowpack in the excessive nation will probably be minimal.
Overall, it’s shaping as much as be a effective yr!
Jim Walmsley profitable the 2021 Western States 100. Photo: iRunFar/Alex Potter
AJW’s 2024 Western States 100 Race Predictions
There are clear favorites in each the ladies’s and males’s fields this yr: Jim Walmsley, the males’s course file holder, and Katie Schide, the lady with the second-fastest time ever on the course. Behind them, a slew of different runners will probably be chasing. It’s anybody’s guess as to who will in the end problem for the prime spot. But listed here are my picks for the prime six ladies and males:
Women
- Katie Schide
- Rachel Drake
- Leah Yingling
- Heather Jackson
- Emily Hawgood
- Devon Yanko
Men
- Jim Walmsley
- Hayden Hawks
- Tyler Green
- Jia-Sheng Shen
- Jonathan Albon
- Dakota Jones
Bottoms up!
Katie Schide after taking second at the 2023 Western States 100 and working the second-fastest time in race historical past. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Pigeon Head Brewery in Reno, Nevada. Silver Sage Pale Ale is a traditional American-style pale ale that’s mild and crispy, with a touch of sage added to the brewing course of. A deliciously drinkable beer, Silver Sage is an ideal summer season ale.
Call for Comments
- Who do you suppose will win the males’s and ladies’s races?
- Which racer or story are you most excited to comply with?