2025 Western States 100 Begins with Legends, Heat, and Heart
Live from California’s rugged Sierra Nevada, the 52nd edition of the iconic Western States 100 has officially begun. At 5:00 a.m. sharp, 369 determined runners set off from Palisades Tahoe ski resort, climbing nearly 2,550 feet over 3.5 miles to the top of the Escarpment—the race’s first dramatic test. And with that ascent began not just another ultramarathon, but an unforgettable journey through one of the sport’s most demanding and historic landscapes.
This isn’t just any 100-mile race—it’s the Western States. Born from Gordy Ainsleigh’s legendary 1974 run during what was then a horseback event, the race has grown into the crown jewel of American trail running. Each year, only 369 entrants earn their way to the start line through a competitive lottery, Golden Ticket races, or top finishes from the previous year. It's more than just a race—it's a rite of passage.
The energy was electric this morning as the runners surged up the Escarpment. On the men’s side, David Roche led a 12-man group to the summit in a blistering 38:45, dipping under course record pace. Kilian Jornet—the 2011 champ and a legend in the sport—was in the pack, joined by Adam Peterman, Vincent Bouillard, and other elites. Jornet, after a quiet competitive year and a recent family addition, is back to test his mettle against a new generation. Can he reclaim the crown?
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The women’s field saw Abby Hall crest the Escarpment first in 43 minutes, taking control early over tough competition including Ida Nilsson, Riley Brady, and Emily Hawgood. The women’s race is wide open this year with past champions sitting it out, and eyes are on rising stars like Fu-Zhao Xiang and veterans like Marianne Hogan to seize the moment.
Conditions are already shaping up to be brutal. While it started chilly at elevation, forecasts call for highs of 97°F in Auburn and a searing 120°F deep in the canyons. It’s a cruel test, where heat, altitude, and the relentless terrain conspire to break even the best. The course climbs 18,000 feet and descends over 23,000 across wild trails, remote aid stations, and the infamous canyons before finishing on the track at Placer High School in Auburn.
This year, legends like Jim Walmsley and Courtney Dauwalter are absent, choosing to focus on UTMB in August, but the depth of the field more than makes up for it. Add in the inspiring return of Jim Howard—Western States champ from 1981 and 1983—now running at age 70 after double knee replacements, and Adam Popp, the first above-the-knee amputee to enter the race, and it’s clear that this year is about more than just speed.
It’s about resilience. History. Heart.
Stay tuned—the race is only just beginning, and the real story will unfold over the next 100 miles.
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