The oldest 100-mile trail running race in the world, running through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Brutal heat in the canyons makes this one of the most grueling ultra events on the calendar.
Western States 100 2026 on June 27, 2026 brings a strong field rated 95/100. Jim Walmsley 🇺🇸 leads our projections at 27.6%, with Courtney Dauwalter 🇺🇸 in close pursuit at 25.0%.
The primary battle is between Jim Walmsley and Courtney Dauwalter, separated by just 2.6 percentage points. The USA 🇺🇸 has 2 athletes in the top 3, adding tactical depth to their campaign. Kilian Jornet 🇪🇸 at 20.9% is the dark horse — capable of disrupting if the leaders neutralize each other.
Race day conditions — Hot, sunny, 25-40C — will test athletes' heat management. Expect conservative early pacing with potential for dramatic surges from athletes who handle the heat best. Light adds another variable to the closing kilometers.
Jim Walmsley is our pick at 27.6%. Course record pace (14:09:28 / 15:29:35) is within reach if conditions cooperate.
Course record: 14:09:28 / 15:29:35. Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, USA hosts this 100.2 mi (161.3 km) event.