Description
Western States offers three training runs to acquaint runners with the last 70 miles of the Western States course. It is recommended that entrants take advantage of these training runs, if possible, as they provide an opportunity to see the course and the type of conditions you might expect to encounter on race day. You will also get an opportunity to meet other runners, many of whom have considerable knowledge and experience of the trail and WS which they are more than happy to share. Each of the training runs will have aid stations but you should also plan on carrying your own water and whatever supplies you may need. There will be cutoffs based on a 30-hour WS 100-mile finish time which is approximately 18 minute per mile.
Saturday
Meet at the Foresthill Elementary School in Foresthill, where we will provide bus transportation to Robinson Flat, a one hour drive. Check-in begins at 5:45 am and the last bus departs at 7:00 am. The run goes from Robinson Flat (snow conditions permitting) back to the Foresthill Elementary School, approximately 32 miles. This section will acquaint you with the Canyons and the two most difficult climbs of the race (Devil's Thumb and Michigan Bluff). You may also experience the type of heat you are likely to experience in the Canyons on race day. If we are unable to get to Robinson Flat because of snow, we will plan a substitute route over as much of that section of the trail as possible.
Sunday
Depart at 8:30 am from the Foresthill Elementary School where the training run begins. This training run takes you on the California Street section of trail which ends at Drivers Flat. A shuttle bus will return runners from Drivers Flat to the Foresthill Elementary School beginning at noon. The run is 19 miles.
Monday
Leave from Placer High School in Auburn at 8:30 am. Buses will be there to transport you to Green Gate (a 50 minute drive). You will run the final 20 miles of the trail back to the finish line at Placer High School.
Registration
Registration for 2026 will be open to automatics and lottery winners for ~ two weeks after the lottery (until December 22) at which time it opens to the general public.