History of the Western States 100 

The Western States, a race that stands as a pinnacle of achievement, is not easily accessible. Many endure a lengthy wait, their hopes pinned on the lottery, while others must prove their mettle in the most gruelling elite races to earn their place. 

The Western States is the oldest 100-mile race in the world; it began as a horse trail in 1955. The route has remained the same since 1986, with minor changes since. 

However, almost 70 years after its inception, the race still has qualifying races that one must complete before being considered an entry. Afterwards, you enter the lottery, hoping your name will be pulled from the hat. 

History of the Western States 100

Way back in 1955, Wendell T. Robie, along with five horsemen, rode the Western States Trail from the post office in Tahoe City to Auburn to prove that horses could cover 100 miles in one day. 

Through this, the Western States Trail Foundation was created alongside the official establishment of the Western States Trail Ride, also known as the Tevis Cup.

In 1972, a group of 20 U.S. Army infantrymen attempted to hike the trail nonstop, starting one day ahead of the Tevis Cup ride on July 28th. Seven of the soldiers completed the distance on foot in under 48 hours. 

Just two years later Gordy Ainsleigh joined the horses of the Western States Trail Ride to see if he could complete the course on foot, running the majority of the way. He finished in 24 hours and 42 minutes. Ron Kelley attempted to run the route in 1975 but pulled out just three miles from the finish line. 

In 1977, the Board of Directors for the Western States Endurance Run was formed as part of the Western States Trail Foundation. The Run organisation later became its own entity and is now known as the Western States Endurance Run Foundation.

Two years later, 143 runners from 21 states and three foreign nations attempted the course, which has now grown into the mammoth race it is today.  Around the same time, Pat Smythe became the first woman to finish the race in 29 hours and 34 minutes.