As path operating and ultrarunning on the whole, and the Western States 100 particularly, have turn into an increasing number of widespread lately, followers of the game have sought methods to expertise the occasion as in-person spectators. For years, folks have been coming to Western States to run, crew, tempo, and extra, however solely in the previous few years have we seen real fandom develop within the sport with an increasing number of folks coming to observe and cheer in particular person.
However how do you profit from your day trip alongside the course? This column is designed to present a first-time spectator at Western States a plan of motion for experiencing the race as simply that, a fan. As a long-time customer to the race, I’ve outlined a plan beneath that gives two choices in every spectator spot. In every case, Possibility 1 wants little to no climbing to spectate, whereas Possibility 2 requires a bit of labor to get there.
The Begin
Possibility 1: Get up in Olympic Valley, California, at first line, seize some espresso, and watch everybody run up the hill to the Escarpment to start out the race. It’s enjoyable, straightforward, and simple.
Possibility 2: Get up at 3 a.m., hike 4 miles uphill, greet runners as they crest the highest of the Escarpment, after which hike again 4 miles downhill to get on with the remainder of your day.
The Canyons
Possibility 1: Park your automobile within the village of Foresthill (mile 62), discover a good shady spot to hang around, after which cheer the runners as they arrive by way of.
Possibility 2: Drive as shut as you’ll be able to to the village of Michigan Bluff (mile 55), doubtless about 1.5 miles from the help station. Park your automobile and hike right down to the help station. Purchase a hamburger from the parents who’ve been promoting burgers there for 30 years, watch the runners come by way of, after which hike again to your automobile.
Tom Evans and Dakota Jones locked in a duel climbing to Michigan Bluff on the 2023 Western States 100. Photograph: iRunFar/Jaja Ferrer Capili
The Again Finish
Possibility 1: Drive to the confluence of the American River and stroll the light 0.2 miles to No Fingers Bridge (mile 96.5). Watch the runners cross this iconic stretch of the course. To search out it, simply search for the lights and the Hoka banners throughout the bridge. Then head to Placer Excessive College to view the end.
Possibility 2: Drive to the Cool Hearth Station, in Cool, California, park your automobile, and hike one mile on a typically stage path into the Pointed Rocks Help Station (mile 94.7). Watch the runners roll by way of, after which hike again to your automobile and drive again to the end at Placer Excessive College.
Fu-Zhao Xiang coming into Pointed Rocks on the 2024 Western States 100. Photograph: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
The End
Keep on the Placer Excessive College observe end line in Auburn, California, so long as you presumably can to expertise the magic of Western States.
There may be nothing fairly like Western States, and nevertheless you select to expertise the occasion, it’s more likely to depart a mark on you. See you there!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. Contemporary Squeezed IPA is a fruity and accessible IPA that’s directly clean and hoppy. Coming from a brewery that actually set the tone for the craft beer motion, it is a nice brew to drink nearly any time.
Name for Feedback
Will you be spectating Western States? If that’s the case, the place will you be?
What’s your favourite spot on the course to observe Western States?
