As path operating and ultrarunning typically, and the Western States 100 specifically, have turn out to be increasingly standard lately, followers of the game have sought methods to expertise the occasion as in-person spectators. For years, individuals 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 increasingly individuals coming to look at and cheer in particular person.
However how do you benefit 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 under that gives two choices in every spectator spot. In every case, Choice 1 wants little to no mountaineering to spectate, whereas Choice 2 requires a bit of labor to get there.
The Begin
Choice 1: Get up in Olympic Valley, California, initially line, seize some espresso, and watch everybody run up the hill to the Escarpment to start out the race. It’s enjoyable, simple, and simple.
Choice 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
Choice 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.
Choice 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 oldsters 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. Picture: iRunFar/Jaja Ferrer Capili
The Again Finish
Choice 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 seek out it, simply search for the lights and the Hoka banners throughout the bridge. Then head to Placer Excessive Faculty to view the end.
Choice 2: Drive to the Cool Fireplace Station, in Cool, California, park your automobile, and hike one mile on a typically stage path into the Pointed Rocks Assist 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 Faculty.
Fu-Zhao Xiang coming into Pointed Rocks on the 2024 Western States 100. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
The End
Keep on the Placer Excessive Faculty monitor end line in Auburn, California, so long as you probably can to expertise the magic of Western States.
There’s nothing fairly like Western States, and nevertheless you select to expertise the occasion, it’s prone 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 easy and hoppy. Coming from a brewery that actually set the tone for the craft beer motion, this can be 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 look at Western States?
