The 2023 Western States Endurance Run || Run Singletrack

I was heading out the door for my early summer long run when I saw an unknown caller show ID up on my phone.

Turned out to be none other than Finn Melanson with the Singletrack Podcast responding to a DM i sent him on instagram a few weeks prior.

He said he had room in a house in Olympic Valley, CA that I could stay in for two nights + compensation for travel, and in exchange I would help him document & tell the story of The Western States 100.

Duh, no brainer. I said yes, loaded up my lil’ Volkswagon Golf, and headed off towards Cali.

For anyone who doesn’t know what Western States is, lemme break it down for ya…

Alright, buckle up, trail warrior, 'cause we're diving into the gnarly world of the Western States 100 – the granddaddy of ultramarathons, where the trails are as wild as a mountain goat on espresso. Picture this: a hundred miles of pure, unadulterated trail bliss, where the earth beneath your feet is your dance floor, and the mountains are your partners in crime.

The Western States 100 is the holy grail for trail junkies, a relentless journey through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains that'll test your mettle and leave your quads screaming for mercy. The course kicks off in Squaw Valley, and don't let the picturesque scenery fool you – those peaks are as friendly as a cactus in a hug.

From Squaw Valley, you ascend into the heavens, tackling the notorious Escarpment like a trail ninja on a mission. The first 30 miles are a rollercoaster of rocky ridges and lush meadows, a symphony of sweat and grit that sets the stage for the epic drama to come.

Then, brace yourself for the canyons – Devil's Thumb, Deadwood, El Dorado – each one a chapter in the epic tale of conquering nature's obstacles. The canyons are like a trail runner's baptism of fire, where the heat is an inferno, and the trails are as tricky as a cat on roller skates.

But fear not, because after the relentless climbs and quad-burning descents, the iconic Granite Chief Wilderness welcomes you with open arms. The lush forests and alpine lakes offer a reprieve, a chance to recharge before the grand finale.

Finally, the grand stage of Placer High School beckons, and if you've got anything left in the tank, it's time to unleash the beast. The track is your red carpet, the finish line your victory dance floor – a hundred miles of trail glory etched into your bones.

So, fellow dirt enthusiast, if you're ready to dance with the mountains, embrace the canyons, and emerge victorious on the Placer High track, the Western States 100 is your ticket to trail legend status. Lace up those shoes, slap on that sunscreen, and get ready for the trail ride of a lifetime. It's not just a race; it's a wild, untamed adventure through the beating heart of the Sierra Nevada. See you at the finish line, where legends are born and trail tales are spun like spider silk in the morning dew. Get ready to leave it all on the trail, my friend – the Western States 100 awaits! 🏃‍♂️🏔️✨