The Western States 100 (WS100) is one of the most iconic and challenging ultra marathons out there. It is a 100-mile single-stage off-road ultra marathon race that takes place each June in California’s Sierra Nevada.
It includes a total elevation gain of over 18,000 feet, crossing rivers, canyons, towering peaks and scorching temperatures. The course conditions are grueling and unpredictable, and those who take on the challenge of running the WS100 are in for an adventure that tests physical and mental strength.
The race itself is just one part of the challenge. To even qualify for the WS100, runners must be among the best of the best, completing a brutal and selective qualifying process. Additionally, running 100 miles is logistically and physically demanding, so athletes should be sure to adequately prepare and train for the event.
The WS100 is notoriously difficult, and participants should have a strong internal drive and an ability to push themselves to their limits. Many have found the experience to be life-changing, pushing them both physically and mentally as they try to make it to the finish line.
How hard is a 100 miler?
A 100 miler (or 100-mile race) is a grueling challenge, one that requires exceptional dedication and commitment. It is considered by some to be the most demanding event within the running community and is often seen as a crowning achievement for those who successfully complete it.
The distance itself is daunting, of course – for the average recreational runner, running one mile can be challenging and exhausting. Taking it another level further and running 100 miles is a feat that few can achieve.
Not only is the distance physically demanding, but running for such a long duration can be mentally exhausting as well. Training for a 100 miler also requires a lot of hard work, as the athlete must maintain long runs and find a way to recover quickly.
As such, 100 milers are not for the faint of heart. They demand a level of endurance and effort that can be extremely taxing. However, completing a 100 miler is still a great accomplishment and an experience that many people aspire to.
With the right attitude and preparations, anyone with a sufficiently developed fitness level can take on and conquer the challenge.
How many people run 100 milers?
The exact number of people who run 100 milers is difficult to determine, as there are no official records kept on this information. However, it is estimated that thousands of people participate in 100 milers each year.
These races attract endurance runners, who are looking to push their limits and test their mental and physical strength. 100 milers are some of the most challenging endurance races available, and they require intense training and dedication.
Many ultra runners participate in multiple 100 milers each year, as well as other challenging distances. Additionally, many average-distance runners complete 100 milers as a challenge to themselves. This demanding event is certainly not for everyone, but for those with the ambition and drive, it can be an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience.
Do you sleep during a 100-mile race?
No, sleeping during a 100-mile race would not be advisable. While it is possible to powernap for a few minutes during a ultra-long race such as a 100-mile race, it’s not recommended because you could be putting yourself in a vulnerable position.
Ultra-long races are very intense and require tremendous focus and endurance to complete. Even if a brief nap is taken, any loss of focus or awareness could lead to disastrous consequences. If you take a nap, you would be much more likely to fall off the trail and create additional challenges for yourself.
Also, depending on the terrain of the trail, extreme weather conditions could put you in a dangerous situation. If a nap is taken during instances such as this, the risk of becoming injured or worsening the situation increase significantly.
It is better to focus on staying alert and combatting exhaustion with other methods such as eating and hydrating during the race.
What is the average time for a 100-mile run?
The average time to complete a 100-mile run depends on a number of factors, such as the terrain, level of physical fitness, and the individual’s goals. Generally speaking, the fastest times for a 100-mile run range anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
Professional runners may be able to complete the run in as little as 12 or 13 hours, whereas recreational runners may take closer to 24 or more hours to reach the finish line. Factors such as altitude, humidity, and temperature can also play a role in influencing how long a 100-mile run will take an individual to complete.
In addition to these external factors, the individual runner’s experience, training and running pace also factor into their average 100-mile run time. Ultimately, the total 100-mile run time of an individual varies based on their individual experience and goals.
Do you have to qualify for Western states?
Yes, if you are interested in running in the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, you must qualify. The race has a 42 year legacy and is recognized as one of the most prestigious ultra-marathon events in the world.
In order to qualify, prospective participants must have completed one of a few specific qualifying events within the past 18 months, before the start of the Western States race. Examples of such qualifying events include:
-The Bahnson 50K or 100K(California)
-Juan de Fuca 50K, 80K or 55M(Washington)
-Tahoe Rim Trail 50M(California)
-Tahoe 200M(Nevada)
-White River 50M(Washington)
-Rio del Lago 100M(California)
-Cascade Crest 100M(Washington)
-Bear Mountain 50M(New York)
Runners must officially finish each qualifying event within specified time limits according to their age and gender in order to be considered eligible for an official entry into the Western States race.
The qualification process is intended to ensure that only experienced, prepared ultra-runners can compete in the race, as the Western States course is truly an extreme test of physical and mental strength.
How does the Western States Lottery work?
The Western States Lottery is an online lottery game that uses a random number generator (RNG) to generate numbers each day, creating a winning combination. The game typically uses 5 sets of numbers, including one set of numbers from 1 to 39 and four sets of numbers from 1 to 9.
Players choose one set of numbers to create their ticket. If the ticket has all the numbers in one unit of the 5 sets, then the player has won the drawing.
The Western States Lottery also requires players to pay an entry fee of $2 per ticket and may require additional fees depending on the lottery provider. The exact amount of the entry fee will depend on the lottery provider, as they all set their own fees.
Drawings are held daily and players can find out the winning number combinations by logging into the lottery provider’s website or by checking the local newspaper. The jackpot amount of the lottery and the chances of hitting it depend on the number of tickets purchased and the number of players entering the draw.
In addition to the base lottery game, the Western States Lottery also offers various special offers and promotions that can increase players’ chances of winning. These offers vary in terms of eligibility and prize amounts.
Players must be 18 years old or older to participate in the Western States Lottery, and different states may also have their own regulations.
Who is the oldest finisher of the Western States 100?
The oldest female finisher of the Western States 100 is Krissy Moehl, who crossed the finish line at the age of 52 in 2018. The oldest male finisher is John DeWalt, who completed the race at 83 in 2013.
DeWalt held the record for the oldest finisher of the Western States 100 for several years, until being surpassed by Ueli Kestenholz in 2019, who completed the race at the age of 87.
Does Western states drug test?
Yes, Western States does drug test. The drug testing policy is detailed in their Employee Handbook and it states that employees may be subject to a drug test at any time with the approval of a senior manager.
Drug testing is conducted if there is reasonable cause to suspect drug use, before employment and at random times throughout the employee’s tenure. The types of drugs tested for will vary, but commonly include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and other drugs as detected by a laboratory test.
Testing may take place following an accident or if there is any indication that the use of alcohol or drugs may pose a threat to the safety of the employee or the employee’s work. In addition, Western States may conduct random drug tests from time to time.
How do you qualify for UTMB?
In order to qualify for the Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) race, an individual must have completed a minimum of five approved qualifications within a two-year period prior to submitting an entry. The race organizer, the International Trail-Running Association (ITRA), establishes the prerequisites for qualifying, which can include participation in any of their qualifying races or completion of alternative criteria such as race certifications, trail certifications, individual race results and other accomplishments.
For the UTMB specifically, each runner will need to attain a certain number of points from approved races in order to be eligible for entry.
Qualifying races must include a minimum distance of 45 kilometers, with a minimum of 2,250 meters of elevation gain, and a maximum distance of 160 kilometers, with a maximum total elevation gain of 10,000 meters.
The distances vary for each course, with some races requiring even longer distances and higher elevations, including the Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc.
In addition, each runner must be supported by a medical certificate from a qualified practitioner certifying their physical fitness to compete in the race and by a toxicology certificate certifying their training program, nutritional status and hydration status.
Finally, the following checklist of items must be fully completed in order to receive entry:
– Submit a completed ITRA profile with the necessary qualification points
– Provide a valid passport photo
– Proof of payment of the entry registration fee
– Payment of a non-refundable deposit
– Provide a copy of the medical certificate
– Provide a copy of the toxicology certificate
– Provide a signed and dated waiver of responsibility.
Once qualified, runners can then apply to enter and participate in the UTMB.
What is the record for western states?
The record for the most western states whose boundaries are at least partially on the western edge of the Continental Divide is eleven. These include California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.
All eleven of these states, when their boundaries are taken into account, are considered to be part of the western region of the United States. Between them, the western states contain vast areas of deserts, forests, mountains, and other diverse terrain, which together make up the Western United States.
This region houses various natural wonders, as well as iconic sites such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, and Yellowstone National Park. It is also home to several major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver.
Overall, these 11 states together represent one of the most culturally and geographically diverse regions of the country.
How hard is the Hard Rock 100?
The Hard Rock 100 is widely considered to be one of the toughest and most grueling endurance running events in North America. It is an ultra-marathon race over a 100-mile course in the rugged and mountainous San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
The race covers a total elevation gain of over 33,000 feet and often takes runners through extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow and extreme heat. The terrain varies from wide-open meadows, aspen groves, and alpine backcountry to rocky and steep trails.
The combination of difficult terrain and unpredictable altitude and weather conditions make it a physically and mentally demanding race. Even experienced and seasoned ultra-distance runners have struggled to complete the course, calling it a “truly brutal” event.
Ultimately, the Hard Rock 100 is one of the most challenging endurance events ever undertaken and is not for the faint of heart.