Western States Endurance Run

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Sports & AdventureAuburn
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe race's founding story anchors its
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Western States Endurance Run in Auburn

The Western States Endurance Run is a 100.2-mile trail race from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, held each late June with roughly 18,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Its origin traces to 1974, when Gordy Ainsleigh ran the Tevis Cup horse-race route on foot, and the modern race, first held officially in 1977, remains one of the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile trail events in the world.

It is one of the world's most important ultrarunning events.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The race's founding story anchors its identity: in 1974, Gordy Ainsleigh completed the roughly 100-mile Tevis Cup horse-race route on foot in under 24 hours, proving a human could cover the distance in a single day

02

The mystery stays covered

After further solo attempts, the first official run was held in 1977 with 14 starters and 3 finishers, and the Western States Trail Foundation formalized the event that year

03

The city starts moving

Runners finishing under 24 hours earn the iconic silver belt buckle, while 24-to-30-hour finishers receive a bronze buckle, a distinction tracing to a tie between two 1977 finishers

04

The water draws everyone in

The course runs from Olympic Valley to Placer High School in Auburn, through 20 aid stations, ten with medical support, climbing roughly 18,000 feet

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Rooted in Gordy Ainsleigh's 1974 solo run alongside the Tevis Cup horse race

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the event carries forward a tradition connecting human endurance running to the historic equestrian trail it was built on

The sacred route

Living ritual

formalized under the Western States Trail Foundation in 1977 and preserved today in traditions such as the silver and bronze finisher buckles first awarded that founding year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

Driving to Auburn and course points is typical.

What to wear

Trail running gear suited to significant heat, elevation change, and long hours on foot is essential, including moisture-wicking layers for daytime canyon heat and warmer layers for the...

Safety

At Western States Endurance Run, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

Auburn

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map47.31 N, 122.23 WOpen in Google Maps

Auburn, CA

TransportDriving to Auburn and course points is typical.
Stay areaAuburn

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Auburn via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Auburn, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for June.Compare faresFestival gearTrail running gear suited to significant heat, elevation change, and long hours on foot is essential, including moisture-wicking layers for daytime canyon heat and warmer layers for the cooler night hours many runners spend on the course. Reliable trail shoes with good grip matter given the technical terrain.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Western States Endurance Run?

Western States Endurance Run is listed for Past edition: 27–28 June 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Western States Endurance Run take place?

The festival is listed in Auburn, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Auburn, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLworldsmarathons.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked
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