Last weekend we drove to Squaw Valley, CA for the start of the 46th running of the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run. This is the world's oldest 100-mile trail race and this year both fields for men and women were deep, talented and exciting to watch.
Several runners and crew members were wearing Path Projects gear. Here is one of our customers I-Tao TSAI with Path Projects founder Scott Bailey, before the start of the race.
The race starts at the base of the Squaw Valley ski resort. Runners climb a total of 18090 feet (5500 m) and descend a total of 22,970 feet (7000 m) on rugged mountain trails, before reaching the finish.
Robinson Flat Checkpoint at mile 30 with hundreds of crew members, volunteers and spectators. A few athletes fell in the challenging snow conditions and needed some medical support.
The leaders Jim Walmsley and Courtney Dauwalter were running very fast, ahead of course record pace. Here is Jim flying through Forest Hill at mile 62.
29-year old Walmsley broke his own course record by 21 minutes, finishing in 14:09! His room mate and training partner Jared Hazed came in 2nd in a strong 14:26.
Courtney experienced a hip injury and dropped at mile 80. Clare Gallaghers took the lead and ran the second-fastest time in race history, to win the women's race in 17:23. It was incredible to experience all the energy around the finish line at Placer High School track in Auburn.
After the winners came in, we headed to The Aid Station to meet up with the Trail Runner Nation guys. Scott and Don hosted a 20 hour Western States Live Show, until 11am! We joined them on the show to talk about Path Projects and Western States.
Western States was a great time, we can't wait to go back. Congrats to all the runners and a big thank you to all the race staff and volunteers for making this race possible.
