As trail running and ultrarunning in general, and the Western States 100 in particular, have become more and more popular in recent years, fans of the sport have sought ways to experience the event as in-person spectators. For years, people have been coming to Western States to run, crew, pace, and more, but only in the last few years have we seen genuine fandom grow in the sport with more and more people coming to watch and cheer in person.
But how do you make the most of your day out along the course? This column is designed to give a first-time spectator at Western States a plan of action for experiencing the race as just that, a fan. As a long-time visitor to the race, I have outlined a plan below that provides two options in each spectator spot. In each case, Option 1 needs little to no hiking to spectate, while Option 2 requires a bit of work to get there.
The Start
Option 1: Wake up in Olympic Valley, California, at the start line, grab some coffee, and watch everyone run up the hill to the Escarpment to start the race. It’s fun, easy, and straightforward.
Option 2: Wake up at 3 a.m., hike four miles uphill, greet runners as they crest the top of the Escarpment, and then hike back four miles downhill to get on with the rest of your day.
The Canyons
Option 1: Park your car in the village of Foresthill (mile 62), find a nice shady spot to hang out, and then cheer the runners as they come through.
Option 2: Drive as close as you can to the village of Michigan Bluff (mile 55), likely about 1.5 miles from the aid station. Park your car and hike down to the aid station. Buy a hamburger from the folks who’ve been selling burgers there for 30 years, watch the runners come through, and then hike back to your car.
Tom Evans and Dakota Jones locked in a duel climbing to Michigan Bluff at the 2023 Western States 100. Photo: iRunFar/Jaja Ferrer Capili
The Back End
Option 1: Drive to the confluence of the American River and walk the gentle 0.2 miles to No Hands Bridge (mile 96.5). Watch the runners cross this iconic stretch of the course. To find it, just look for the lights and the Hoka banners across the bridge. Then head to Placer High School to view the finish.
Option 2: Drive to the Cool Fire Station, in Cool, California, park your car, and hike one mile on a generally level trail into the Pointed Rocks Aid Station (mile 94.7). Watch the runners roll through, and then hike back to your car and drive back to the finish at Placer High School.
Fu-Zhao Xiang coming into Pointed Rocks at the 2024 Western States 100. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
The Finish
Stay at the Placer High School track finish line in Auburn, California, as long as you possibly can to experience the magic of Western States.
There is nothing quite like Western States, and however you choose to experience the event, it is likely to leave 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. Fresh Squeezed IPA is a fruity and accessible IPA that is at once smooth and hoppy. Coming from a brewery that really set the tone for the craft beer movement, this is a great brew to drink just about any time.
Call for Comments
- Will you be spectating Western States? If so, where will you be?
- What’s your favorite spot on the course to watch Western States?
