California·United States
Photo: Shannon1 · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Western States Endurance Run follows a historic trail from Olympic Valley near Lake Tahoe over the Sierra Nevada, down through deep, hot canyons and across the American River to Auburn. The race is hard to enter, with places drawn by lottery, but the trail is open to run in sections all summer.
In season: May–Oct · Peak: Jun
Snow on the high country early in the season, then heat of over 35 degrees in the canyons and a lot of descent. Running sections needs careful planning for water and access.
The high country section as a long training day
The hundred miles of the oldest 100-mile trail race
The night section, and the American River crossing
Run the trail in sections from access points such as Robinson Flat and Foresthill, or join an organised training weekend in late May. Enter the race lottery with a qualifying ultra, and train for heat and long descents.
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The Taft Point line, off the rim of Yosemite Valley and one of the most photographed highlines in the world.
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