Western States 100 Ultramarathon Kicks Off with Record Pace

AUBURN, Calif. (June 29, 2025) – The 2025 Western States 100, the world’s oldest 100-mile trail ultramarathon, launched at dawn on Saturday with 369 elite and amateur runners departing Palisades Tahoe at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. The historic race, spanning rugged terrain from the Sierra Nevada to Auburn, California, is renowned for its grueling climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable weather.

Early in the race, David Roche and Abby Hall surged ahead of the pack, setting a blistering pace that fueled speculation of a possible new course record. Both athletes are seasoned ultrarunners with impressive resumes, and their aggressive starts drew the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Warm temperatures added an extra layer of difficulty, with midday highs expected to challenge even the most prepared competitors. Aid stations along the route provided critical hydration and support as runners navigated steep ascents, river crossings, and exposed ridgelines.

Spectators lined key points of the course, while thousands more followed the action via live online tracking and social media updates. The Western States 100 is famed for its passionate community, with volunteers and supporters cheering on participants through every mile.

The race will continue through the night, with runners battling fatigue, heat, and the clock as they strive to complete the 100-mile journey within the 30-hour cutoff. Organizers anticipate a dramatic finish in Auburn, where the possibility of a new course record remains alive as the field pushes the limits of endurance and determination.