The Western States 100

Last weekend was the Western States 100 mile run. No, I didn’t participate – it is way beyond my capabilities. But I did go up to help at one of the aid stations and as always I am in awe at these folk that can run in such difficult conditions (not only 100 miles but 18,000 ft. vertical gain and 23,000 vertical drop).

This year’s race was more difficult than most as we had a heat wave with temperatures way over 100 degrees. There were a record number of drops as people felt the effects of the heat (399 started, 188 dropped and only 211 finished).

The other remarkable thing about this years race was that the first person across the finish line arrived in the stadium (the last 300 yards is around the High School track in Auburn), and then proceeded to fall down or perhaps collapse might be a better word. In fact he did it several times. He was helped to his feet each time and somehow managed to cross the finish line after 18 hrs. Unfortunately, although he was 12 minutes before the next runner, the fact that he was assisted over the last few yards was enough to disqualify him. How tragic is that? The lad seems to have a good attitude towards it – saying that it was the right decision by those that helped him and by those that disqualified him. But still – after 99.8 or 99.9 miles and a 12 minute lead he must be a little miffed.