Get the full results from iRunFar. Below are the highlights, courtesy of UltraSignUp.com. And don’t miss Outside’s in-depth coverage with its heartwarming description of Will Barkan (Mill Valley), who missed achieving his finisher’s bronze buckle and becoming WSER’s first legally blind finisher by 33 seconds.

 Jim Walmsley – Walmsley took home the W, dueling it out with recent Canyons by UTMB 100K winner Rod Farvard. He hit the tape in 14:13, four minutes off of the 2019 course record of 14:09 (set by him). It was an intense battle for second, with Hayden Hawks (14:24:31) finishing a crazy 16 seconds behind Rod (14:24:15).

 Katie Schide – Fan favorite, Katie Schide, led for the entire race, finishing 17 minutes back from Courtney Dauwalter’s 2023 course record with a time of 15:46:57. This is now the second-fastest female time in the race’s 51-year history.

• Get Katie’s insights into life, love, and the pursuit of happiness while living and training in France, by Doug Mayer
• Read about how Katie’s coaching relationship with Jason Koop has contributed to her success, by Corrine Malcolm

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In this exclusive Auburn Endurance Capital interview,  local ultra runner Anthony Chavez talks about UTMB®, WSER, and the HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB!

By Anne Thilges

As the excitement builds for this weekend’s Canyons Endurance Races, which draws runners from around the globe to Auburn’s Central Square, a local athlete and five-time finisher of the Canyons 100Km explains the allure and importance of the event. Anthony Chavez, an Auburn resident, has already left his mark on the ultra-running world with his impressive resume, including multiple finishes at both the Western States ® 100-Mile Endurance Run (WSER) and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 171 Km Run (UTMB).

Chavez’s journey into the world of ultra-running has been both thrilling and challenging. His experience at UTMB, where he aims to finish the 106-mile course in under 38 hours this year, has been particularly noteworthy. Despite a setback in 2017 that saw him airlifted off the course after becoming unconscious, Chavez remained undeterred in his pursuit of conquering the race’s grueling terrain and successfully finished in 2019.

On the left, Anthony enjoys a “kinder” section of the UTMB trail.

To the right is a full view of the UTMB finish area, as Anthony approaches the finish line.

Speaking about his love for UTMB, Chavez describes the event as “massive,” highlighting the breathtaking landscapes and the overwhelming support from communities along the route. The race, which traverses through three countries, offers an unparalleled experience for runners, with crowds cheering them on like celebrities at every village they pass through.

Chavez has made the Canyons Endurance Race part of his annual schedule, using the local event to accumulate most of his qualifying credentials for UTMB and WSER. He emphasizes the rigorous process of gaining entry into these coveted races, which includes completing qualifying races of 100Km or longer and then entering a lottery system for a ticket to the starting line.

To the left, a closer view of Anthony’s 2019 UTMB “finisher happy dance”! .

Drawing a comparison between UTMB and WSER, Chavez notes the stark differences in their experiences. While UTMB boasts a larger number of participants and a vibrant atmosphere with spectators lining the course, WSER offers a more secluded and solitary journey through remote wilderness areas. Although its course involves difficult access, the aid stations are all well-stocked and staffed by increibly supportive and uplifting volunteers.

To the right, Anthony is race ready for his second Western States Endurance Run.

As the Canyons race approaches, Chavez encourages runners to seize the opportunity to experience a taste of UTMB and WSER without the daunting task of qualifying and running 100 miles. With courses ranging from 15 to 100 miles and featuring climbs similar to those found in WSER, the Canyons Endurance Runs attract both seasoned athletes and those seeking a glimpse into the world of ultra-running.

In our interview’s parting words, Chavez, a veteran of over 30 ultra-distance competitions, offers a surprising revelation: “I’ve never run a marathon.” It’s a testament to his unwavering dedication to the challenging and rewarding world of ultra-running.

As runners gear up for this weekend’s Canyons Endurance Runs, Chavez’s story serves as inspiration, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that await those willing to push their limits in pursuit of their dreams.

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WSER.org

The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run’s website is your go-to resource for everything happening today and tomorrow. Track runners, get live updates, maps, rules, and so much more!

Video courtesy of Michael Li.

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April 26-27: 25K, 50K, 50-miles, 100 Miles

The City of Auburn greeted the UTMB Race Organizers from Chamonix France with open arms for 2+ days of running Ultra Running trail events and festivities. Downtown Auburn was closed off and store owners to advantage of the incredible influx of runners, spectators, friends and families to boost their weekend sales. The 3-day Expo was nonstop busy, being the location of the runner’s race packet pick-up, and the Endurance Capital Committee with their handsome pop-up tent made sure that everyone was well aware of the history and validation of Auburn’s Endurance Capital of the World™ status!

Learn more about the event using these resources:

Auburn Endurance Capital’s Facebook Page

Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB

UltrasignUp.com

Trail Runner Magazine

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Get your tickets TODAY!

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Recap Stories with Photos & Videos

• Auburn Journal
• Sacramento Bee
• KCRA Channel 3 Sacramento– Great video!
• Ultra Signup News (Golden Morning Feature)
• irunfar.com
• Trail Runner Magazine
• American Trail Runner Assoc.
• New Zealand Herald (Women’s Winner feature with irunfar.com progress clips)

Videos

• WSER YouTube
• Chase the Summit
• Dinosaurs! Shadowing WSER Finisher

From Trail Runner Magazine: “For Croft, success at Western States came down to mindset and levity. “I think a lot of it is just having fun. One hundred miles is a long way, so if you’re not having fun, I think it’s just a lot further.” Her crew was an integral part of reminding her of keeping it fun. They even promised her that “if you run well to Auburn, we’ll get in dinosaur costumes, so that was enough motivation right there.” Her crew delivered. Three dinosaurs chased her around the track, making for a finish no one will forget.”

Scroll down to enjoy the slide show!

Shannon Weil – ultra running visionary, co-founder of WSER, originator of the Auburn, Endurance Capital of the World™ tagline, Endurance Capital Committee member, and now on the Western States Trail Museum Board. Here she is, helping to publicize this grand endeavor at the WSER finish. Learn MUCH more at its recently launched and beautiful website: WSTrailMuseum.org.

Auburn Mayor Pro-Tem Alice Dowdin Calvillo welcomes ARD’s Registration, Facility Reservation & Customer Service Rep, Manouch Shirvanioun, just after he crossed the finish!

Above, Randy Van Dusen (center) is finishing this year’s WSER to commemorate his very special 2012 finish. In 2012, Randy’s trusty Police dog Bodie (they were partners with the Sacramento Police Canine Unit), had been badly wounded during an arrest attempt. Randy was entered in that year’s WSER, and as Bodie recuperated had been seriously training to fulfill his dream of finishing. Randy did just that, but not before a fellow officer appeared with Bodie at the Placer HS track gate so Bodie could join him and hobble with him around the track to the finish. Not a dry eye in the house… See the next slide.

Here is the KCRA report of Randy and Bodie at the 2012 WSER.

Two-time WSER winner Jim Howard (1981 when he co-won with Doug Latimer and 1983), returned this year at age 67 to courageously finish the course once again. He missed the 30 hour cut-off by a few minutes, but his valiant effort combined with his stunning, lifelong running accomplishments was rewarded with a standing ovation as he rounded the track. Learn more about Jim in his 2016 Sacramento Running Association Hall of Fame Induction video  and induction speech.

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