The 51 will be launched this Saturday, June 29 at 5 a.m. California time, or 2 p.m. in France.e edition of the legendary Western States. At the start of the oldest ultra-endurance race in the world, this year there will be superstar Jim Walmsley, challenged by Hayden Hawks, Tyler Green and Jonathan Albon. For the women, the race promises to be just as exciting with the presence of the discreet but no less talented Katie Schide. The most impatient to follow the live from 1:15 p.m.
Described by the Americans as the “Super Bowl of ultra-trail”, the Western States (161 km, 5500 D+) does not seem, on paper at least, as impressive as other 100 miles (whose elevation gain is generally two times more important). Except that to shine in this race the runners will have to endure a very strong variation in temperatures (between the high snow-covered peaks and the stifling heat in the valley) and maintain an extremely sustained pace. The thermometer should fluctuate between -6°C and +40°C and average speeds should remain at the same pace as a road race. Added to this is the possible presence of venomous snakes or black bears…
Nothing to discourage the elites gathered this weekend in the United States. All eyes will be on the record holder of the event, Jim Walmsley, in search of a fourth victory. An essential first step to the success of its “Western States/UTMB” double. Among the women, we will closely follow Katie Schide, second last year, behind Courtney Dauwalter. But given the enormous density of runners present at the event each year, it would be very presumptuous to establish the two Americans as big winners even before the start of the event! Because we will also have to keep an eye on their compatriots Hayden Hawks and Tyler Green as well as the Briton Jonathan Albon among the men. And on the Hungarian Eszter Csillag, the Zimbabwean Emily Hawgood and the American Leah Yingling among the women. All of them having already finished in the top 10 during a previous participation.
Header photo: Hilary Matheson
- Themes :
- Jim Walmsley
- Live
- Trail Running
- Western States
