Western States Qualifying just got harder

davemunger

For all you ultra runners out there, it just got tougher to qualify for the Western States 100 mile race. Now most of the qualifiers are 100 miles, with just a few 100k events and no 50-mile qualifiers. The rationale is that the number of applicants has now gotten so high that the chances of winning the lottery even with a qualifying time have gotten prohibitively low.

That said, I still wonder if the qualifying standard is tough enough. There are still quite a few flat 100-milers you can use to qualify for the most prestigious 100-mile race in the world.

http://www.wser.org/2013/10/24/2015-western-states-100-mile-endurance-run-qualifying-standards/

DavidMartinez2

You go on with your bad self, I'll be over here watching. This past year I have seen several of my friends fail miserably or succede and have their bodies break down at the 100 mile distance.

TheBrolympus

The mental fortitude that it takes to run 100 miles is staggering to me.

davemunger

I didn't say I was running it -- just passing on the info. I crewed and paced at Western States this summer, and it was an awesome experience. I agree, an unbelievable feat to accomplish.

jturnerx

I qualified with a 50 miler this year but the WS lottery being what it is I think I have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than getting in. So I'm already pondering what do about next year.