2023 Western States 100

Ultras are so intriguing to me and Western States 100 is one of the Super Bowls of the sport. This will be an interesting year as they will have a contrasting mix between more snow/ice and also heat. Forest fires having taken away shade on parts of the course.

Competition wise Courtney Dauwalter is supposed to dominate the women's, she often beats many of the top men in the field. The mens side will be interesting as it will be a closer race with several potential winners plus this year some unknown Chinese. Many have Dakota Jones as their favorite, I've been watching Tom Evans blog, so picked him.

Race started 45 minutes ago, one of the Chinese is already a couple minutes ahead with a pack behind of the favorites.

https://www.ultralive.net/ws100#tracking/leaders

We have a few ultra runners at FerrariChat @PA32Pilot and @kestrou.

 

First checkpoint mile 10 and the man from China is way out ahead. Still a tight pack behind.

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On the women's side Courtney and Katie running together.

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16 miles Jiaju Zhao is still 5+ minutes out front. Chase pack 10 strong including Tom and Dakota. Katie and Courtney still together. As a former triathlete I would love to watch Heather Jackson move up, she's in 7th.

 

what a bonehead, Jiaju Zhao who went out 5 minutes ahead through 25 is now basically walking dropping way back. why even?

Tom Evans and Dakota Jones fighting it out front at 35 miles.

Courtney has started pulling away a little and passing several men 19th overall, only 1 minute up on Katie Schide, but they are 17 minutes up on 3rd.

 

9 hours in exciting race, about 60 miles done.

Tom Evans and Dakota Jones still tied at the front 5+ minutes ahead of 3rd.

Courtney is really pulling away, now even 13th OVERALL.

 

wow, only 10-15 miles to go. Tom Evans has pulled away. Courtney Dauwalter is killing it, 7th overall with 15 miles to go passing men like crazy.

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Amazing dominating finishes by both Tom Evans and Courtney Daulwalter. Courtney broke the record by an hour and ten minutes even with the heat. She finished 6th Overall!