As June approaches, the excitement surrounding the ultrarunning community builds, with the Western States 100 taking center stage. Scheduled for June 28, the race promises to be a showcase of talent, determination, and remarkable narratives that highlight the spirit of ultrarunning. In this article, we will explore four compelling storylines from this year’s event and introduce the “AJW’s Dirty Dozen,” a curated list of frontrunners expected to lead the race as it culminates at Placer High School in Auburn, California.
The Rise of the Over 70s
This year marks a historic moment for the Western States 100, with six runners aged 70 and over participating for the first time. This team of seasoned athletes includes Nick Bassett (80, Nevada), Michael Koppy (74, Minnesota), Jan Vleck (72, Washington), Ed Willson (70, Oregon), Jim Howard (70, California), and Michel Poletti (70, France). While age may be a factor, these runners are stepping up to reshape perceptions about endurance and capability at an advanced age. In interviews, each runner has expressed their commitment to embracing the challenges that await them on the course, demonstrating that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The Comeback of Jamil Coury
Jamil Coury, the founder of Aravaipa Running, returns to the Western States 100 line-up 15 years after his debut. Known for his impressive finishes in other ultramarathon challenges, Coury has gained entry through sheer perseverance, acquiring 128 entry tickets in the lottery. This comeback is even more remarkable considering Coury’s recent training regimen was just a modest 25-day block. His experience combined with natural talent makes him a thrilling contender this year.
Heather Jackson’s Untraditional Training
Another standout to watch this year is Heather Jackson, who rapidly made her mark in the ultrarunning scene during the 2022 Javelina 100 Mile. Although she settled for a fourth-place finish then, Jackson’s pedigree as an Ironman triathlete can’t be overlooked. Her unconventional preparation for the Western States this year included winning the brutal 350-mile Unbound Gravel XL race just the week prior. Jackson’s versatility and recent successes could propel her into the top spots again.
The Shifting Landscape of Race Coverage
When looking at the media landscape that surrounds the Western States 100, it’s evident that the growth of the sport has spurred an influx of coverage. In the early 2000s, coverage was minimal; however, by the time of my last race in 2014, a plethora of online platforms like iRunFar were providing robust reporting. As the sport has become more mainstream, the necessity of managing media access has emerged, highlighting both the increased interest and the potential for crowding along the race course.
Predictions for 2025: AJW’s Top Picks
This year’s race holds a unique challenge—with no clear frontrunners, particularly after Jim Walmsley, the men’s course record holder and four-time winner, withdrew, and Katie Schide, the previous year’s champion, also opted out. Speculating on who will seize the top honors, here are my predictions for the leading participants:
Men’s Top Picks:
- Kilian Jornet
- Rod Farvard
- Adam Peterman
- Daniel Jones
- Caleb Olson
- Jia-Sheng Shen
Women’s Top Picks:
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s featured beer comes from New Glory Craft Brewing in Sacramento, California. Their Gummy Worms hazy IPA, brewed with combinations of Citra and Amarillo hops, offers a sweet passionfruit flavor with surprising complexity. This 5.8% ABV IPA is perfect for summer’s warm days.
Conclusion
The 2025 Western States 100 offers a diverse lineup of competitors, and the upcoming race promises memorable moments for spectators and participants alike. It serves as a testament to the resilience of ultrarunners and the evolving nature of the sport. Whether it’s the remarkable achievements of older athletes or the thrilling comebacks of seasoned competitors, June 28 holds the promise of extraordinary stories.
If you have predictions or exciting storylines to watch out for, please share your thoughts! With the race just around the corner, the community is eager to engage in the conversations that fuel this remarkable world of ultrarunning.
