2026 Western States Race Week Agenda
Last updated: May 12, 2026 at 18:19 pm
Wednesday June 24, 2026
2:00pm – 6:00pm Fleet Feet WSER Store open at Palisades
Freetrail: Western States Champions Show
Thursday June 25, 2026
7:30am Western States Official Shakeout Run Presented By HOKA
8:30am – 5pm Fleet Feet WSER Store & Sponsor Expo at Palisades
10:00am Trek to Watson Monument for the Flag Raising (Board of Directors member Mo Livermore). Gather at the Start Line Arch, and walk (depending on this year’s snow conditions) or ride the Tram to High Camp (mile 3.0 on the course) then up to Emigrant Pass for unique inspiration, amazing views and special Western States camaraderie at Watson’s Monument. Wear layered clothing and trail shoes. Short program will begin at Watson’s Monument at high noon.
11:00am – 5:00pm – HOKA FlyLab Trail Experience
2:30pm – 3:45pm CREWING A WESTERN STATES RUNNER – (Asst RD Carrie Meng and Todd Larsen)
Freetrail: Western States Fantasy Predictions Show
Friday June 26, 2026
8:30am – 5pm Fleet Feet WSER Store & Sponsor Expo open at Palisades
9:00am– 1:00pm RACE REGISTRATION ~ located near the Start Line Arch at the Olympic Plaza. Attendance by all runners is mandatory.
9:00am– 1:00pm. DROP BAG DELIVERY ~ Runners must leave drop bags at the collection area near the corner of Squaw Peak and Squaw Valley Road (near the tram building) for Race Day distribution to checkpoints. Be sure to read important drop bag details online
10:00am HOKA High Camp Challenge ~ Run the legendary first miles of WSER—from the Start Line to stunning High Camp—before the race even begins! Take on the iconic 3-mile climb to a finish with epic views and fresh mountain air.
2:00pm RACE MEETING ~ outside in the lawn by the start line arch. Attendance by all runners is mandatory. Bring a chair.
Saturday June 27, 2026 – Race Day!
3:30am First Sunrise Emigrant Pass Hike
- Catch the first light of race day with HOKA at Emigrant Pass—hike to the top and witness the magic as runners experience their first climb on the course and set their sights on Auburn. It’s an unforgettable moment of energy, beauty, and trail running spirit! Meet at the WSER Start Line.
4:00am Tram Opens
- Take the tram up to Emigrant Pass to cheer on the runners as they tackle the first big climb of the day! Tram passes are courtesy of HOKA.
5:00am THE START!
12:00pm – 5:00pm HOKA Fly Zone at Foresthill
6:00pm – Sunday 12pm Fleet Feet WSER Store open at Placer High School
Sunday June 28, 2026
5:00am SILVER BUCKLE WINNERS HAVE FINISHED.
8:00am – 12:00pm CELEBRATION BREAKFAST ~ served at the Finish Line. Free to all entrants and volunteers. Crews, pacers, families and fans welcome; donations appreciated.
10am – 11am – Golden Hour
- Experience the magic of the Golden Hour—the most special hour in sports—with HOKA and the heart-pounding rhythms of Sacramento Taiko Dan to welcome the finishers to the finish line at Placer High School.
11:00am BRONZE BUCKLE WINNERS HAVE FINISHED. END OF RUN.
12:30pm PRESENTATION OF AWARDS near the Finish Line at the Placer High School track.
IMPORTANT: If you are unable to attend the awards ceremony, please have someone else attend in your place so they can pick up your buckle for you. Finisher buckles may not be picked up early as finisher names are being engraved on the buckles. If you would like your buckle mailed to you, a $50 mailing fee ($100 if to an international address) must be received in the WS office by September 1st.
- Drop bags must be claimed by 3:00pm, Sunday. Drop bags are located on the infield of the Placer High School track (the Finish Line). Any drop bags remaining at the track following the event may be disposed of. DO NOT leave valuables in your drop bags.
