FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WESTERN STATES AND HOKA ANNOUNCE CONTINUATION OF PRESENTING SPONSOR PARTNERSHIP
AUBURN, Calif. – The Western States Endurance Run and HOKA have announced the continuation of the presenting sponsorship agreement between the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race and one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands. The agreement extends the current presenting sponsorship partnership, originally formed in 2019 between the two organizations, through 2029.
“Western States has always focused on partners that have shared values and commitment to building our community and elevating the dreams of all runners throughout all of our sport” WSER President Diana Fitzpatrick said. “HOKA has engaged with Western States at every level of our organization to support our shared values, elevate the runner experience, and reach the global community through our live race day broadcast.
“We are thrilled that this partnership between Western States and HOKA will continue on for many more years to come.”
Added WSER race director Craig Thornley: “Alignment is critical to any successful and productive partnership between a run and a presenting sponsor. I’ve been so impressed over the past five years with HOKA’s understanding and championing of our mission in all aspects of what we do – our run, the runner experience, trail stewardship and medical research as well as the growth of a more inclusive sport for all runners. HOKA holds the same organizational values as WSER, and this shared commitment for the health and growth of the sport of ultra running has made for some of the most unforgettable years in Western States’ long history.”
The new five-year agreement between WSER and HOKA also continues the highly successful “HOKA Golden Ticket” series of races. The HOKA Golden Ticket races allows the top finishers in the races that comprise the yearly series to gain entry into that year’s Western States. The 2025 schedule of Golden Ticket races was announced last week and includes six events from around the globe:
- CCC – HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 100K France, Italy, Switzerland, August 30, 2024 (top three Male/Female)
- Javelina Jundred Presented by HOKA 100M Arizona, October 26, 2024 (top two M/F)
- Black Canyon Presented by HOKA 100K, Arizona, February 8, 2025 (top three M/F)
- Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 102K New Zealand, February 15, 2025 (top two M/F)
- Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 120K, Italy, March 22, 2025 (top two M/F)
- The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100K, California, April 26, 2025 (top three M/F)
ABOUT WESTERN STATES: First held in 1974, the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run has a 369-runner field from throughout the United States and more than 30 countries. Western States is considered one of the world’s preeminent 100-mile trail races, WSER believes in staging a transformational and quality world-class event for its runners, as well as performing trail stewardship and conducting medical research studies for the betterment of the sport. Held on the last full weekend in June from Olympic Valley, Calif., the 100.2-mile event travels through the Sierra high country and the canyons of the American River on the ancestral lands of the Washoe and Nisenan tribes, before finishing at Placer High School in Auburn, Calif.
About HOKA®
HOKA® is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit HOKA.com or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFly.
