Unless you’re an automatic entrant, you’ll need to apply to the lottery to get an entry into the Run. You must submit your lottery application online via our portal during the lottery registration period for the lottery you want to enter. Check the Entry Process page for more information on how to apply, including lottery registration dates.

Yes – to enter the lottery you must have run one of the Qualifying Races listed on the WSER website for the lottery you wish to enter. You will be removed from the lottery if you don’t have a valid qualifier. Please don’t ask or try to apply to the lottery if you don’t have a qualifier. There are no exceptions. See Entry Process for more information on lottery entry rules.

There are several ways to gain automatic entry into the Run, including top 10 finishers from the prior year, Golden Ticket winners, and aid station or sponsor spots. See the Automatics page for a complete list of automatic entrants. Automatic entrants must still have a valid qualifier and follow other rules and deadlines for entry (see Entry Process).

See the Entry Process page for information on the current entry fee.

There is no charge for entering the lottery. Your credit card will be charged when you register for the Run on ultrasignup.com after getting into the Run through the lottery or as an automatic entrant.

We use a tiered system for entry refunds (not including the online fee): 75% refund for withdrawals on or before May 1; 50% refund for withdrawals from May 2 through June 9; 25% refund for withdrawals from June 10 through June 20; no refunds after June 20.

Yes. We draw a wait list at the lottery and as runners withdraw from the race, people on the wait list will be offered the opportunity to register for the race. Note that if a Race Admin or Sponsor automatic runner withdraws before May 1 that runner may be replaced with a runner who is not on the wait list.

No. Western States has a no rollover policy. The only exception is for people who qualify for an entry deferral under our Pregnancy Entry Deferral policy. Depending on when you withdraw, you may be eligible for a partial refund of your entry fee (see the Entry Process page).

The raffle is one of the ways we raise money to support the charitable mission of the WSER Foundation, including medical research and trail stewardship. There are two raffle drawings each year: Friday before the race in June and at the lottery in December. Each raffle winner gets a free automatic entry to the WSER Run. See the Raffle page for additional details.