2026
For the 2026 WSER, there will be six races in the HOKA Golden Ticket series. At three of these races there will be four tickets awarded where the top two (2) female and top two (2) male finishers will automatically qualify for entry into the 2026 Western States. In the case that the first or second place participant is already in Western States (or decides to opt out), the automatic bid will slide to third place, fourth place, and subsequently down to fifth place as needed. At the other three races the top three (3) female and top three (3) male finishers will automatically qualify. We’ll roll down as far as seventh place if needed at these races. Winners will receive their invitation via email and have two weeks from the qualifying race to decide (and complete the registration if after annual December lottery), including paying the entry fee. If a Golden Ticket winner withdraws from the race prior to May 1, the next runner in that race will be offered a spot (no further down than 5th or 7th). Any withdrawals after May 1 will go to the next person on the general wait list.
- CCC – HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 100K France, Italy, Switzerland, August 29, 2025 (top 3 M/F)
- Javelina Jundred Presented by HOKA 100M Arizona, October 25, 2025 (top 2 M/F)
- Black Canyon Presented by HOKA 100K, Arizona, February 14, 2026 (top 3 M/F)
- Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 102K New Zealand, February 14, 2026 (top 2 M/F)
- Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 120K, Italy, March 21, 2026 (top 2 M/F)
- The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100K, California, April 25, 2026 (top 3 M/F)
For an explanation of how we determine the structure and which races are included in the series see this podcast with Dylan Bowman, Topher Gaylord, and Craig Thornley.
