2026 Western States Race Week Agenda
Last updated: June 22, 2026 at 15:23 pm
Wednesday June 24, 2026
2:00pm – 6:00pm Fleet Feet WSER Store open at Palisades
3:00pm Freetrail Western States Champions Show in Basecamp Room at Palisades
Thursday June 25, 2026
7:30am Western States Official Shakeout Run presented by HOKA ~ Start your morning at HOKA Ground Support in Coffeebar with our friends from HOKA, GU, Shokz, and Hydrapak as we come together for community miles tokick off the beautiful race weekend! Stick around after the run for raffles, fresh coffee, and well-earned pastries provided by GU and Shokz. Have the chance to meet special guests, Katie Asmuth and Rod Farvard!
8:30am – 5pm Fleet Feet WSER Store & Sponsor Expo at Palisades
9:00am – 10:00am: Official Race Welcome and RD Update with Topher, Carrie, Craig, Lamont
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 ~ Step into the FlyLab Trail to experience the world of HOKA Trail—where performance meets the spirit of adventure. Inside, explore and experience the Rocket X Trail releases, learn about what makes a HOKA trail shoe different, discover our trail history, win prizes and take on the Waypoint challenge.
11:00am: Trail Sisters Panel with Gina Lucrezi in Basecamp Room at Palisades
2:30pm – 3:45pm CREWING A WESTERN STATES RUNNER – (Asst RD Carrie Meng and Todd Larsen) in the Olympic Valley Events Center.
3:30pm: Freetrail Western States 100 Final Thoughts & Predictions Show: Hosted by Dylan Bowman with Tim Tollefson, Sally McRae, Hellah Sidibe, and Corrine Malcolm in the Basecamp Room.
Friday June 26, 2026
8:30am – 5pm: HOKA FlyLab Trail ~ Step into the FlyLab Trail to experience the world of HOKA Trail—where performance meets the spirit of adventure. Inside, explore and experience the Rocket X Trail releases, learn about what makes a HOKA trail shoe different, discover our trail history, win prizes and take on the Waypoint challenge.
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! Grab your bib at the HOKA FlyLab Trail (Thursday or Friday during expo hours), then take on the iconic 3-mile climb to a finish with epic views, fresh mountain air, live music, and a pop-up café breakfast waiting at the top. RSVP HERE.
2:00pm RACE MEETING ~ at the main stage in the Village. 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 First Sunrise Emigrant Pass Aerial Tram @ Cable Car Building
- Catch the first light of race day with HOKA on Emigrant Pass. Take the aerial tram to High Camp, then hike the final mile and a half to reach the pass and witness the magic as runners experience their first climb—and the highest point on the course—setting their sights on Auburn. It’s an unforgettable moment of energy, beauty, and trail running spirit. This is a completely FREE tram ride provided by HOKA. Just show up!!
5:00am THE START!
12:00pm – 5:00pm HOKA Fly Zone at Foresthill
- Rally at Foresthill! They say the race truly begins here—and we’re showing up loud at the HOKA Fly Zone. In partnership with Foresthill Farms & Bakery, we’re bringing a full HOKA experience to one of the course’s most iconic stops. With indoor and outdoor space to take it all in, spectators can kick back, connect, and cheer loud—giving runners the energy they need right when it matters most.
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.
3pm: Western States 100 Instant Reactions Show & Champion Interviews. Hosted by Dylan Bowman with co-hosts and guests
