Jez Bragg takes on the WS 100
One of the UK’s best ultra runners, Jez Bragg, is counting the days to one of the most grueling ultra races on the global calendar. The Western States 100 is also one of the oldest events of its kind, with the first race dating back to 1974.
The WS100 site also states:
The Run is conducted along the Western States Trail starting at Squaw Valley, California, and ending in Auburn, California, a total of 100 miles. The trail ascends from the Squaw Valley floor (elevation 6,200 feet) to Emigrant Pass (elevation 8,750 feet), a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in the first 4½ miles. From the pass, following the original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850’s, runners travel west, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn.
…and ominously goes on to say that
Most of the trail passes through remote and rugged territory, accessible only to hikers, horses and helicopters.
Sunrise in the WS100
Still, for the likes of Jez this should quite literally be a walk (run) in the Park. Although his first entry in his Stateside blog emphasizes the importance that this event plays in his 2009 race plans:
I for one have spent every day since Christmas thinking about the race, often my first thought of the day, always my last.
Keep checking in to Jez’s site to see how his preparations are taking shape, as the clock counts down to 12 days.
