A Record-Breaking Year At The Western States 100

The oldest 100 mile race in the world, Western States 100 is widely regarded as one of the toughest feats of mental and physical endurance an athlete can undertake. Crossing the finish line in under 24hrs is impressive enough, but two of this year’s participants made the course look like child’s play; Courtney Dauwalter and British athlete Tom Evans.

Dauwalter has already proved she is a legend in the world of ultra running, winning no less than 17 ultra marathons, including the infamous Hardrock 100 last year. Courtney completed Western States 100 in 2018 with a time of 17:27:00, and after a few years off came back more determined than ever. 

After just over 15 hours of running, she set a new women’s course record with a time of 15:29:34, knocking almost 80 minutes off of the previous record set by Ellie Greenwood in 2012.

Despite this incredible achievement, Dauwalter was not the first to cross the finish line, that honour went to British athlete Tom Evans. The former officer in the military turned finished in an astounding time of 14:40:22, the fourth fastest finish in history. Not just that, but he is only the second European winner of Western States, after Spanish ultra runner Killian Jornet. It marks another huge win for the Brit in some of the toughest races on the planet. 

It’s safe to say the spectators at this year’s finish line won’t have walked away disappointed.

Images: Red Bull Content Pool & Salomon