The following was emailed to 2014 run participants on 12/13/2013
Presented by
Dear 2014 WS Entrant,
Congratulations on your entry into the 2014 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. Whether you were a top ten 2013 runner or a lottery winner with five tickets in the barrel, you have the opportunity that 2700 people wanted: to start at Squaw Valley at 5:00 a.m on June 28th, climb up 2500 feet to Emigrant Pass, and then run to Auburn.
This is the first of several emails you will receive from me between now and June 28. These are to help answer general questions and to update you on the latest information regarding course conditions, shuttle services, etc. They will also be posted on the wser.org website in the news section so you can refer to them later. I will also be posting regularly on our Facebook Page.
The American Fire
As you are probably aware, the August American Fire burned 27,000 acres in the Tahoe National Forest, affecting several miles of the Western States Trail. The USFS has been proactive working with Western States Endurance Run Foundation and Western States Trail Foundation (the Tevis) crews to go into “the black” this fall to prepare the affected sections of the trail for the winter. While there is still considerable work to do next spring, I am pleased to report that we will be using the historic trail for the race. One new challenge will be crossing the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River (Deadwood Canyon) just below Devil’s Thumb. The Swinging Bridge at the bottom of Deadwood suffered damage which will require substantial work next spring/summer. For the race it is looking like we’ll be crossing the river just downstream of the bridge either with the help of a cable or boats. Details TBA.
Participant Guide
Please read the online participant guide which contains information that you must be familiar with, including medical and other risks; performance, pacer and crew rules; aid station and drop bag information; race week agenda; lodging info; and a course description.
Service Requirement
Since 1998, WSER has required eight (8) hours of volunteer service by each entrant. Performance of this requirement can be in the form of trail maintenance or volunteer services at any official running event. Please submit this form to us by May 15, 2014.
Western States Store and WSER Logo
Branded merchandise is available at the WS Store. It is always available online and they will also be physically set up at training runs and the start/finish line. They will have crew shirts available before the race.
If you are planning on making your own crew shirts, you may use the WSER logo as long as you don’t sell the shirts. Please respect our intellectual property.
Training Runs
There are four training runs scheduled before the race which offer an opportunity to get time on the final 70 miles of the course. On Feb 15 we’ll run the last 20 miles. On Memorial Day weekend we have three training runs on three successive days over the final 70 miles. These runs are open to anybody. If you are planning on doing them, sign up early at ultrasignup as each of them fill to capacity long before Memorial Day.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to send me an email.
Train Smart,
Craig Thornley, Race Director
