In the early hours of June 24, the 2023 Western States 100 commenced with 379 determined runners ready to embark on an extraordinary journey. Spanning 100.2 miles and encompassing a staggering 18,000 feet of elevation gain and 22,000 feet of loss. This historic race took participants from the Palisades Tahoe ski area in Olympic Valley, California, to meet the sunrise. Despite facing unique obstacles caused by recent weather events, the runners were fortunate to experience favorable temperatures throughout the day. Join us as we delve into the unforgettable moments, epic triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that defined the Western States 100 – 2023 results.
Western States 100 – 2023 Results – Top 10 Men and Women
2023 Western States 100 – Men’s Top 10 Results
- Tom Evans (Adidas Terrex) – 14:40:22
- Tyler Green (Nike) – 15:04:09
- Anthony Costales – 15:09:16
- Jia-Sheng Shen (The North Face) – 15:19:42
- Daniel Jones (Asics) – 15:22:15
- Mathieu Blanchard (Salomon) – 15:37:02
- Ryan Montgomery (Altra) – 15:38:35
- Jeff Colt (On) – 15:42:09
- Cole Watson (Hoka) – 15:54:36
- Janosch Kowalczyk (Adidas Terrex) – 16:09:19
2023 Western States 100 – Women’s Top 10 Results
- Courtney Dauwalter (Salomon) – 15:29:33 (New course record; old course record – Ellie Greenwood, 16:47:19 – 2012)
- Katie Schide (The North Face) – 16:43:45
- Eszter Csillag (Hoka) – 17:09:20
- Katie Asmuth (Saucony) – 17:21:06
- Emily Hawgood (Adidas Terrex) – 17:26:22
- Taylor Nowlin (Adidas Terrex) – 17:40:11
- Ida Nilsson (Craft) – 17:43:34
- Priscilla Forgie – 17:46:34
- Leah Yingling (Lululemon) – 17:49:00
- Meghan Morgan (La Sportiva) – 18:11:32
Course Challenges and Weather Conditions:
The runners encountered the remnants of an incredible snowfall and the aftermath of the Mosquito Fire that ravaged the area in late 2022. The first 15 miles of the course were impacted by lingering snow, presenting an additional hurdle to overcome. Subsequently, the participants faced a newly unshaded 16-mile stretch due to the fire damage. However, the day proved to be one of the coolest in the race’s history, with temperatures significantly lower than the scorching 100-degree-Fahrenheit highs experienced in previous years.
Record-Breaking Performances:
Courtney Dauwalter, the women’s champion, etched her name in the annals of Western States 100 history by obliterating the longstanding course record. Dauwalter’s incredible finishing time of 15 hours and 29 minutes shattered Ellie Greenwood’s 2012 record by a staggering 78 minutes. The favorable weather conditions likely played a role in enabling not only Dauwalter’s remarkable feat but also the unprecedented number of nine sub-18-hour finishes by women in the race’s history. On the men’s side, Tom Evans from the U.K. emerged victorious, breaking free from the competition after mile 62 at Foresthill. Evans completed the race in a blazing time of 14 hours and 40 minutes, making him the fourth-fastest finisher in the event’s history and securing a commanding 24-minute lead.
Closing Thoughts
The 2023 Western States 100 was a testament to the unwavering determination and resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing challenging course conditions caused by snow and fire damage, the runners showcased their extraordinary abilities and shattered records. Courtney Dauwalter’s awe-inspiring performance and Tom Evans’ impressive victory will be etched in the race’s history. The day’s favorable temperatures added to the unprecedented achievements, making it a race to be remembered. As we conclude our coverage of this extraordinary event, we applaud the remarkable athletes who pushed their limits and the organizers who made it all possible. The Western States 100 serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of dreamers and doers, reminding us that with unwavering determination, anything is possible on the path to greatness.
For a great breakdown and notes from the race, you can checkout this article from IRunFar.com by clicking here.