Three trail runners, Jim Walmsley, Jared Hazen, and Tyler Green, broke the world record for the fastest 100-mile run on a trail on June 12th, 2021. They completed the Western States 100 trail, known for its steep inclines and rocky terrain, in a time of 12 hours, nine minutes, and 15 seconds. Jim Walmsley finished first, breaking his own previous record by over 20 minutes, with Hazen finishing second and Green coming in third. Ultrarunning involves races longer than a traditional marathon distance, and the FAQs provide more information on the Western States 100 trail race.
Trail Runners Break World Record for Fastest 100-Mile Run
On June 12th, 2021, three trail runners made history by breaking the world record for the fastest 100-mile run on a trail. The three runners, Jim Walmsley, Jared Hazen, and Tyler Green, completed the run in a time of 12 hours, nine minutes, and 15 seconds. This was an incredible feat, as the trail they ran on was known for its steep inclines, rocky terrain, and unforgiving weather conditions. In this article, we will explore the details of this remarkable accomplishment, the story of the runners, and some of the FAQs around this event.
The Trail and the Runners
The trail the runners completed is known as the Western States 100, which spans 100.2 miles from Squaw Valley in California to Auburn, also in California. The trail is famous for being one of the toughest in the world, featuring more than 18,000 feet of elevation gain and an equal amount of descent. The terrain consists of dusty granite slabs, steep climbs, and rocky descents, making it a true challenge for even the most seasoned trail runner.
Jim Walmsley, Jared Hazen, and Tyler Green were all familiar with the Western States 100. Jim Walmsley, a 31-year-old Arizonian and former Air Force officer, is considered one of the best ultrarunners in the world, having won multiple races and breaking records. Jared Hazen, also 31, has also won notable ultramarathons, including the Moab Red Hot 55k and the Javelina Jundred 100. Tyler Green, 33, is a newcomer to the world of ultrarunning, but has shown great promise, having won the Cocodona 250-mile race earlier this year.
The Run
The three runners set off at 5:00 a.m. on June 12th, with an ambitious goal of completing the Western States 100 in less than 12 hours and 30 minutes. They started out strong, with Hazen and Walmsley trading the lead in the early stages. Green, the newcomer, ran steadily slightly behind them. As the race progressed, the three runners remained within a few minutes of each other, pushing each other to go faster and to keep up the pace.
As they approached the final few miles, Walmsley, who had been in the lead for most of the race, pulled away from the other two, finishing first in 12 hours, five minutes, and 21 seconds, breaking his own previous record by over 20 minutes. Hazen finished second, just over a minute behind Walmsley, while Green came in third, just over three minutes behind Hazen.
FAQs
Q: What is ultrarunning?
A: Ultrarunning refers to any race that is longer than a traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Ultramarathons can range from 50 kilometers to over 200 miles.
Q: How long is the Western States 100 trail?
A: The Western States 100 trail is 100.2 miles long, spanning from Squaw Valley in California to Auburn, also in California.
Q: How many runners participated in the Western States 100 race?
A: In 2021, the race was limited to 369 runners due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Q: What was the previous record for the fastest 100-mile run on a trail?
A: The previous record was also set by Jim Walmsley in 2019, with a time of 14 hours, nine minutes, and 28 seconds.
Q: What do ultrarunners eat during a race like the Western States 100?
A: Ultrarunners eat a variety of foods during a race, including energy gels, bars, and drinks, as well as more substantial foods like sandwiches, potatoes, and even pizza.
Conclusion
The Western States 100 is one of the toughest trail races in the world, and breaking the world record for the fastest 100-mile run on this trail is an incredible accomplishment. Jim Walmsley, Jared Hazen, and Tyler Green are all exceptional trail runners, and their performance on June 12th, 2021, is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and skill. The FAQs provide more information on ultrarunning and the Western States 100 trail race.
