Race week is here. This will be your final runner update email from me. I will disseminate any last minute info at the pre-race briefing at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Squaw Valley Conference Center.
Thursday and Friday at Squaw Valley
On Thursday hike or ride the tram up to the Escarpment for the Flag Raising ceremony at noon. We will say a few words about WS runners and volunteers who we've lost in the last year and then ceremoniously begin the race weekend with some inspirational words. After that there is a crewing clinic at 2:30 p.m., followed by a medical research clinic which will include the following topics: bone stress injuries in ultrarunners, eye and visual issues affecting ultrarunners, and common foot ailments in ultra endurance events. At 5 p.m. the Trail Sisters are returning for a Q&A with a panel of incredible women. Finally, at 6:30 p.m. Suunto is going to have a 5K shake out run where they will be giving away sunglasses and hats to the first 50 people to show up. Look for the Suunto tent.
Everybody must check-in on Friday between 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.. This is where you will get your swag,
sign some waivers, have your picture taken for the webcast, and get a wristband. On Saturday morning, between 4:00 a.m. and 4:50 a.m., you must pick up your bib number. There will be a b-tag chip attached to your bib number so please don't fold it. If for whatever reason you decide not to run but have picked up your bib and chips, please report back to a manager at the start so we know you didn't start and are not lost.
If you are the Mike Wardian type you can run the Altra Uphill 6K Challenge at 10:00 a.m. Or you can let your crew and pacers run it and tell you how it was.
Finally the mandatory pre-race briefing is at 2 p.m. We'll try to keep this under an hour so you can go back to your room and relax.
The Course
The snow continues to melt at a very rapid rate. it's almost going to be a non-issue. Remember how much snow was at Robinson Flat on Memorial Weekend?
Robinson Flat May 25
This is what the same toilet looked like today.
Robinson Flat June 24
We will be following the same track that was used in 2018. Download the gpx track if you'd like to load it into your watch or phone. There may be a few very slight deviations from the track where the snow is deep and the terrain is too steep. I expect that there will be around 5-10 miles of snow on the course and much of that will not be continuous. Most of the snow will be behind you by Red Star Ridge (16 miles) but there will be a few patches climbing into Robinson and maybe in the first 1/2 mile after leaving Robinson.
Several runners have asked about shoe modifications. No additions can be made to shoes as manufactured. If you want to wear a shoe that was made for running on snow that is fine. I personally wouldn't wear anything different than my Altra Timps but that's me.
It's also a good time to remind you that WS is a pole-free event.
Cupless
Western States is a also paper cup-free event. You will be given a reusable plastic cup at check-in. You can carry that one with you or if you have your favorite one bring that. There will also be solid plastic "community" cups at aid stations. Use at your own risk.
Finish Line
Placer High School track on the last weekend in June is perhaps the best place on earth. Hang out after you arrive and watch others finish. The world would be a better place if everybody could spend time there.
Because of the installation of artificial turf you will be running in the opposite direction on the track than we normally do. Don't be alarmed when you enter the track and have to run clockwise. It will still be 250 meters, but you'll be heading west when you cross under the finish arch.
The artisans from Comstock Heritage will be at the finish to engrave your name on your buckle before we present it to you at the awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
How can your crew, family and friends track you during the run and see you finish?
Every year, Western States has comprehensive coverage of all runners.
2) Runner tracking information will also be available in real time by voice using Google Assistant (Android/iOS) and with devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Hey Google, ask Western States where is Lickteig?
Hey Google, ask Western States where is runner number 100?
Alexa, enable Western States. (and follow prompts)
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