Dear ,

I hope this email finds you and your family healthy. There is tremendous uncertainty throughout the world with respect to COVID-19 and the continued spread of the disease. When will a vaccine become widely available? Many running events were cancelled in 2020 and we are beginning to see some of those events in early 2021 also being cancelled. Will this continue into spring and summer of 2021? At this time we remain optimistic that we will be able to conduct the race on the last weekend of June in 2021. Both our major permitting agencies are also confident the COVID-19 situation should be improved by summer of 2021 and they will be able to issue us our permits. We are very aware that there may be travel restrictions if you are coming from another country. If there are still travel restrictions closer to the race we’ll address them early in 2021.

If you are a rolled-over entrant from 2020 you should have received an email from ultrasignup requesting that you answer the new questions for the 2021 race. If that email did not land in your inbox please look in your spam folder, or log into your ultrasignup account, choose Registration History, click on the confirmation number for WS 2021 then choose edit to answer the new questions.


COVID-19 protocols

As we stated in the registration process, there may be new rules/protocols/procedures that WS decides or is required to use in relation to COVID-19 to better ensure the health, safety and well-being of runners and participants at the event. We don’t know what those procedures will be but our intent is to put on a quality event that is commensurate with your and our expectations.


Service Requirement

Due to the pandemic and lack of opportunities to volunteer at races or do trail work, the WSER board will not require volunteer work for the 2021 race. We still encourage you to help out with trail work and at races in your state or country. Some races are struggling financially with cancellations and supporting them in anyway you can is encouraged.


Update Performance, Pacer, and Crew Rules

You may or may not have noticed that we updated our performance, pacer, and crew rules. It was mostly cleaning up language and making the rules consistent as they had evolved and expanded over 45+ years of the race. Please be sure to read them and the whole Participant Guide.


Refund Schedule and Wait List

In addition to rolling over the entrants from 2020, we also rolled over the wait list from 2020. You can view the wait list here.

If you must withdraw for any reason, the next person on the wait list will be given the opportunity to take your place on the start line. We will refund part of your entry fee if you withdraw:

75% if you withdraw by May 1, 2021
50% between May 2 and June 9, 2021
25% between June 10 and June 20, 2021
no refund after June 20, 2021


International Runners

If you are traveling from overseas be sure to check out the services we provide to international runners to help ease the extra stress of long travel, language and unfamiliarity. Please see our International Page for more details.


Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please know that we will continue to do what is fair and responsible as we navigate these uncertain waters.

Stay hopeful, safe and keep training.

Craig Thornley
Race Director

Fenix HM65R-T
Our lighting sponsor, Fenix, would like to make you aware of their new Fenix HM65R-T rechargeable headlamp which is designed for trail running. This new Fenix headlamp is constructed from ultra lightweight magnesium material. With two LED's, the HM65R-T can reach 1700 lumens by activating its dual spotlight and floodlight mode with the separately controlled top switches. The primary power option is a single 18650 battery; as a secondary option, you can also power the HM65R-T with two CR123A batteries. The HM65R-T also features a USB Type-C charging port to facilitate charging of the included 18650 battery. With an all-new body designed from magnesium, the Fenix HM65R-T headlamp has an IP68 rated protection, and 2 meters of impact resistance. The included hollow headband provides comfort and adjustability for a perfect fit in every situation. It is recommended using the Fenix HM65R-T for trail running trips where you will need to light your path quickly and hands-free.

Please see Fenixlight.com for more details on this headlamp and the many other great products they make.