California Wildfires Nix Western States 100 at Trail Fit

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California Wildfires Nix Western States 100

Posted June 28, 2008 at 12:36 AM by David Monti

Section: Destinations, U.S.A., News, Trail Running, Ultramarathons

For the first time in 35 years, the Western States 100, America’s most prestigious 100 mile trail run, has been scuttled, another casualty of the epic wildfires which are devastating the state of California. The race was to begin on Saturday.

“It is with deep regret that we announce today that the 35th running of the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run has been cancelled, due to the unprecedented amount of wildfires that have struck northern California in recent days and the health risks that have been associated with these wildfires,” wrote Western States Board President Tim Twietmeyer in an e-mail message to registered runners. Twietmeyer continued: “Since the beginning of more than 840 wildfires statewide, 312 wildfires in northern California and more than 3,200 lightning strikes in the Tahoe National Forest alone on June 21, the race’s organizers have worked closely with a variety local, county and state agencies in determining the best course of action for our race. It has become apparent that given our race’s paramount concern - the safety or our runners - holding this year’s race would pose too great a risk to our runners, to our aid station personnel and to our volunteers.”

Twietmeyer pointd out that at least two of the fires were within two miles of the race course which runs from Squaw Valley to Auburn. The storied course has some 40,000 feet of climbing and descending, which much of it held at extremely high altitudes.

Organizers are pulling together alternate activities for the runners including annual events such as runner check-in for goodie bag pickup on Friday morning, the pre-race briefing and raffle on Friday afternoon, the showing of Western States documentaries on Friday night, and a special gathering of runners commemorating the race’s start on Saturday.

“You have dreamed big and made countless personal sacrifices to prepare for one of the greatest days any trail runner can ever have,” Twietmeyer’s statement read. “As a group, the Western States Board would like to commend you for your
dedication and devotion not only to the preparation that is required for our race, but to the community of trail runners of which we are all a part.”

The race was founded in 1977, and it’s winners’ list boast such ultra legends as Ann Trason, who won 14 times, Scott Jurek, who won seven times, and Twietmeyer who had won five times.

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31 Responses to “California Wildfires Nix Western States 100” (Leave a reply)

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August 3, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Honda Fairings said:

Yeah I heard of the wildfires and I thought that maybe lots of animals would be in danger having no place to run.
September 23, 2008 at 12:43 PM
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Do we know the total amount of houses and families affected by the wild fires?? it was horrible.
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October 2, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Las Estacas Morelos said:

I always see news on TV about these wildfires. And I always worry about the people and animals that were there. I hope there is some.

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October 4, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Las Estacas Morelos said:

I always see news on TV about these wildfires. And I always worry about the people and animals that were there. I hope there is some way to avoid it.

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October 4, 2008 at 11:32 AM
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I worry about the families that were affected by these wildfires, it’s really hard to see everything you had turn into ashes.
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It is too bad about the race, but it is even worse for all of those who have lost their homes or businesses. These wildfires are so destructive for so many reasons. I wish there was something more they could do to prevent them, especially since my daughter moved to that area last year. There is only so much that can be done to combat and be prepared for Mother Nature’s tantrums.
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November 3, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Contemporary Furniture from Los Angeles said:

I was about to join this marathon but sadly it was ruined by wildfire. Hope to re join next year!
November 10, 2009 at 07:02 AM
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November 11, 2009 at 02:24 PM
billgarza from NEWYORK said:

I ALSO was about to join this marathon but sadly it was ruined by wildfire. Hope to re join next year!
November 13, 2009 at 07:37 AM
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Twietmeyer pointd out that at least two of the fires were within two miles of the race course which runs from Squaw Valley to Auburn. The storied course has some 40,000 feet of climbing and descending, which much of it held at extremely high altitudes.
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Smoke from all the wildfires burning throughout the region made the sun appear pink as it rose Thursday and caused health concerns. Bay Area residents were warned to expect more days of smoke-filled and hazy skies.
December 15, 2009 at 02:00 AM
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It was a great event canceled due to natural disaster. Wildfires comes unexpected so i think people should be ready for the precautions. Humans can still survive because they aren’t living in forest but i think we should do much for the poor animals which often dies in wildfires.
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