How Trail 100 Andorra Became a Western States Qualifier – A Legacy of Ultra Trail Running
Discover the history of Western States 100, the world’s first 100-mile trail race. Learn how Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB became a Western States Qualifier and what it means for ultra runners.
The Birth of Ultra Trail Running: Western States 100
Before UTMB. Before Hardrock. Before the global trail running boom — there was Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, the race that started it all.
Held annually in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Western States 100 is widely recognized as the first 100-mile trail race in history. Its origin story begins in 1974, when Gordy Ainsleigh, a young horseman, decided to run the Tevis Cup — a 100-mile horse race — on foot after his horse was injured. He finished in 23 hours and 42 minutes, proving that the course could be completed without a horse and unknowingly laying the foundation for a new sport: ultra trail running.
In 1977, the first official edition of the Western States 100 took place. Only 14 runners started, and just one — Andy Gonzales — finished within the 24-hour cutoff. That moment marked the birth of a movement.
Trail Running Legends Forged at Western States
Over the decades, Western States has become a proving ground for the greatest athletes in ultra running. It’s where legends are made and stories of endurance, grit, and triumph are written.
- Pat Smythe became the first female finisher in 1978, paving the way for generations of women in ultra running.
- Scott Jurek dominated the early 2000s with seven consecutive wins.
- Ann Trason remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures, with 14 victories, including 10 in a row.
- Jim Walmsley broke the course record in 2019 with a time of 14:09:28.
- In 2023, Courtney Dauwalter made history by winning Western States, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in the same year — a feat never before accomplished.
- Even Kilian Jornet, the mountain running icon, has raced Western States, adding his name to the list of legends.
Western States: A Cultural Touchstone in Trail Running
Western States is more than a race — it’s a rite of passage and a symbol of endurance. Its traditions, like the coveted silver buckle awarded to finishers under 24 hours, have become iconic in the trail running world.
One of the most emotional moments of the race is Golden Hour — the final 60 minutes before the 30-hour cutoff. Thousands of spectators gather at the Placer High School track to cheer on the last finishers, many of whom are age-group runners balancing training with full-time jobs and family life. The atmosphere is electric, emotional, and deeply human.
Golden Hour celebrates grit over speed, reminding us that trail running is, at its core, a celebration of perseverance and community.
Trail 100 Andorra Ultra 105K: A Gateway to Western States
For 2026, Trail 100 Andorra Ultra 105K has officially been recognized as a Western States Qualifier. This means that runners who finish the Ultra 105K race in under 30 hours are eligible to enter the Western States lottery — beginning their journey toward one of the most storied start lines in ultra trail running.
Trail 100 Andorra now stands among a select group of races that offer athletes a chance to qualify for Western States, connecting the Pyrenees to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and linking local ambition to global legacy.
Why Trail 100 Andorra Is a Western States Qualifier
Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB has rapidly become one of Europe’s premier ultra trail running events. Known for its technical terrain, high alpine landscapes, and over 7,000 meters of elevation gain, the race offers a true test of endurance and resilience—qualities that mirror the legendary Western States 100-
Its inclusion as a Western States Qualifying Race highlights the event’s growing international prestige and the excellence of its organization under the UTMB World Series.
This milestone strengthens the global connection between European and American ultra trail running, offering international athletes an opportunity to qualify for the Western States 100—one of the most iconic ultra marathons in the world.
Ready to start your journey to Western States?
Ultra 105K is your gateway to greatness in ultra trail running.
