Following Dakota Jones at the Western States

“Cycling to the Western States is a luxury I could enjoy because I have so many privileges in my life. Running 100 miles (160.9 km) is also a luxury: it is proof that my basic needs are met to the extent that I can invest great amounts of energy in something materially unnecessary. This journey was empowering and very meaningful to me, but it was never intended to represent a literal solution to climate change. Climate action is not about white men doing physically difficult things. It's more about actions for our collective benefit, a succession of tasks that serve to protect people and resources in the long term,” Dakota Jones said after arriving in Olympic Valley.

Dakota Jones took several roads on his journey to the starting line of the WS 100-Mile Endurance Run, but the one he spent most of his time on was Route 50 in Nevada: “It was a challenging experience and more beautiful than I could ever have imagined - 683 miles!”.

“It was a challenging experience and more beautiful than I could ever have imagined - 683 miles!”

Dakota Jones

The story of a race with half a century of history

The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is the oldest 100-mile (160.9 km) trail running race in the world. It starts in Olympic Valley, California, near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and ends 100.2 miles (161.2 km) later in Auburn, California.

Since 1974, when the first Western States race was held, it has become one of the most internationally-renowned endurance events. With 49 years of history, this race has hosted some of the most exciting and legendary competitions in the history of trail running.

The race started on June 24, 2023 in Olympic Valley (California) and finished 100.2 miles later in Auburn, California. Dakota Jones crossed the international lands of Niesmann, Washoe, and other neighbouring Indian towns, reaching more than 5,480 m+ and 7,010 m- before crossing the finishing line at the Placer Institute in Auburn. All this, in a time of 17:00:38.