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Caleb Olson Stuns the Field with Breakthrough Win at the 2025 Western States 100

American ultra-trail runner Caleb Olson delivered a career-defining performance at the 2025 Western States Endurance Run, emerging as the surprise champion in what was billed as one of the most competitive editions in the race’s 52-year history.

The 29-year-old from Salt Lake City conquered the infamous 100-mile (161-kilometer) course through Northern California’s rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, finishing in 14 hours, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds—just two minutes shy of Jim Walmsley’s legendary course record set in 2019 (14:09:28). Olson’s time is now the second-fastest ever recorded at Western States.

His win comes just a year after a strong fifth-place finish in 2024 and cements his place among the top ranks of global ultrarunning.

A Battle of Heat, Elevation, and Grit

The race began at 5:00 a.m. in Olympic Valley, with runners quickly climbing to the course’s highest point—2,600 meters (8,600 feet)—before descending into the heat-scorched canyons. Snowfields in the early miles gave way to punishing heat, as temperatures soared to 104°F (40°C) in exposed sections of the trail.

Despite the brutal conditions, approximately 15 elite athletes crested the high point together, setting the stage for a tactical and attritional race. Olson surged to the front midway, clocking an average pace near 12 kilometers per hour and never relinquished his lead.

Elite Field Delivers Drama

Close behind Olson was Chris Myers, who battled stride-for-stride with the eventual winner for much of the race before taking second in 14:17:39. It was a breakthrough performance for Myers, who has been steadily climbing the ultra ranks.

Spanish trail running legend Kilian Jornet, 37, finished third, matching his 2010 result. Returning to Western States for the first time since his win 14 years ago, Jornet hoped to test himself against a new generation on the sport’s fastest trails. Though renowned for his resilience in mountainous terrain, he struggled to match the frontrunners during the course’s hottest sections.

“Western States always finds your limit,” Jornet said post-race. “Today, that limit came earlier than I’d hoped.”

Rising Stars and Withdrawals

Among the elite field was David Roche, one of America’s most promising young ultrarunners, who was forced to withdraw after visibly struggling at the Foresthill aid station (mile 62). Roche had entered the race unbeaten in 100-mile events.

“I’ve never seen him in that kind of state,” said his father, Michael Roche, who was on hand to support him. “This race just takes everything out of you.”

Roche’s exit was a reminder that, even with perfect preparation, the Western States 100 is as much about survival as speed.

The Lottery of Dreams

Held annually since 1974, the Western States Endurance Run is more than a race—it’s a pilgrimage. With only 369 slots available, most runners enter via a lottery system with odds of just 0.04% for first-timers. Elite athletes can bypass the lottery by earning one of the coveted 30 Golden Ticketsawarded at select qualifying races each year.

For many, getting to the start line takes years of qualifying and persistence—making finishing the race an achievement in itself.

Olson’s Star Ascends

Before this landmark win, Caleb Olson was already on the radar of the ultra community. He had logged top-20 finishes at the “CCC”—a 100-kilometer race associated with the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc series—and had demonstrated consistency in major trail events.

Saturday’s victory vaults him into the upper echelon of global ultrarunners and marks a generational shift in the sport.

“I’ve dreamed of this moment,” Olson said at the finish. “Today, everything came together—the training, the heat management, and the belief. This is why we run.”

2025 Western States results

Men

Saturday June 28, 2025 – 100.2 miles

Caleb Olson (USA) – 14:11:25

Chris Myers (USA) – 14:17:39

Kilian Jornet (SPA) – 14:19:22

Jeff Mogavero (USA) – 14:30:11

Dan Jones (NZL) – 14:36:17

(06/28/2025) Views: 1,850 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron