The 53rd edition of Western States 100, held in 2026, will look a little different: for the first time, runners will be allowed to use trekking poles and traction devices such as microspikes. The change comes after the race board voted last weekend to update its long-standing rule prohibiting them, an adjustment that has been years in the making.
The board voted to change one of our performance rules (#4) last weekend. Poles and traction devices such as microspikes are now allowed. pic.twitter.com/LSJK6xnpvu
— Western States 100 (@wser) October 8, 2025
“This is a significant update and one that has been discussed and debated internally for the last 10 years or so,” race director Craig Thornley told Canadian Running. “Runner safety and equipment that didn’t exist—ski poles were essentially the equivalent of today’s trekking poles—are the drivers here.”
A race of extremes
Western States 100 begins in Olympic Valley, Calif., and finishes 100.2 miles later in Auburn, Calif. The course climbs close to 5,500 metres through the Sierra Nevada before dropping into scorching-hot canyons and rolling trails. Early in the race, runners often contend with ice and snow after heavy winters, before the trail descends into sweltering heat. It’s a course known for extremes—heat, ice, altitude and cold rivers all add challenge.
Balancing tradition and innovation
Thornley said the update strikes a balance between honouring the race’s heritage and acknowledging the sport’s evolution. “One of our values is to set the standard for personal challenge and event organization by embracing innovation while honoring tradition,” he said. “Running in general has seen huge breakthroughs in equipment and gear in the past few years and the change is an acknowledgment of that.”
A common trend in mountain ultras
The move brings WSER closer in line with other major ultras. UTMB, Canada’s Fat Dog 120 (beginning in Keremeos, B.C.) and Sinister 7, held in Crowsnest Pass, Alta., all permit them, and many runners rely on poles for long ascents or steep, technical descents.
Thornley added that the decision also responds to runner feedback: “The use of both poles and traction devices are requested by runners frequently, especially during our heavy snow years, and it seemed like the time was right to make the change.”
