Western States – A Spectator’s Guide
If you’ve ever dreamed about joining the ultra trail community from your screen, this year you must watch Western States live—it’s a truly unforgettable experience. As someone who ran this legendary race, I’ll walk you through exactly how you can follow it in real time, what to expect, and how it feels to be both a runner and a fan of the most iconic 100-miler in the world.
What makes Western States so special?
Let me begin by saying this: Western States isn’t just a race—it’s a legacy. Every year, on the last weekend of June, the energy in Olympic Valley, California, becomes electric. From the snowy high country to the blistering heat of the canyons, and finally, the cool river crossing and pine-scented trails toward Auburn, the 100.2-mile journey tests your soul.
But you don’t need to be on the trail to feel it. Thanks to ever-evolving coverage, fans can watch Western States live with unprecedented access. And as someone who has run it—and then later watched friends conquer it—I can tell you, the thrill is real even from afar.
Where to tune in
The best place to start is the official Western States website and YouTube channel. They provide continuous live commentary, athlete tracking, and exclusive interviews. The coverage kicks off early morning Pacific Time on June 28 and runs through the golden hour of June 29.
Additionally, services like iRunFar, Twitter/X hashtags (#WS100), and the “Live Coverage” section on the WSER website offer second-by-second updates. You’ll see runners check into aid stations, leap over streams, and, in some cases, battle through dark moments. If you want to watch Western States live with the best audio-visual experience, the livestream on YouTube is your go-to option.
The art of tracking your favorite runner
As a former participant, I can’t overstate the importance of the live tracker. On race day, family, crew, and fans obsess over splits and updates. The tracker shows real-time locations, predicted finish times, and elapsed pace per segment. Watching your runner move from Robinson Flat to Foresthill feels like witnessing a saga unfold.
This is particularly important if you’re part of a crew or just supporting friends. In my case, when I ran the 2022 edition, my brother followed my dot so closely he knew I was about to drop into Michigan Bluff before I did. With tools like these, it’s easy to watch Western States live and feel like you’re pacing them from home.
What to watch for – key moments in the race
Let’s break down the race into some segments you absolutely can’t miss, whether you’re new to ultrarunning or a seasoned dot-watcher:
The start at Olympic Valley
At 5:00 AM, runners surge out of the gate into the Sierra Nevada. The emotion is palpable. The helicopter whir overhead, the drone cams zoom in, and the cheers echo in the mountain air. It’s a moment charged with possibility. Be sure to have your stream running by 4:45 AM to see the lead-up.
Robinson Flat (mile 30)
This is the first major aid station with big-time coverage. By now, the field begins to stretch, and the elite strategies come into play. Last year, I remember watching Courtney Dauwalter cruise through here with effortless strides, while the men’s front pack looked like they were already deep into chess mode.
The canyons (miles 45–60)
Welcome to the inferno. These steep, exposed descents and climbs are brutal. Every time I see footage from Devil’s Thumb or the climb into Michigan Bluff, I feel a cold sweat. This is when runners often crack—or rise. As a spectator, this stretch is gripping to watch Western States live.
Foresthill (mile 62)
This is the heart of the fan zone. The town throws a party, and it’s also where pacers can legally join. If you’re watching remotely, expect a flurry of interviews, energy, and athletes digging deep.
The river crossing (mile 78)
Lunar lanterns, cold water, and wide eyes. The Rucky Chucky river crossing is one of the most emotional parts of the race. Volunteers guide runners through the water, and the nighttime livestream gives it a haunting beauty.
The finish line (mile 100.2)
Few things compare to the final lap around the Placer High track. I’ll never forget my finish—it felt like levitating. Whether someone finishes in 15 hours or 29:59, the joy is universal. Stay tuned to watch Western States live until the very end, especially for those golden hour heroes.
Best ways to experience it remotely
You might not be in California, but with a bit of preparation, you can still enjoy the show like you were there.
- Set up alerts on the tracker. This way, your phone pings every time your favorite runner checks in.
- Follow the hashtag #WS100. Runners, brands, and fans will be posting videos, interviews, and updates all weekend.
- Join a watch party. Last year, I sat with fellow runners at a mountain hut in Andorra, streaming the race while sipping coffee at 3 a.m. Worth every second.
Engage in live chats. The YouTube stream has active comment threads—perfect for connecting with other ultra nerds like me.
What makes watching it live so emotional?
Let me share a story that might explain it better than any description. When I ran Western States, I thought the real reward was the buckle. But I was wrong. The most touching moment came when I heard from my mom—who had never watched an ultramarathon before. She told me she was glued to the live stream all night, refreshing the tracker obsessively. She cried when she saw me cross the river and again when I hit the track.
She wasn’t alone. Every year, thousands of people watch Western States live not just to follow elite runners, but to support friends, family, or simply to be part of something greater than themselves. The emotional weight of the event seeps through the screen.
How social media enhances the experience
Another layer that enhances the experience of watching Western States is social media. As the race unfolds, Instagram Stories, TikTok reels, and tweets from the course create a patchwork of real-time emotion. Last year, I followed a pacer’s journey as he filmed short clips of his runner battling through the night. It was raw and human.
Plus, platforms like iRunFar provide live text commentary that feels like reading a novel as it’s written. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a community in action. If you plan to watch Western States live, make sure to refresh your feed frequently, or even better—follow a few key creators who are on the ground.
What you learn by watching
Believe it or not, watching Western States can make you a better runner. Seeing how the elites conserve energy in the first 50 miles, or how mid-packers approach aid stations, teaches you strategy. You’ll notice how some runners change shoes at Michigan Bluff while others run straight through. Every choice reveals something about their preparation, mindset, or even suffering.
When I trained for my own race, I binge-watched past editions of Western States. I studied the 2018 showdown between Jim Walmsley and François D’Haene like it was game tape. And you know what? It worked. It gave me a blueprint.
So don’t just sit back. Take notes. To watch Western States live is to enter a classroom taught by warriors.
Insider tips from a runner’s perspective
Since this is a guide, let me offer a few runner-approved tips to get the most out of your viewing:
- Know the key aid stations. Robinson Flat, Foresthill, and Rucky Chucky are high-drama zones. Set alerts for those.
- Follow pacer handoffs. These often signal a strategy shift—watch how the energy changes.
- Track weather updates. Heat and snow can flip the script. Look for real-time updates on Twitter and Reddit.
- Stay awake for the golden hour. Between 9–10 AM on Sunday, magic happens. You’ll see runners who fought through the night find one last burst of grit.
Join a community. Online forums like Ultrarunning Memes or Trail and Ultra Running on Facebook light up with commentary, laughter, and encouragement all weekend.
How to support runners while watching
If you’re crewing remotely or just rooting for a friend, a simple message means the world. During my race, a volunteer at ALT aid station read out messages from fans. Mine said, “You’ve got this. We’re all watching.” That sentence gave me wings.
Western States allows fans to send messages via their official coverage page. Use it. And if you’re watching a friend, record a short good luck video beforehand—they’ll likely see it when they finish. You never know how powerful those little touches are until you’re on the trail, hurting.
That’s why so many choose to watch Western States live not just for the action, but to be a vital part of someone’s story.
If you’re inspired to enter the lottery
Watching the race might spark a dream of your own—and trust me, it’s contagious. If you’re considering running it one day, the lottery opens each fall. The chances may be slim at first, but consistency pays off.
The more years you enter, the more tickets you accrue. I got in on my fourth try with 8 tickets. Others wait longer. But watching the race year after year kept my fire alive. Even when I wasn’t racing, I was part of the family.
So if you decide to watch Western States live this year, consider it your first step toward the starting line.
Equipment you’ll need for the best viewing experience
To get the most immersive experience:
- Laptop or Smart TV: For the YouTube stream
- Second screen (phone or tablet): For the live tracker and Twitter/X feed
- Headphones or speakers: The commentary includes great storytelling and interviews
- Snacks & coffee: You’ll be watching for hours. Make it fun!
- Notebook (optional): If you’re a data nerd like me and want to jot down pacing strategies or nutrition habits
Last year, I turned my living room into a mini-aid station. I had Tailwind in one bottle, snacks prepped, and a printout of the course map. Yes, I went full geek. No regrets.
Final reflections as a runner and a fan
Western States is the heartbeat of trail ultrarunning. Whether you’re on the course, at Foresthill with a cowbell, or thousands of miles away with a screen and a tracker app, you’re part of it.
When you watch Western States live, you’re not just consuming content—you’re honoring every runner’s grit, every volunteer’s kindness, and every family’s support. You become a silent witness to something ancient and sacred: humans testing their limits in the wild.
I’ll be watching again this year, cheering, crying, and remembering my own journey. I hope you join me—not just as a viewer, but as someone who feels the pulse of the trail through every frame.
