A "CHANCE" at Western States /2021 - 100 Mile Endurance Run /Patrick's Story

A "Chance" at Western States 100.
For most runners, Western States is a bucket- list race. Touted as the world's oldest and definitely one of the most iconic races, Western States draws runners from around the globe each year to brave its unforgiving terrain. To have an opportunity to run the race is a chance of a lifetime. To run the race, one must be either extremely good or extremely lucky. To finish the race takes an extraordinary amount of grit, determination, and preparation. Crossing the finish is truly a feat of "endurance" as one must endure the high country, the canyons, river crossings and brutal heat. Indeed runners must endure much and keep moving forward to cross the finish line before the 30 hour cutoff.
In 2021, 66% of participants finished the race, with only 57 earning silver buckles for completing the race in under 24 hours, the lowest since 2006.
Western States 100 is an extremely difficult race to get into. There are a few different ways to get into the race. There are a handful of ultras which offer the top 2 male and female finishers a "golden ticket", or automatic entry to the race. Some spots are given to larger sponsors who have athletes wanting to enter the race, for example, Hoka One One, 2021's title sponsor. Runners can also enter the "lottery" after completing one of a handful of ultra races under the designated time. In 2021, there were 6,664 lottery tickets for the roughly 200 remaining spots. Lastly, Western States recently began a raffle in which runners can purchase raffle tickets in hopes of securing one of the 5 spots reserved via the raffle. In its first iteration, there were roughly 12,000 tickets sold. This gives entrants a roughly 0.04% of being drawn per ticket.
Patrick's name was drawn as the 5th and final spot in the raffle. Having run one hundred mile race prior, Patrick new what to expect and had 1.5 years to prepare (thanks Covid). He remained healthy and was able to toe the line at the start of Western States ready for the challenge that lie ahead.
The first miles of the race in the high country were fast, as a warm Spring melted all of the normal snow early, which in turn did not slow down runners in the early sections as it typically would. We arrived at Duncan Canyon, mile 24, only to learn that Patrick had already come through, ahead of his and our anticipated pace as many runners did.
On to Dusty Corners, mile 38, Patrick arrived 10 minutes ahead of 24 hour pace and just behind several of the elite women, and a few of the elite men who were being more conservative in the early stages of the race. Patrick was calm and looked strong. He was in and out after we refueled him and dowsed him in ice in about 4 minutes!
The second half of our crew met Patrick and Michigan Bluff, mile 55, where he arrived hot and dehydrated, but still moving well. After a quick stop he moved on to Forest Hill where we met him.
At Forest Hill, mile 62, he arrived smiling and happy to see his wife and son. We had predetermined that this would be where he would sit regroup and prepare for the long night ahead. His IT band had become inflamed which made it difficult to run up or down hill. He picked up his first pacer here and headed out into the night. Shortly after leaving the dehydration caught up to him where he vomited, but then felt better and continued on.
At Rucky Chucky, American River crossing, mile 78, he came in looking strong, but tired. After a quesadilla, some watermelon, and a quick shirt change, Patrick and I headed across the river. I was surprised that even at 2 am this section felt hot and humid. Patrick was able to run several portions of this section and we made good time. Even through the climbs, he was hiking quickly.
At Pointed Rocks, mile 94, we swapped pacers as Patrick made the final push to the finish at the Placer High School track.
As he entered the track, his face was embedded with the world's biggest grin. He had beaten the odds, put in the work, and accomplished something remarkable.
I am so grateful to have been able to help him witness his achievement.
Thank you so much to the Western States volunteers, crew, pacers and aid stations who give of their time to bring together this remarkable race..
Thanks for tuning in. I hope you enjoy the video. Be sure to like, subscribe, and comment!
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Shot on: Insta360 One X2 and GoPro Hero 5
Music:
bensound.com
"Birth of a Hero"
"Slow Motion"

[@Relentlessince1991]

Great video! Amazing work and incredible journey to make that run possible! But going for a ‘’backyard run with Homeboy’’ made this video the best haha good one man

[@wedohardthingsco]

So great!

[@pureEron1994]

Great stuff, love it ❤️

[@runslowtorunfast6528]

Thank you!

[@nimbra2]

It’s the massage pic for me

[@runslowtorunfast6528]

Right 🤣🤣🤣