BOUILLARD AND LICHTER BREAK COURSE RECORDS AT THE 2026 WESTERN STATES 100

Vincent Bouillard of France covered the 100.2 miles from Olympic Valley to Auburn in 13:46:15 on June 27, taking more than 23 minutes off the course record. Jenn Lichter of the United States won the women's race in 15:28:05, also a course record. Cool weather made it the fastest day the Western States 100 has ever seen.

The Men's Race

The men's field went out fast, and Bouillard took the lead as the race developed. He ran alone at the front through the closing miles and reached the track in Auburn well clear of the field.

Francesco Puppi of Italy finished second in 13:51:08 in his first race at 100 miles. Ryan Montgomery of the United States took third in 13:53:55. Both men also finished under the previous course record of 14:09:28, set by Jim Walmsley in 2019.

Thomas Cardin of France placed fourth in 14:07:58, which also came in under the old mark. Zach Miller of the United States rounded out the top five in 14:20:09.

Bouillard arrived in California two years after his win at UTMB in 2024, where he beat a deep field as a largely unknown Hoka engineer from Annecy. His run in Auburn confirmed that result was no outlier.

The Women's Race

Jenn Lichter led from early in the race and never gave up the position, finishing 11th overall. Her 15:28:05 took down the record of 15:29:33 that Courtney Dauwalter set in 2023.

Riley Brady of the United States finished second in 15:42:14, and Canada's Marianne Hogan took third in 15:51:44. Caitlin Fielder of New Zealand placed fourth in 15:57:09, with Germany's Lotti Brinks fifth in 16:04:38.

Defending champion Abby Hall fell out of the top 10 during the race and later withdrew.

A Fast Day in the Canyons

Temperatures started at 51 degrees Fahrenheit in Olympic Valley and averaged a high of 74 during the day, mild for a race known for canyon heat. The conditions carried 87 percent of starters to the finish in Auburn, the highest finish rate in the history of the oldest 100-mile trail race in the world.

The 2027 edition is scheduled for June 26 and 27, with the start once again at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley.