Western States 2027 will take place on 26 and 27 June 2027, and the primary goal remains to secure a bib through the selection process described. The race fuels dreams with its ultra promise, featuring 100.2 miles (just over 161 km) and a finish presented as mythical in Auburn, but it first comes down to succeeding at the preceding qualification stage.
To enter the 2027 lottery, you must have completed an official qualifying race within a period set by the organisers. For the 2027 edition, this period runs from 3 November 2025 to 8 November 2026, and a race that is not on the official list cannot be used. Virtual events are not accepted, which means you must choose your qualifying race carefully.
The lottery application schedule is then announced with fixed dates. Lottery applications run from 1 to 21 November 2026, ahead of the draw on 5 December 2026. The article also reminds readers that candidates must be at least 18 years old on race day and have a valid qualifying race.
Qualification does not guarantee a bib: it only allows you to enter the selection process. The organisers limit Western States to 369 runners due to constraints related to passage through the Granite Chief Wilderness. The text explains that this figure is down to historical conditions that have enabled the race to continue through this protected area, in a context where the number of applicants exceeds the available spots.
If there is a random draw, the article points to an additional step and a timeframe to finalise the registration. Selected runners have ten days to complete their application after receiving their invitation, and specific preparation truly begins from that point onwards. If not selected, the article also mentions the option of keeping extra tickets if you remain eligible.
