[Editor’s Note: Michael Lebowitz, the photographer, writer, and runner behind LongRun Pictures, created these images at the 2019 Western States 100 . To find out what happened in the race, read our results article. All photos: iRunFar/Michael Lebowitz. Reuse without permission is not permitted.]
Coaches David and Megan Roche (far right) gather with runners in Olympic Valley, California on Friday, June 28, the day before the start of the 2019 Western States 100.
Jim Walmsley cruises through the forest near Robinson Flat, mile 30 of the Western States 100, en route to a new course record on Saturday, June 29.
Jared Hazen’s open stride at mile 30. He would finish in second place and faster than the previous course record too.
Drop bags awaiting their runners at mile 55, in the village of Michigan Bluff.
Matt Daniels with his crew at Michigan Bluff. In his first 100 miler, he took fourth place.
With anticipation and hope, crews wait a mile 55 for their runners to emerge from the Western States Trail.
Though it was a relatively cool day by historic race standards, midday temperatures hit the mid-80s Fahrenheit, making ice and water fair game for staying comfortable.
Then race leader Courtney Dauwalter takes a moment at mile 55. Last year’s champion would DNF due to injury this year at mile 80.
The heart, athleticism, and goofiness of 2019 Western States 100 champion Clare Gallagher summarized. Joking around with her crew at Michigan Bluff.
The decorated Michigan Bluff aid station.
A pacer reporting for potential duty in the small town of Foresthill, located at mile 62 of the race.
Ladia Albertson-Junkans and her pacer run through the crowds of Foresthill. She’d finish her first 100 miler out of competitive contention but carrying the memory of her good friend Gabe Grunewald who recently passed away.
Spectators await runners on Sunday morning, June 30, on the last mile to the finish line in Auburn, California. Those living on the route brought chairs and couches out, and many stayed awake all night to cheer.
A lemonade stand along the final mile of the race.
Runners and crews gather and celebrate at the Placer High School track, the race finish line, on Sunday morning.
Spectators seek a little shade on Sunday morning at the finish line.
Western States 100 race director Craig Thornley.
Fans cheer at the Placer High School track, the 2019 Western States 100 finish line.
