The Western States Endurance Run is a true test of survival of the fittest.
Out of 445 entrants, only 239 finished the 100-mile race from Squaw Valley to Auburn.

The run follows rough terrain, usually accessible only by hikers, horses and helicopters. Once athletes reach Emigrant Pass (elevation 8,750 feet), they follow the original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850s, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn.

Runners are expected to complete the 100 miles in 30 hours.

Folsom’s Erik Skaden was the highest local finisher, as he finished eighth overall in 18 hours, 22 minutes and 44 seconds. Jamie Frink, another Folsom resident, was the eighth female to finish, as she posted a time of 23:37.15.

“I had a great day,” Frink said. “It was the most fun I have ever had at an event. It was an amazing experience.”

Folsom’s Charley Jones finished in 27:00.40.

“The race really brings out the best in people and it really showed when a lot of runners had to dig deep to meet the cutoffs all day long," Jones said. “Western States proves again that it is the paramount challenge and can have an everlasting effect on you whether your time is fast or slow.”

Folsom’s Ken Crouse finished just before the 30-hour cutoff, crossing the finish line at Placer High in 29:44.20.

“I’m just very grateful for the opportunity to participate and for the support of my crew, Rick Carr, and pacers Stew Black and Elke Truscott,” Crouse said. “Without each person’s invaluable assistance, I likely would not have had the success that I did.”

Thomas Williams of Folsom crossed the finish line in 29:23.50.

“On multiple occasions, aid-station volunteers righted the sinking ship of mind and body so that, in the middle stages of the event, I could proceed, and, as the sun started to bake the canyon between Auburn and Cool, I could finish with strength,” Williams said.

John Nichols of El Dorado Hills had a good run, as he finished in 22:19.42. Fellow EDH resident Marty Hoffman completed the run in 28:27.42.

Other finishers from Folsom included Mike Hoffman (28:21.28), Karyn Hoffman (28:49.03), Lance Gilbert (29:03.24), Thomas Williams (29:23.50) and Tim Daly (29:32.16).

"It was an unbelievable experience, one I will never forget," Gilbert said. "I was going to drop out at 35 miles, but my crew and family would not let me be defeated in my quest and they kept me going to the end. Through completely blistered feet, trashed quads and cramping hamstrings, somehow I made it."

Michael Hoffman added, "I had lots of fun and great volunteer support. After being up almost 40 hours without sleep and running 100 miles, I slept almost 12 hours and then went to Urgent Care to get my blisters taken care of and have a few toenails removed. I also got some antibiotics for bronchitis."

Marty Hoffman (no relation), simply described his race experience as "hot."
"Lots of good runners had trouble since many of us had little opportunity for heat acclimatization," Marty Hoffman said.

Folsom’s Karalee Morris (78 miles) and Jay Ingalls (55.7 miles) did not finish the race.

Hal Koerner of Ashland, Ore. was the first participant to cross the finish line, completing the run in 16:24.55.

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