Kilian Jornet Takes Third in One of the Fastest Western States 100 Editions
Americans Caleb Olson and Chris Myers won with time of 14:11:25 and 14:17:39, ahead of Kilian's 14:19:22
"I ran more than an hour faster than when I won here 14 yeas ago - and even that wasn't enough today. That's the beauty of racing at this level. Congrats to Caleb and Chris, and thanks to the Western States community for the incredible support", said Jornet.
Kilian Jornet returned to the Western States Endurance Run this weekend, securing a third-place finish with a time of 14:19:22. The 100-mile race, known for its intense heat and demanding elevation profile, delivered one of its fastest editions to date, with all three podium finishers crossing the line in under 14:20.
A large lead pack—including Jornet, Caleb Olson and Chris Myers—started strong and stayed together through the early miles. Olson then took control, breaking away after Michigan Bluff (mile 55) and maintaining a solo lead to the finish. By mid-race, Jornet had fallen slightly behind but regrouped in the final sections, accelerating in the heat and closing the gap to finish just about two minutes behind Myers in second.
Heat and high temperatures are a defining element of this race, and this year was no exception. For Jornet — more used to alpine terrain and cooler climates — the challenge meant stepping outside his comfort zone and approaching it with a new training mindset. For months, he had been preparing specifically for this race, adapting his sessions to train in hot conditions and on flatter terrain.
This was Kilian Jornet’s first time back at Western States since 2011, when he won. Fourteen years later, he improved his time by over an hour — a testament to both his evolution as a runner and the rising level of competition.
“I ran more than an hour faster than when I won here 14 years ago — and even that wasn’t enough today. That’s the beauty of racing at this level,” said Jornet. “Congrats to Caleb and Chris, and thanks to the Western States community for the incredible support.”
The Western States 100 is one of the most iconic races in trail running, starting in Olympic Valley and finishing in Auburn, California.
About NNormal
NNormal is an outdoor sports brand, born between the shores of Mallorca and the Fjords of Norway. The products reflect the common philosophy between Camper and Kilian Jornet, the two partners at the origin of NNormal: durability and performance, that inspire people to enjoy and respect nature. A mission expressed through timeless gear that's functional, performance-oriented, and built to last. All the outdoor equipment is designed in Mallorca and tested in Norway, as hinted in the name of the brand (Nor-way + Mal-lorca).
