Utah’s Caleb Olson claimed the biggest win of his career so far with a brilliant solo success in the 52nd edition of the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run in California.
The 29-year-old battled with eventual runner-up and fellow American Chris Myers in the canyons but came into Michigan Bluff at the 55-mile point alone – and it stayed that way for the final 45 miles.
He crossed the line on the track at Placer High School in 14 hours, 11 minutes and 25 seconds – the second fastest time ever despite the searing heat and just a couple of minutes off the 2019 course record of Jim Walmsley.
Olson, who was the fastest-ever debutant 12 months ago and won 126km Classic race at Transgrancanaria in February, was welcomed at the line by his wife Morgan and his first child Marshall, who was born just seven weeks ago.
Myers followed him home in second just over six minutes later, with the GOAT Kilian Jornet – 14 years on from the Catalan legend’s last appearance at the race when he won in 2011 – taking third, with less than nine minutes covering the front three.
Duel in the sun
The 29-year-old Olson stood out from the start in a groundbreaking Nike top to combat the heat, which gradually built up during the day, and he was part of a big front group which was well ahead of course record pace for much of the day.
However that group was gradually whittled down to the point where it was Olson and Myers who were suddenly head to head in the canyons and looking back at that moment in his post-race interview, Olson said: “There was a lot of back and forth, it was so much fun running together.
“When we started running together he said, ‘dude, run your own race and feel free to drop me – I’m going to drop you if I get the chance. But we’re also stronger together so let’s ride this as long as we’re feeling good’.
“And we kind of worked together and had so much fun. We were just feeling good and we had a nice little pack but some of those just dropped off the back and then it was me and Chris. I don’t think there was much intention in that, it’s just how it worked out.”
‘Turns out sub-14 is really fast’
But by the time they got to Michigan Bluff it was Olson out on his own – though he admitted by that point he “was ready for it to be done”.
The course record was still very much under threat but Olson explained: “I was not sure how the day would go and I set a really high goal for myself in that I thought it was probably going to take a course record to win today so I thought if I’m going to go for that then a sub-14 would be pretty cool too.
“And I was up on that split to mile 80 but then I started paying for it. Turns out sub-14 is really fast – and Jim’s record is really fast. I eventually thought it wasn’t going to happen and I just had to have a nice, enjoyable experience!”
The final word was reserved for his wife Morgan: “It’s pretty amazing. I wasn’t even sure I’d make it to the start line as with having a newborn I didn’t know how much it would change training and impact recovery and I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to pull it off.
“But Morgan’s really stepped up and covered tons of night shifts so that I could get a good night’s sleep. It’s been amazing and it was just so rewarding to get to the finish line and share it with them.”
2025 Western States results
Men
Saturday June 28, 2025 – 100.2 miles
Caleb Olson (USA) – 14:11:25
Chris Myers (USA) – 14:17:39
Kilian Jornet (SPA) – 14:19:22
Jeff Mogavero (USA) – 14:30:11
Dan Jones (NZL) – 14:36:17
Click here to read about an incredible win for Abby Hall in the women’s race.
