Jenn Lichter Wins Western States 100 in Debut at the Distance

The 30-year-old, who grew up in a Colombian orphanage, took the lead on the Devil's Thumb climb and stayed clear to the finish in Auburn, California.

Jenn Lichter claimed victory at the Western States 100 on 27 June in her debut at the 100-mile distance. The race, run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, is the oldest and most celebrated event of its kind and draws elite ultrarunners from across the world.

The course posed a severe test, with roughly 18,000 feet of ascent and daytime heat that can approach 100 degrees. Lichter arrived with belief in her chances. "I wanted to win, there was no secret to that," she said. "That's just who I am."

For the opening half of the race the contenders stayed grouped together. The 30-year-old surged on the ascent to Devil's Thumb and pulled steadily away, holding a commanding advantage by the final aid station. Her fiance, Nick Cornell, informed her a mile from the line that she was close to bettering the course record — news she had not received earlier in the race, and which he shared knowing how she responds to a challenge.