SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured are the trials for this weekend’s 100 Mile Endurance Run starting at 5 a.m. on June 29, 2013  in Squaw Valley near the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and ending 100.2 miles later in Auburn, California. Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 18,000 feet and descend nearly 23,000 feet before they reach the finish line in the world’s oldest and most prestigious 100-mile trail race. It’s hard to believe that humans can run so long, but this annual event removes all doubt.

How it came about:  In 1974 Tevis Cup (100 Miles – One Day Ride) veteran Gordy Ainsleigh joined the horses of the Western States Trail Ride to see if he could complete the course on foot. Twenty-three hours and forty-two minutes later Gordy arrived in Auburn, proving that a runner could indeed traverse the rugged 100 miles in one day. Since its early days, the endurance Trail Run has reached its entrance quota while attracting people from all over the world who seek to compete in this incredible race. Next month on Saturday July 20, 2013, the Tevis Cup brings out extreme riders with their horses for a 24 hour ride that includes journeying through the night with only the moonlight as your guide.