Jim Walmsley | The Return of the King at the 2024 Western States 100

Jim Walmsley is one of the greatest ultrarunners of all time.

Heading into the 2024 edition of the Western States 100, he was already a three-time winner (2018, 2019, 2021) returning after a two-year hiatus to focus on victory at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (2023). With exceedingly high expectations coming into this year's race and the sport on a steep, upward curve of professionalization, we wondered how Jim would fare.

He was understandably coy in parts of our pre-race interview, so it remained to be seen what would unfold on Saturday. As it turned out, Jim experienced one of the greatest battles of his ultrarunning career in this race. But like a seasoned veteran of the course and the sport, he was able to stay tough, deliver a clutch performance, and ultimately secure his fourth win here.

This short highlight film captures some of Jim's key moments from our pre-race interview as well as certain times out on the Western States course at spots like Dusty Corners, Michigan Bluff, Forest Hill, and the Rucky Chucky river.

If you enjoyed the livestream coverage this past weekend, you might enjoy this companion highlight reel too. Special thanks to BROOKS, the presenting sponsor of Singletrack's race coverage.

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[runsingletrack]

Thanks for watching! What'd you think about Jim Walmsley's performance out there last Saturday? How about the rest of the men's race? How about the women's race?! Leave a comment below. We wanna hear your thoughts. - Finn

[cpruns]

I think this race was a perfect representation of what he said on your POD before the race about giving advice to his younger self (I think that was the spot) where he talked about not chasing course records because courses change and then it doesn't matter. Go for the win above anything else (or the place you want). That's EXACTLY what he did this race. He knew exactly where his competitors were the whole race and he went for the win. Had time to change his shoes a few times etc. He didn't force going for the record (that he already has) but rather did what he had to do to win. Awesome advice and awesome win!!

[theultrahousephoenix]

Super Lucky to know Jim. I knew Jim since he worked at iRun in Phoenix. Arizona is proud of Jim.

[owenf]

Steely determination and grit - i think he proved he has those qualities in spades after UTMB and WS now. Also he has a professionally minded crew. Hard to beat.

[Wavygravvy]

Some may disagree but his range is the best of our generation. He has evolved tremendously, and this run really cements his overall legacy. I bet he runs WS one more time and if he wins, moves onto Hardrock or other big mountainous races. Just my 1.5 cents.

[JWALSH]

Amazing race by Jim. Fantastic highlight video. If we only had footage of the battle between Rod and Jim from Foresthill. Goosebumps at how close this race was. Hearing on the livestream that Rod was leaving aid stations ahead of Jim blew my mind. I didn't think anyone would push Jim. He is the King!

[jt.]

0:19 HELL YES. Well done JIM!! tell em.

[jillsy]

Not racing the younger self!!! Pure wisdom there! ❤❤❤🙏🏽💕

[affluentforager]

his answer to your question is interesting as much as it is deflective. the issue is that he is in an extremely unique position. one that a lot of others are curious about, yet he is withholding about what we are curious.

[christopherorman]

My dream? My stride at mile 5 to look like Jim Walmsley's stride at Mile 58 in this race. I'm not even close!

[jeffm]

You should not only interview the top elites, but pull a random name from the middle or end of the pack and interview them also.

[mariokartman]

Dudee the Press Publish hat goes so hard. Love to see it!

[stevejosepher]

"part of that is my secret, not yours"...FTW

[rolandnelson]

Astounding low cadence.
Love the grit but my goodness he’s really hitting the ground.

[ekaterinakashapova]

I remember when Jim’s team (most of them are super talented runners, don’t get me wrong) started running with him towards the finish and the commentator goes - Well, it’s convenient that Jim has 99 miles on his legs at this point, so others are able to actually keep up lol

That pretty much sums it up. What a day.

[danielrodgers]

Live video, no talking, no commentary, the only coverage needed. More of this, less of the rest.

[leelawlor]

Hayden Hawks was right there too, and could've been the top finisher - very close race at the end

[mikeyokai]

Why the guy keeps calling him “baby”?…. 😂

[RushAustin]

Makes me sick seeing more people with cameras than runners and crew. Leave the runners alone and stay the f%ck out of their way.

[leelawlor]

Besides how well an athlete does in a race it doesn't tell the full story regardless. For instance, what training regimen do they put themselves through months or yrs prior, where do they train. Jim I'm Flagstaff, Rod in Mammoth lakes, Hayden in Cedar City, all at 7, 000 ft, why? Average reader doesn't know why they train up there! Called legal doping . Who coached them? How many yrs have they been racing. Only Rod post- race ont sheds some light on his background if you watch him.. Therefore they whole story is never told in these post race interviews.