After last year’s wildfires canceled the race, the Western States 100 is back, and so is Hiroki Ishikawa, a Gregory ambassador and one the inspirations behind this year’s Active Trail pack line, especially the race-ready Rufous. 
The 100-mile race starts tomorrow, June 27th, in Squaw Valley, CA. with a grueling 2,550 vertical foot climb in the first four-and-a-half miles. The race ends in Auburn, CA.
Hiroki, along with all 2008 competitors, will be returning this year for what’s likely to be the most competitive WS 100 to date. In order to earn a spot at this year’s event, you had to be one of the top three finalists of a 08-09 Ultra Cup qualifying race. So expect to see to best of the best wrangle trail passes, rugged territory, and relentless terrain.
The top ranking male and female will win the Ultra Cup Championship trophy and walk away with $2,500. This race is not for the ill-prepared. No, it’s for super-human athletes like our friend Hiroki.
Good luck Hiroki!
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