Kilian Jornet is the greatest male ultrarunner of all time – and has a storied history at the Western States Endurance Run.
His first appearance in 2010 was part of the legendary ‘Unbreakable’ year which really put the race on the global map.
Twelve months later – and unbroken – he returned. And won.
In the mix early on
He didn’t go back to America’s greatest 100-miler until last year when he finished stronger than anyone to take third.
This year it was part of his series of the most competitive races out there but unfortunately that was compromised straight away by a knee problem at Zegama which saw him run round to the plaudits of the huge crowd – but not in contention.
All of which meant four weeks without any running in the build up to Western States, but the week before he was still optimistic that all would be okay.
And in the early stages it was. He was in a super-select group alongside fellow UTMB winners Jim Walmsley and Vincent Bouillard, just behind leader Hans Troyer.
‘He came to race’
But after around 25 miles of the 100 he started to lose ground and by the aid station after 38 miles at Dusty Corners it was clear things weren’t going to plan.
His team would post soon after: “He came to race.
“@kilianjornet started Western States knowing the knee would be part of the equation. It had been managed throughout preparation, and he felt ready to give everything on the day.
“As the race went on, the knee became more present. When he reached Dusty Corners, continuing no longer felt like the right decision.
“Kilian’s perseverance is not only in pushing forward, but in listening, adapting, and continuing to explore what is possible. Western States is always an experience to carry forward, and today was no different.”
