Why does Western States rise above the rest ... And like in football, if you do really well you get a bye: The top 10 ...

Western States is among the best-known ultramarathons ... who was the final official finisher — and the oldest woman finisher — in 29:56.10. But she wasn’t the last runner on the track.

Laura Ratliff Runners at Western States can meet their crew at 10 designated stops along the course, some accessible by passenger car, some by shuttle, and a few only accessible by foot.