Western States Trekker coming to the Sierra Nevada this June

The American Trail Running Association (ATRA) is excited to announce its Western States Trekker project. This coming June, ATRA will capture panoramic “street-view” imagery of the entire 100-mile Western States trail using Google Map’s backpack-mounted camera system.

The resulting imagery will enable fans of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run to view the entire length of the trail from the comfort of their home, or on the go with any mobile device. Currently only a few hundred people have the fitness and privilege to run Western States; now anyone with a computer can see what the runners see during their journey from Squaw Valley to the Auburn High School track.

Led by ATRA’s Director of Online Marketing Richard Bolt, the expedition of 3 to 4 trail runners will hike 20 to 25 miles each day with the 40-pound backpack-mounted camera system the week of June 20. The expedition will be documented by experienced outdoor photographer Myke Hermsmeyer and trail running news website iRunFar.

You can meet ATRA’s expedition team and see the trekker backpack on Friday, June 24, at the Western States Expo the day before the official race start. Come see us next to the start line at the Squaw Valley Resort.

Western States ATRA booth

After the Google Maps team has processed the image data, users will be able to view it on ATRA website at https://trailrunner.com/western-states-trekker or on one of our exclusive partner sites. We’ll also have an official image launch event at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, August 3-6, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Supporting the Western States Trekker expedition will be a small group of valued ATRA members including Salomon, VFuel, Picky Bar, Trail Run Project, iRunFar and the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. We also want to extend a special thanks to project partners Myke Hermsmeyer Photography and Auburn California – the Endurance Capital of the World.

Quotes from our corporate members & Western States Trekker sponsors:

“I think this project is great because it allows everyone to explore the historic Western States trail, whether they are prospective runners, concerned family members, or just those inspired by the original 100 mile footrace.”Connor Curley, Sports and Community Marketing Associate, Salomon.

“VFuel is excited to power ATRA’s expedition members on their quest to image the 100 mile Western States trail. We’ve developed our products to help ultrarunners go the distance under strenuous conditions just like those found along the route from Squaw Valley to Auburn.”Michael Hodges, Founder & Owner, VFuel.

“By enabling us to experience trails in a new way, the Street View effort is inspiring runners everywhere to explore new places and push their own boundaries. We are excited to support ATRA in this mission to capture one of the world’s most iconic race courses.”Jason Smith, Trail Run Project.

“For more than four decades, the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run has been home to some of the sport’s most stirring and legendary competitions, and has spurred the capacity of spirit of all runners, of all abilities and from all walks of life, from all over the globe. We look forward to working with the American Trail Running Association to share part of this experience with fans of our race who will soon be able to view the epic course from Squaw Valley to Auburn from the comfort of home”Craig Thornley, Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

“The City of Auburn’s Endurance Capital of the World Committee and Placer County Visitors Bureau are pleased to support the American Trail Running Association and the Western States Trekker project. We are especially excited about people around the world having this amazing visual access to the historic Western States Trail.” Cynci Calvin, The City of Auburn’s Endurance Capital of the World Committee.

“Racing 100 miles on the Western States trail is a grueling and iconic test that peaks the interest of many runners and spectators alike. ATRA’s Western States Trekker Project will aide aspiring trail runners, give greater insight to spectators and most importantly, highlight the incredible accomplishment of athletes who tackle and complete this historic race. Picky Bars is honored to be part of the Western States Trekker Project and power their team members on the journey from Squaw Valley to Auburn.”Angela Shatting, Picky Bar.

To see more “treks” from the Google Maps team visit their website.

Western States Start