Featured photo credit: Rana Bates.
Zach Bates, twenty-one-year-old autistic runner from Lakeside, AZ, became the youngest finisher at the 2023 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. In Bates’ short but successful running career, he has already completed three 100-mile races, a 100-kilometer, 50-mile, and over five 50-kilometer races. Bates pushes his limits on trails and encourages other individuals with autism to do the same, not seeing their conditions as obstacles, but rather as strengths. “You can do the same thing too if you want to.“ It may be hard but you can do it,” says Bates.
In 2022, I caught up with Zach and his mother Rana Bates about Zach’s running career and his goal to qualify for the 2023 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run at the Canyons Endurance Run 100K. In the following Q&A-style interview, I talk with Zach and his mother again, this time about Zach’s first Western States 100 experience, his recent documentary film release, and the future of his career as a sponsored athlete.
Photo credit: John Mark Hendrix.
(Note: responses in this article are answered by Zach’s mother Rana)
[TAYTE POLLMANN] When we talked in April 2022, you were chasing “Golden Tickets” to improve your chances in the Western States lottery, competing in races such as the Javelina Jundred and Canyons 100K. What was the process like of actually entering the lottery and when did you know you’d been accepted into the 2023 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run?
[ZACH AND RANA BATES] Zach secured a spot in the Western States lottery with his finish at Canyons 100K. At the time we didn’t fully understand how the process worked and thought he’d be earning a second entry at Javelina Jundred. When the lottery opened up we signed up and learned how the process actually worked. He had one ticket in the lottery. We knew the chances to get drawn were very small, but entered anyway. Our good friends who crew and pace for Zach were at the lottery and we were home watching the live stream. We knew the moment we heard “one ticket from Lakeside, Arizona” that Zach had been drawn. Our friends in the audience cheered so loud that everyone thought we were in attendance.
[TAYTE] Since last year, you’ve acquired several brand partnerships and sponsors including Injinji, Running Warehouse, and Squirrels Nut Butter. What has the process been like of working with companies to promote your mission as an athlete? Do you see yourself continuing down the path of becoming a full-time professional athlete?
[ZACH AND RANA] It’s been an honor for Zach to be recognized as an athlete that brands want to connect their names to. Squirrels Nut Butter was the first to welcome Zach to their team. We truly feel like part of the family. They are located in Flagstaff, AZ, which is where Zach grew up. The owner, Chris Thornley, is so kind and generous. We consider him a dear friend. Running Warehouse heard Zach’s story and reached out to us. We are grateful for their generosity in helping him get all geared up for Western States and UTMB. Injinji is a brand that Zach has worn since he started running ultras. We love that they value what Zach has accomplished.
Connecting with brands helps us to share Zach’s story with more people. First of all, Zach is a runner. He loves it. Over the last two years, a secondary mission has evolved. We hope Zach’s journey will give people hope and courage to let go of things that keep them from doing what they love. We also hope that more people will be inspired to step up and help people with different abilities. We can all fill in the gaps to allow everyone an opportunity to reach their dreams.
Zach would love to be a full-time professional athlete. He has been training hard and getting stronger. Working with brands is an important part of that goal. It will allow him to continue to race and train at a high level.
Photo credit: Rana Bates.
[TAYTE] Take us through some highs and lows of your first Western States 100 experience. What did you enjoy most about the race? Are you satisfied? Do you have a desire to return?
[ZACH AND RANA] The first 30 miles from Olympic Valley to Robinson Flat had a lot of snow. Runners were slipping and falling on the ice. Zach ran all winter in the snow, which helped him be prepared for that. He was a little discouraged he couldn’t go faster in that section but he would have expended a huge amount of energy trying to pass the long line of runners that were in front of him. There were several places where it was just easier to sit and slide down hills. That was fun.
Zach had the goal of an under-24-hour finish. After he arrived at Robinson Flat he was 2 hours behind his goal pace. He was discouraged because he wasn’t sure he’d be able to catch up. He started to pick up his pace and work towards making up time. By the time he got to Foresthill at mile 62, he still had over an hour to make up. He brought on a pacer and flew down the downhills for the next eighteen miles at a very fast pace.
At Rucky Chucky, he had a slow steep two miles and started calculating his paces again. He knew couldn’t continue to have such slow miles if he wanted to continue to try for a silver buckle. For a moment he thought that there wasn’t hope, but then rallied his thoughts and told himself, “No, I’m going for it!” He pulled up the mental strength to get those faster paces for the last 30 miles.
Zach feels incredibly proud of his finish there. He loves a big challenge. This time getting under 24 hours was a big challenge. Next time he’d like to get under 20 hours!
[TAYTE] The history of Western States has been filled with names of inspiring and legendary athletes—yours is now among them! Are there any Western States athletes you’ve looked up to over the years, or runners you met at this year’s race who were particularly motivating for you?
[ZACH AND RANA] There have been so many athletes that have done incredible things at Western States. Zach had the opportunity to meet Dean Karnazes this weekend. That was a highlight for him. Of course, you have to love all the big names, like Jim Walmsley and Scott Jurek. Zach really looks up to Arlen Glick, who he got to meet and talk with. Not only is he incredibly fast, but he is also a very kind person who lives with integrity. But, Courtney Dauwalter dominated this year. Zach is so inspired by her ability to continue pushing herself. When you think we are getting close to maxing out course records she goes and shatters them like she did at this race.
Photo credit: Rana Bates.
[TAYTE] For only 21 years old, you are an experienced ultrarunner. How many ultras and how many 100 milers have you completed? With all of this ultrarunning experience, did you feel prepared to tackle the “Superbowl” of American ultrarunning, The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run?
[ZACH AND RANA] Western States was Zach’s 3rd 100-mile race. He’s also completed a 100k, a 50 miler, and at least five 50ks. He trains under Nickademus de la Rosa with Lightfoot Coaching. Nick is great at helping Zach progress in the sport in a way that protects him from overuse injuries. Zach chooses his races and we consult with Nick to make sure it fits in his training and is doable.
There was never a doubt that Zach could be successful at Western States. He knew that it would be challenging, but that has never kept him from doing something he wanted to do. He trained hard for this race and felt prepared to tackle it.
[TAYTE] Few 100-mile races are completed alone. Could you talk about the importance of your crew, supporters, fans, etc. that assisted you in arriving at the finish?
[ZACH AND RANA] We as a family are Zach’s crew. I, his mom, help him with his nutrition and gear. I also help him get to all his training runs and manage his social media. His dad helps him with any medical needs that come up and all his electronics. We have to do extra work with that to make sure we can track him and he has a map he can follow during races and training. John and Diane started out as good friends but are now like family. John has paced him at all his 100 milers. He helps us know about the best gear. He is also the very best cheerleader. Diane helps the crew. She is amazing at jumping in and feeding everyone. She and Zach’s sister Emma always care for his feet at aid stations. This time around, Zach was also paced by Robin McDearmon. He was an amazing addition to our team. He paced some very fast miles and helped us all keep a level head. Nickademus, Zach’s coach, is always available to help us make the best decisions for Zach’s pacing plan and other concerns.
There were so many volunteers and fans calling out to him by name to cheer him on. It really buoyed up his spirits to know that so many people were rooting for him.
Photo credit: Rana Bates.
[TAYTE] The finish line of the Western States 100 can be a place of so many emotions. What were you feeling as you crossed the finish line? Did you have anyone to greet you or run with you into the Placer HS track finish?
[ZACH AND RANA] Zach’s pacers, sister, and friends ran in with him from Robie Point. That was super fun to run with them for the last little bit. He loves a fast finish and picked up his pace to run around the track. He felt so excited and proud that he did the hard work to reach his goals. He ran through the finish line into the arms of his parents. He is always grateful to be done but so happy that he was successful in completing a really hard thing.
[TAYTE] “Everyone Needs a Dream To Chase.” This is the motto for your new film Break The Mold: The Zach Bates Story. Could you tell us a little more about the importance of chasing your dreams and what it means to share this message with others through your first documentary film?
[ZACH AND RANA] We believe in honoring dreams. Dreaming is a big part of what makes us human. Zach has big dreams and goals, but reaching those dreams requires help. The documentary, Break the Mold, the Zach Bates Story tells the story of Zach’s first 100-mile race when he was only 19 years old. He started out with a dream. And that dream became a reality because he was dedicated to working hard, and people were willing to step up and help him achieve it.
We are hoping the film will inspire people to reach their own dreams and help others reach theirs. We are hoping to continue sharing Zach’s inspiring journey through this documentary. You can learn how to help the film be available in more places by going to holthamilton.com
[TAYTE] You were the youngest participant in the Western States 100 this year. Were you ever worried about your age or experience? Would you like to see other runners your age participating in events like this and what are some of the largest obstacles as a young runner trying to be a professional ultrarunner?
[ZACH AND RANA] Because Zach is young and less experienced, he wasn’t completely sure he’d be able to reach his goals at Western States. It is more difficult than anything he has done before. He hoped he could, now he knows he can. Zach would love to see more young runners enter the sport. The only obstacle is that the older competition have had years to build a strong foundation. But, when Zach catches up to them in age he will have a solid base from starting so young.
[TAYTE] You are signed up for UTMB in Chamonix, France correct? What are some of the next big goals you’re looking forward to now that you have completed your long-time dream of racing Western States?
[ZACH AND RANA] Yes! UTMB is in two months. He’s also doing Speedgoat 50k next month to prepare for the steep climbs at UTMB. He is going to decide about Cocodona 250 after completing that big race. Some other dream races are HURT 100, Leadville, and of course, it would be amazing to run Western States again.
Zach also has some PR’s that he’d like to shatter. He wants a 5-minute mile, an under 18-minute 5K, a 3-hour marathon, a 4-hour 50k, and a 7-hour 50 miler. He also wants to work on improving his speed for 100 milers. It’s too early to focus on any one thing. For now, he’s exploring all the possibilities.
Photo credit: Rana Bates.
[TAYTE] Anything we missed you’d like to cover?
Zach doesn’t see autism as an obstacle. It gives him the ability to focus on what he really wants to do. It gives him determination and drive, without all the distractions that many people have.
