Discover what's in the new book, BUCKLE FEVER
Beginning with the Wendell Robie
BUCKLE FEVER delves into the deep roots of the Western States Endurance Run, tracing its origin to the inaugural 1955 Tevis Cup Ride—a daring 100-mile journey from Tahoe City to Auburn. The challenge? To see if modern horses still carried the spirit of the Pony Express stock. Led by rugged visionary Wendell Robie, a determined Auburn businessman, this ride set out to prove that in an age of machines, the heart and grit of a horse could still go the distance.
Gordy Ainsleigh - August 3, 1974
In 1974, it was Gordy Ainsleigh who dared to chase an audacious idea—running the full 100 miles on foot alongside the horses and riders of the Tevis Cup Ride. Years later, standing before a sea of determined ultrarunners at a Western States Endurance Run pre-race briefing, Gordy grinned and said, 'Thank you for making me look normal.'
Ken "Cowman" Shirk was the second person to complete the 100-miles in 1976.
After experiencing the positive buzz from his success, Gordy said, “We need another finisher.” He looked at the Ride & Tie community to seek someone else who could run with the Tevis horses. Gordy thought a good prospect in this group was Ken ‘Cowman’ Shirk. He had a build similar to Gordy’s height and weight and also had strong, sturdy legs. His long brown hair and full beard gave him a mountain man look. He was an artist and customized every t-shirt he wore with paint and scissors, resulting in colorful, fringed Cowman creations. Cowman was game and stepped up to run during the 1976 Tevis Cup Ride.
Andy Gonzales was the only finisher under 24 hours in 1977.
Seen here at the finish line, Andy Gonzales was the winner and only sub-24 hour finisher in 1977. A quote in a small Runner’s World article about a new race called the Western States Endurance Run caught Jim King’s eye. It included, “Nobody will ever break Andy Gonzales’ record of 22:34,” as proclaimed by San Francisco running legend, Walt Stack.
The Gang of Four
Mo named the Co-Founders, (Curt Sproul, Mo Livermore, Phil Gardner and Shannon Weil ) The Gang of Four. We created an event out of Gordy Ainsleigh's successful achievement. They had skills and we knew how to use them.
The Backbone of the WSER - the Volunteers
Every year the Western States attracts about 1,500 volunteers to assist the 100-mile hopefuls reach their goal of running to Auburn from Olympic Valley.
Early Western States runners
Showing sportsmanship and respect, Bruce LaBelle congratulates the victor,
Jim King, on one of three wins.
The History, the Lore, the People
Read about the stories and traditions that make up the history
of the Western States 100.
Visit
Swing by the Buckle Fever booth and take a step back into the rich history of the Western States Endurance Run. Catch us at 2025 TrailCon and the Western States Endurance Run Expos - and the WS100 Finish Line.
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Ultrarunning's BUCKLE FEVER -Origins of the Western States Endurance Run is NOW AVAILABLE on AMAZON.COM