13:46:15: Vincent Bouillard Smashes the Western States Record
The gist — On June 27, 2026, France's Vincent Bouillard won the Western States 100 in 13:46:15, erasing Jim Walmsley's course record (14:09:28) by more than 23 minutes. Three men broke 14 hours for the first time in race history. In the women's race, American Jenn Lichter beat Courtney Dauwalter's record by 88 seconds — in her very first 100-miler. Both Kilian Jornet and Jim Walmsley failed to finish.
On Saturday, June 27, the world's oldest 100-miler delivered one of its fastest editions ever. Over the 100.2 miles (about 161 km) from Olympic Valley to the Placer High School track in Auburn, California, two course records fell on the same day — and the loudest belonged to a Frenchman.
A Frenchman rewrites the oldest 100-miler's record books
Vincent Bouillard crossed the line in 13:46:15, finishing nearly five minutes ahead of Italy's Francesco Puppi. More strikingly, he wiped out Jim Walmsley's 14:09:28 record from 2019 by 23 minutes and 13 seconds — unheard of on a race held since 1974.
Bouillard didn't lead for long, though. American Hans Troyer set a furious pace through the first two-thirds, building a lead of more than 30 minutes on record pace… before fading and dropping out. Puppi then took over, leading by as much as nine minutes at mile 73. But Bouillard reeled him in over the final 20 miles, moved ahead between miles 85 and 91, and entered the Placer track alone.
Three men under 14 hours, two Frenchmen in the top 4
This edition will be remembered for its depth: for the first time, three runners broke 14 hours, and all four leaders bettered the old record. Two of them were French.
- 1. Vincent Bouillard (France) — 13:46:15 (record)
- 2. Francesco Puppi (Italy) — 13:51:08
- 3. Ryan Montgomery (USA) — 13:53:55
- 4. Thomas Cardin (France) — 14:07:58
Bouillard, from UTMB unknown to California legend
Vincent Bouillard's name had exploded in 2024, when the materials engineer — then working on midsole foam at Hoka — won UTMB almost out of nowhere. Two years on, he adds Western States to his résumé: two of the planet's most prestigious ultras in under two years. The kicker? He'd dropped out of Western States last year, in his debut. Full redemption.
If you followed the race, revisit our pre-race preview: not every favorite delivered.
Lichter beats Dauwalter by 88 seconds
The women's race produced a record too — a far tighter one. In her first-ever 100-miler, Jenn Lichter (30, of Missoula, Montana) won in 15:28:05, taking 1 minute and 28 seconds off Courtney Dauwalter's 2023 mark of 15:29:33. Riley Brady ran with her for much of the day before finishing second in 15:42:14, ahead of Canada's Marianne Hogan (15:51:44). Lichter placed 11th overall, men and women combined.
Jornet and Walmsley fail to finish
The men's field's two biggest names both left the course. Kilian Jornet, the 2011 champion, dropped at the Dusty Corners aid station (mile 38), hampered by a knee injury that had badly limited his buildup after the Zegama skyrace. Jim Walmsley, a four-time champion and former record holder, still led at Robinson Flat (mile 30) but recorded no split past Foresthill (mile 62).
Why the records fell: ideal weather
It's hard to separate talent from the weather. Auburn peaked around 21-22 °C (low 70s °F) on Saturday — roughly 5-6 °C cooler than during Walmsley's 2019 record, and several degrees below Dauwalter's record edition in 2023. The course was also free of the high-country snow that complicated the race three years earlier. Perfect conditions, perfect times.
Want more ultra stories? We also covered Comrades 2026 and its records.
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FAQ
Who won the 2026 Western States 100?
France's Vincent Bouillard won the men's race in 13:46:15 and American Jenn Lichter won the women's race in 15:28:05. Both broke the course record on the same day, June 27, 2026.
What is the new Western States record?
For the men, Vincent Bouillard set 13:46:15, beating Jim Walmsley's 14:09:28 (2019) by 23 minutes and 13 seconds. For the women, Jenn Lichter ran 15:28:05, 88 seconds faster than Courtney Dauwalter's 2023 record.
Why did Kilian Jornet drop out?
Kilian Jornet, the 2011 champion, dropped out at mile 38 (Dusty Corners). He was dealing with a knee injury that had heavily limited his training in the weeks before the race, following the Zegama skyrace.
Who is Vincent Bouillard?
Vincent Bouillard is a French trail runner who broke through in 2024 with a surprise UTMB win while working as a materials engineer at Hoka. His 2026 Western States victory makes him one of the few runners to win both of these major ultras.
What is the Western States 100?
The Western States Endurance Run is the world's oldest 100-mile (about 161 km) trail race, held since 1974 in California, from Olympic Valley to Auburn. It's considered one of the most prestigious ultramarathons in the sport.
Were there well-placed French runners?
Yes: beyond Bouillard's win, Thomas Cardin took fourth in 14:07:58, also under the old course record. Two Frenchmen finished in the men's top 4.