From Squaw to Auburn | My Western States 100 Race

On June 27, 2015 I toed the line at the race of my dreams: the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run from Squaw Valley to Auburn. Here is my personal account of that day and all the people that helped me rally to the finish line. It wasn't the day I had envisioned in my head in the days, weeks and months leading up to it, but it was still the experience of a lifetime. Thank you to all that helped encourage me along on that journey.
Film by: Billy Yang
Shot by: Joel Silva
Crew/Pacers: Josh Spector, Jimmy Dean Freeman
© Billy Yang Films 2015

[@brucehodson2763]

Few things move me to tears quite the way this did. Especially seeing the Golden Hour finishers.

[@davidgiezyng4195]

I was a golden hour finisher back in 1999. Always appreciated the people there cheering me on to the finish. Meant a lot back then.

[@marinatedbeefcubes]

Literally balled when I saw a 70 year old had seconds to finish and the whole finish line was cheering her on until she made it

[@Anichels]

One of the most underrated gems of this video is the parallel storyline that starts at 13:13, and 19:50 John Trent: "Katie is 15 minutes ahead of cutoff, so yeah." (attitude suggests she probably won't make it) Then she finishes with less than 4 minutes to cutoff.

[@gunhildswanson1798]

I love that video, Billy. You were awesome. Way to conquer those early troubles and finish strong. And thank you for attaching Katie Trent's and my finish at the end.

[@ricardomorais81]

You are awesome. its so inspirirng to watch you finishing this race. God bless you.

[@ChristopherFrear]

Gunhild, your race inspires me, breathes hope for the many years ahead!

[@RyokanDaigu]

What a spectacular finish! Way to go!!

[@jennacdodge]

You are an inspiration!!

[@pallekjrlaursen8388]

You did good, Gunhild, real good.

[@tonilawrimore]

Don't mind me, crying like a baby from 18 minutes on. Race finishes always get me.

[@mr.schoko8032]

me too

[@mondoc7976]

Right?

[@jenniferwithrow5512]

yup!

[@maggie0285]

I was crying too. This stuff speaks to my heart. This brings back memories of finishing a marathon and my dad seeing me with a big ole smile on his face.

[@TrailRunningWales]

I still love this film. You're the reasons I've started making my own movies. Well done Billy

[@mitchmellons]

Billy thank you for the inspiration. Almost all of my training this year has been on the treadmill. Videos like yours are what keep me from burning my shoes and taking up sewing.

[@Blair62]

You are a great filmmaker Billy Yang. And a great runner. I would love to see a film about the phenomenal 70 year old who finished this race.

[@laurisoza]

The moment realized this film was about Billy, I knew this was going to be a great film....and it was. I laughed, I cried, I clapped and cheered as you crossed the finish line!!

[@hoop1127]

Billy, after watching your film and your effort I don't hardly know what to say...I's am so inspired to run, period.. thank you...

[@jaychu3850]

49 yrs old and inspired by your videos Billy. I’m gonna do an ultra because of you!

[@parraphrase]

"Still early in the race. Still only about 30 miles in" Yeah right. I can't comprehend this. You guys are something else.

[@sorayameah8216]

This is another great film from you. I ran my first marathon this year at the age of 53. You, your films and your ultra running friends supported and helped me achieve my goal. You have all inspired me to progress on wards, who knows where it will lead. Good luck and success with your future adventures.

[@BillyYang]

+Soraya Meah that's amazing to hear Soraya. thanks for the kind words and much success to you too!

[@notoriousrjg]

To quote your pacer, “Unfreaking believable.” You are a beast Billy! I hope this accomplishment still fills you with a sense of pride. Because you freaking deserve it!

[@susansullenberger5320]

I love the way you showed appreciation and gratitude for all the support. Great job sticking with it.

[@squeakywheelprod1]

Of all the Western States videos this is my favorite, love watching a self proclaimed middle of the pack competitor struggle and overcame adversity time and again. Inspiring.

[@chrishall7175]

What a great tribute to this event and to all of us who had the chance to run this amazing adventure. Looking back 30 years to the last time I had the privilege of running WS100 this film and the others that have come out of this experience reminds me of the time spent with the members of this special club. Thanks Billy!

[@runnerup9786]

Loved this film, the end brought me to tears. The joy and achievement was incredible! These races and your films about them truly are inspiring!

[@stewthebassman]

Bravo.... > Mr. Billy. Dang...fighting back the tears...... Congratulations on an epic day in every sense of the word. Thank you for bringing us along and letting us into your world again!

[@jodygittleman816]

Billy, I absolutely got chills when you pulled into the track at the end. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. What an accomplishment.

[@zweigz]

That is absolutely incredible!!!!! Amazing Accomplishment! I ran my 1st full marathon 3 weeks ago at 16 years old and hope to one day run Western States 100.

[@trishthorne9044]

I think I was crying from minute 3......awesome video. The human body and mind amazes me.

[@AjayAppaden]

I was quite literally in tears during your finish and then the Golden hour and the final music score. Hugs!

[@Icemon09]

I'm so happy for you Billy. This is what ultra running is all about. You strip away the barriers and let your emotions fuse with the power of your training. And in the end, it is pure faith and heart that breaks you through. Well done my man. You exemplified heart, strength, intelligence and courage. Well done indeed.

[@afewmominutes]

Great job finishing. Very similar to my experience in 2013, took the early downhills too fast and fried my quads. I could climb with no issues, but I couldn't run downhill after the first 30 miles and feet were a mess, making for a very long day and golden hour finish. Still, I loved it! Awesome video, well done.

[@Dinckelburg]

It was nice to see you being so polite to people no matter how you were feeling. Great job Billy.

[@BillyYang]

Thank you, that means a lot.

[@tammypalmer3328]

BILLY YANG YOU MY FRIEND ARE A FREAKIN GENIUS STORY TELLER I LOVE THIS SO MUCH AND THE RUNNING COMMUNITY IS LIKE NOTHING IVE EVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE! SO Proud to be amongst great human beings... Im not an ultra runner yet but this inspires me so much!!

[@e.g.7705]

My father a retired Lt. Col green beret Vietnam Vet ran this 6 times at age 50+. I have one of his belt buckles he got, one of my most prized possessions. Hard damn race, I walked a portion of it as my father trained for it and it kicked my BUTT, I don't know how you guys/gals do it VERY IMPRESSED. You two may have met once or twice, David Gordon.

[@MalcolmMcLoughlin]

You capture the deepest human emotions in your films. This is a race I SO want to do and if I never do it, I will have gotten as close as I can because of this film. Just tremendous, and WELL DONE!!!!!

[@lesliea3180]

Your films always bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for being so open and honest and for show casing "The Golden Hour" with Katie and Gunhild.

[@GloriaKing]

That was epic. I cried. I am so happy you filmed this too. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I am inspired .

[@brynmorgan2007]

Even watching your videos now is such a privilege. You are such a big inspiration for me and I just want to run and run. Thank you so much🥇🙏🙏

[@steveotatooed]

Billy Dean Karnazes book is what started my running and I just signed up for my first 100 miler. Its not Western States but its still a HUGE goal! Respect to you my friend!

[@cheynevanarsdale8294]

I watch this weekly and the magic never escapes me. cant wait to make a WS100 my goal. from one southern california resident to another, thanks billy. this is amazing.

[@Saji4bachl]

Not only you inspired us but touched many of us with your videos moments.

[@Dendrolycopodiumd]

Pretty much every video of yours makes me cry and then want to go for a run... Thank you for what you do!

[@rustgia]

@billy your movies make us smile, cry and jump for joy!. keep up the good work.

[@AH-rl9ev]

This was my first Billy Yang film. I'm a native american 46 yr old man/ runner. I wept with joy as you crossed that finish.. Thank You.

[@BillyYang]

Thank YOU.

[@daninfalt6777]

I can't get enough of Billy Yang Films! Fantastic story! Very inspiring!!

[@erikl3508]

Great race. You're lucky to have such a great crew. I met Jimmy Dean at the Bulldog 50K at one of the aid stations. He was helping and attending to me and everyone like they were part of his team. Such a nice guy.

[@fr06fr06]

Huge huge congratulation guy, your performance is amazing, after this I want to scream how much I love humanity. Olivier from France

[@TheBenjiLewis]

This was incredible. We were right there with you. We've all had these races, and they are what makes us. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChongPengHow]

Billy, you've inspired me through your films and now you've inspired me even more by the race you ran! Congratulations! Truly awesome!

[@rodneybradford3931]

This, I think, is your best film. A great, great story.

[@HarryRunsUK]

Thanks for sharing this film, and being so open with your feelings and mindset throughout the race.

[@alexandradominick3158]

this made me cry, YOU ARE AWESOME! you are such a strong and resilient human being💪🏼 you’re a badass

[@ohemamyg8892]

Billy's joy when he see's that Sally is in 7th place made me cry. Ultra runners are such a beautiful breed of human ❤

[@nodough12]

I will honestly say that I have watched this everyday at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon. It has helped me organize my life and focus on getting better. Since my last post over 3 weeks ago, I have managed to start my training back up and had no issues with the IT band. This almost brings me to tears every time and reminds me to not give up my dream of running. Thank you for being such an inspiration!

[@glennpace9783]

I think I bawled through the whole film....I did the race in 2005 and, like you, my time goal went out the window by the time I hit Devil's Thumb....but in the end, it was about the journey & the emotion. This sure stirred up some memories. Thanks for great film & capturing the essence of running in the event.

[@MangoPopper]

A beautiful story. A beautiful video. Thank you, Billy.

[@drybrain9179]

Billy Yang! These videos made by you were my initial source of inspiration to venture into ultra. Thank you

[@bev9708]

Happy 5-year anniversary for officially completing the Western States 100 Billy!! Thank you for the inspiration that your wonderful film continues to give runners all around the world and for generously including Gunhild Swanson's and Katie Trent's finishes at the end, which totally reduced me to tears of joy!!!

[@BillyYang]

aw, thanks Bev!

[@WesternStatesTrailMuseum]

That was very nice. I'm pleased to see that you captured the very essence of WS by catching the heart-to-heart connections that are made on the Western States Trail. For me, that was the most powerful part of the WS100 when we created it in the 1970s. Good job. Shannon Weil

[@marcrichter2620]

Nothing is going to stop a robust mindset, not even bad hurting quads ! It is how you deal with upcoming problems that make a race unique. Imagine how boring it would have been out on the trail if everything would have worked as planned ;-) Great achievement, Billy !

[@keesdekoffie]

What a hero you are Billy Yang! Great job.

[@bcurtin72780]

Brilliant job, Billy. Just amazing. This film is going to inspire millions of runners out there. Thank you for making this film.

[@brianuhlmann7466]

Thanks for making this movie and sharing your experience. Watching this makes me want to train harder so I can get into this race some day. I enjoy all your movies - keep up the great work!

[@augustusandrada3930]

i think that is yellowrunner.. watching another quality minutes by billy. kudos!!

[@davidnowaczewski]

Not sure how I missed this when it came out this summer but better late than never as they say. Another fine film Billy! Gratitude on film, perfect!

[@luohuapiaoling]

I was watching this during my treadmill run today and I stood on the treadmill crying when I watched billy crossing the finishing line. Thank you for share those raw feeling , truly inspiring.

[@CoolInOlympia]

Wow! What a ride! Awesome day! Thanks, Billy! Congratulations!!!!

[@BDMotorsport]

Amazing film. The community spirit and camaraderie is inspiring. What a good bunch of people.

[@mikereese8030]

Congrats Billy! Another great film and so glad to be able to share your journey.

[@samgiroux]

Beautifully done, as always. I could not be more proud of someone's drive and determination, you continue to inspire me to dig deeper and push harder than I believe I can. But most importantly, I did a wonderful job showing us the importance of friendship and how that bond can build us up to be much more than we ever could be without it. The trail running scene is so rich with these bonds, that it makes it such a wonderfully rewarding sport...not just for one race...but for a lifetime. Congrats and well done.

[@timrizzo3941]

Wow. Billy, I've loved all of your films, but this story of yourself (and the dynamite people that surround you) is my favorite yet. I also shed a tear or two as you hit asphalt.

[@CecilVermule]

I'm watching this again for the umpteenth time and it is so amazing. I don't think I will ever get to run Western, but that isn't going to stop me from trying to get to a point that I can at least qualify for the lottery.

[@swimskills-krassport1779]

Billy, I usualy don't post comments but for now.....thanks for the honest footage, you inspired me a lot. Not only with this film but also by watching all your other films. You rock! I had tears in my eyes several times.... thanks again! Antoine

[@AdamStevens91]

Billy, this was the most moving trail running film I've ever seen. Incredible work during the race and making this film. Keep it up man!!! :)

[@CameronPriceJ]

Great film Billy! Having grown up in Auburn these are the kind of stories that inspire me to someday do this race and finish in my hometown. Great perseverance and attitude man and of course, great job!

[@AjayAppaden]

Thank you so much Billy for sharing this beautiful experience with us. You have no idea how inspiring it is and how much I really needed it right now. #RunStrong!

[@danielbaluyot1958]

Amazing Billy, you are an inspiration. One day I hope to also toe the line at Squaw... Thank you.

[@RunningInsider]

You make me was cryin about your personal victory Cheers and let's me following you Mr.Billy

[@sheridanedley9232]

So rad! Thank you for taking us all on this journey with you. I am moved and inspired!

[@steveclarke2966]

Loved it Billy. Felt your torment. Inspired by your achievement. Great film.

[@chrisaalexander]

Thank you for sharing your story and making this movie. Highly inspirational!

[@SteelCityPA]

Started running a year ago at age 55. Down 100 pounds now and thinking about starting to trail run. A friend told me to check out your videos on KZbin and this is the first one I've watched so far. So inspirational and congratulations on crossing the finish line!

[@harris0n_t]

Brought be to tears. This is a great one Billy! Good job trailblazer.

[@trailruntim]

Amazing and inspiring! Now I really want to run a 100 miler. Thank you for such awesome and artistic films about our sport of ultra running.

[@Absynthe6886]

That was just overwhelming... I'm moved to tears. What an inspiration, to me!

[@gdkmouse]

Good one Billy. Makes me want to do this race even more! Way to inspire runners, to push and not give up.

[@jakubsiska1031]

Billy, you brought all of the emotions to life! Congratulations, such an awesome effort. Thank you for bringing this to us.

[@greyhaven]

Excellent video Billy very inspirational . Going to watch it again right now.

[@JesseLuna805]

Amazing job, Billy. I was tracking you online that day and when I saw other super strong runners dropping I was worried but you hung on for a great finish. Congrats!

[@davethomasthedreamteam9418]

Billy, you tackled more in 2015 than i have in the last decade. Your videos are a constant source of inspiration to me and truly help keep me sober. i just ran my second half where I posted a 1'45" time and took 16th overall! Thanks you for your work!

[@dsherrlin7]

Great video Billy. I ran race as well and went through all the emotions and challenges that you did.the race means everything to me and you really touch the true feelings of the race.

[@Peekingduck]

You and your films are bloody brilliant mate, absolutely f-ing brilliant ! Many thanks for sharing this with the rest of us.

[@MarkCRyan]

Thanks Billy. That was an amazing film and an amazing run. Thanks for a good story. Not about the fastest guy or gal but about the emotion that the regular Joe goes through.

[@nodough12]

Hi Billy, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the world. I love watching personal accounts on these special moments. Your films are wonderful and I hope to keep seeing more from you! Someday I would like to do a 100-miler but I have been fighting with my IT band for almost 2 years now. I will persevere because this is a dream. And I will never give up on this dream.I couldn't help but shed a tear with how beautiful this was made and how amazing the race looks. Once again thank you for giving me motivation and determination to make my dreams come true! Nodough

[@williamgodin1110]

Your content is always so inspiring and so well made. Thank you Billy.

[@legacyenduranceinc71]

It's videos like this that fuel my passion to make this race a reality for me as well. thanks for being raw and vulnerable in the video. Killer!

[@movingwallpaper5391]

I saw the trailer and then went to Sweden with the wife and kids and truely discovered running in the forrest & the mountains. Coming home I see your movie and since then have watched it a couple of times. Great stuff! Congratulations on finishing and sharing your experience. You just made me add another item on my bucketlist.

[@KellyMSharp]

I had tears in my eyes throughout this whole video! Great job Billy and thank you for sharing so much of yourself. The "Golden Hour" footage was awesome too!

[@Davidthemarathoner]

Another amazingly inspiring video Billy. THANK YOU !!!

[@Deanger117]

So impressive to keep going when the ego tells you quit... And the body says you can't... Gonna send this to all my friends who don't understand why people LOVE this sport. The shared spirit.

[@VanMaiTai]

So inspirational!! Emotional and full of reward. It's all worth the miles! Congrats Billy.👏😊

[@metcontrailrunner8988]

Films like these make me motivated about my 500 mile run across Oklahoma this December.

[@amandacastaneda4545]

Gosh danggit I cried yet again at one of your videos! Thanks Billy! These are amazing :)

[@dougfontaine9780]

Great film and an even better performance. Keep up the good work on both counts, and thank you for the inspiration.

[@patterbt]

Wow, I have no words. Amazing, Billy, truly amazing. And thanks for including that perfect ending, truly inspiring

[@Poohbieloo]

That is incredible. Thank you for the beautiful filming, motivation, and sharing your story.

[@amyhanami9235]

Congrats Billy, love your films, they are so inspiring!!!