The ultra runner sets a new Australian course record at a prestigious US race

Photography by Extreme Photography (extremephotography.com.au)

Ultra runner Mike Le Roux has beaten the Aussie record at the Western States 100 (California, US) by 16 minutes, finishing in 19:55, placing him 46th overall.

The 100-mile (160-kilometre) footrace is one of the oldest and most challenging ultra trail events in the world, and entry is gained via a lottery system. Although Le Roux was initially unsuccessful in the lottery, he was awarded a special consideration spot and was the only Australian to compete in the coveted event this year.

Going into the race with a bad head cold and having trained in Cairns for the typically hot-weather race, Le Roux was surprised (as were the other participants) by a freak storm that gave way to unusually cold conditions, meaning the athletes endured hail, sleet and rain.

Despite these conditions, a solid second half of the race saw Le Roux achieve his sub-20-hour goal.

The Western States 100 is the first stage of Le Roux’s bid to be the first Australian to complete the “Grand Slam of Ultra Running”, the four oldest 100 mile events in 11 weeks (Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville Trail 100, Wasatch Front 100).

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