Second Sunrise

The History of How Western States Came to Be

Since its founding in 1974, Western States has been predicated on the notion that in the beginning at the first sunrise, as the run begins at 5 a.m., there must always be hope that 100 miles was within a runner's grasp. And then, with the start of a second sunrise, there had to be continued determination to search out where the finish still might lie. Even if the clock ran out, the second sunrise would not fail you. The hope of a second sunrise would always be enough to get you to the finish.

This project has been a dream for Ponderosa Pine Design founder Vicky Vaughn Shea for years. Determined to make this book a reality she enlisted 11-time Western States finisher and ultra-running writer John Trent to bring the story to life. Together they crafted a beautiful coffee table book that showcases the rich history of the Western States trail and the runners who keep its traditions alive. This coffee table book details: