Ultrarunning star Jim Walmsley will not be competing at this year’s Western States 100, according to the race’s most recent wait list update.
Walmsley, a three-time champion and one of the most recognizable names in the sport, was listed as “Replaced” on the official Western States 100 wait list update published Wednesday morning.
His name now appears next to bib #392, which has been reassigned to Dan Green of West Virginia, indicating that Walmsley has officially withdrawn from the event.
As of publication, Walmsley has not issued any public statements regarding the reason for his withdrawal, and nothing has been posted on his social media channels.
His decision carries ripple effects beyond the race itself.
A sequel to Unbreakable — the cult-favorite ultrarunning documentary that chronicled the 2010 Western States — was reportedly in the works, with Walmsley as a central figure. However, according to an Instagram story by ultrarunner and filmmaker Dylan Bowman, the project has been shelved in light of Walmsley’s withdrawal.
The move comes as a surprise to many in the trail and ultrarunning community.
Walmsley has a storied history with Western States: he won three consecutive titles from 2018 to 2020, set the course record in 2019 (14:09:28), and helped redefine what was possible on the storied course.
While he has recently focused on European races, including becoming the first American man to win UTMB in 2023, his return to Western States this year was highly anticipated.
His absence is a notable loss for the 2025 race, which takes place June 28–29, removing one of its marquee athletes and a likely focal point for race coverage and storytelling.
Updates on the race lineup will continue in the coming weeks as the event approaches.
