If you’re a fast ultrarunner and didn’t get into Western States this year, here’s a unique way to get on the course: Kilian Jornet is opening up an application for a member of the public to pace him during the 2025 race.
The role involves pacing him for around 20 miles, likely in the final third of the 100-mile course, and includes a free NNormal kit, shoes, and two nights of accommodation during race weekend, June 27–29.
Applicants must be over 18 and submit a Strava profile and their two best race results via NNormal’s website.
It’s an unusual move from one of the sport’s most private and respected athletes, and a rare chance for an amateur or non-elite runner to join him mid-race.
Jornet Returns to Western States After 14 Years
Jornet’s return to Western States is one of the most anticipated storylines of this year’s race. He last competed at the event in 2011, when he won after finishing third the previous year in his U.S. debut. At the time, he was just 23 years old.
He qualified for the 2025 edition by finishing second at the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 120k in Italy—part of the Golden Ticket race series, just behind course record holder Jim Walmsley and ahead of 2024 UTMB winner Vincent Bouillard.
Though Jornet has gone on to win just about every major mountain ultra since, including multiple UTMB titles, Zegama, and Hardrock, this will be his first return to the more runnable, heat-exposed Western States course since his early 20s.
What the Pacer Role Involves
Western States allows pacers to join runners from mile 62 onward (Foresthill), though exact pacing segments are up to each runner.
The 20-mile role Jornet is offering may cover a stretch through the canyons or toward the final miles near Auburn.
Pacers are expected to help maintain pace, provide moral support, and assist with fueling, but they can’t carry gear or supplies.
Runners hoping to apply should be confident running on technical terrain in hot conditions and capable of matching Jornet’s pace deep into a 100-mile race.
Though he hasn’t shared what kind of pace he expects, Jornet has historically run fast over long stretches, even late in races.
In past efforts at Hardrock and UTMB, he’s averaged 8–9 minute miles on challenging terrain.
Top ultrarunners typically choose pacers they’ve trained or raced with.
Opening up a public application is uncommon, especially for someone of Jornet’s profile. It may also be part of a broader effort by NNormal, the shoe and apparel brand he co-founded, to connect more with the trail community.
While only one applicant will ultimately join Jornet on race day, the move has already generated buzz among trail and ultrarunning fans online.
