The World's Toughest Ultra-Marathon

A Race for the Soul, a documentary produced by KVIE, profiles the physical and mental challenges encountered by participants in the Western States 100, a grueling ultra-marathon held in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

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Runners from all over the world will travel on foot 100 miles through the most treacherous territory imaginable. Those who complete the journey within 24 hours, receive the prestigious silver belt buckle signifying completion of the world’s toughest ultra-marathon, and a crowning personal achievement.

A Race for the Soul tells the dramatic story of elite ultra-marathoners and everyday citizens, ranging in age from the early 20s to nearly 70, who test the limits of their endurance. Over the course of the race, they will climb 17,000 vertical feet and descend another 23,000 feet and most race participants will run more than twenty miles in the dark. Their stories are both compelling and inspirational. A Race for the Soul follows the front-runners as well as the also-rans. Covering the distance of nearly four marathons, run mostly in the wilderness, the Western States 100 is an intensely personal challenge and a life-changing experience. In the words of one participant, " …if you can survive this, if you can just finish…you can do anything."

Five-time champion Tim Twietmeyer from Auburn and Gordon Ainsleigh, from Meadow Vista, one of the race’s original 14 founders, have provided their personal commentary and historical insights on the Western States 100 race for this documentary. Dawn Bean from Coloma, Barry Fisher from Fair Oaks, and Diane and Kevin Lundy from Cool are also highlighted in this program.

A Race for the Soul was nominated for a regional Emmy in the "Sports Program" category. It originally broadcast on KVIE in October 2001 and was seen on other public television stations nationwide.

The program was underwritten by The North Face and Chevy Avalanche.