Eric Fritz waited 10 years for a second shot at the Western States 100, one of the most popular and challenging endurance races in the country.
In 2012, Fritz completed about 30 miles and had to drop out. The event history for the Huntsville runner shows “DNF.” No athlete wants or enjoys that designation. Did Not Finish can mean myriad things: injury, emergency situation, outside influences, perhaps even a “screw this” walkaway. But it lingers, no matter the reason.
Fritz, 54, got his second chance in the 2022 Western States 100, which is held each June in California. Hoka is the presenting sponsor. Fritz completed the race in 29 hours, 50 minutes and 28 seconds. Finishers earn a silver belt buckle, but moreso enjoy having the accomplishment under their belt.
Started in 1974, the “Western States Endurance Run” boasts as being “the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race.” Runners begin Olympic Valley and ends 100.2 miles later in Auburn, after traversing climbs of more than 18,000 feet and descents of more than 23,000 feet. They navigate traditional lands of several of California’s indigenous tribes, Emigrant Pass, Granite Chief Wilderness and the Middle Fork of the American River. Coming at about Mile 79 in the race, the “Rucky Chucky” river crossing is a welcome cooling-off moment before the final push to the finish.
Western States 100 Planning
In 2012, Fritz’s start at the run was marred by exhaustion from airline flight delays and pain from a herniated disc in his neck. The latter had been sustained weeks earlier. Still, he could run.
As he described on his Facebook page before this year’s WS100, “The daily pain was indescribable and sleep was very difficult to achieve but in theory, I could still run. Back then there were no deferrals, no refunds, and any status in the lottery (“tickets”) were lost no matter what. Flights and hotels were paid for, etc etc etc. The money was spent so I went, knowing that I would not finish. I quit 30 miles in and then went to the finish line to watch Timothy Olsen break the then course record and David Riddle come in 11th place (with a blistering 300-meter sprint on the track, passing the guy in front of him.)
“Now, ten years older (and ten years slower), after 742+ miles raced just to re-qualify each year for the lottery, and countless dollars spent, I will toe the line to try and get this monkey off my back. My expectations are low but God willing I will finish.”
Fritz is president of the Huntsville Track Club. He’s participated in numerous events and helped organize or volunteer for others. Western States was a nagging blip on his radar, though.
Ten years later, thanks to steady determination and grit, Fritz got the redemption he wanted.
(MAIN PHOTO: Eric Fritz of Huntsville, Ala., crosses the finish line of the Western States 100 Endurance Run in Auburn, Calif., on June 26.)
