With deep regret the Board of Trustees of the Western States 100 cancelled the race due to the unprecedented number of wildfires that have struck northern California in recent days and the health risks that have been associated with these wildfires. This is the first time the event has been cancelled in their 35-year history.

Out of more than 840 wildfires statewide, 312 of them are in northern California. There were 3200 lightning strikes in the Tahoe National Forest alone on June 21. Working with a variety of local, county and state agencies, the race's organizers determined it was too great a risk to the safety of the runners. At least two fires within two miles of the race course and a critical access road, and the deteriorating air quality, forced the board to cancel rather than postpone the event or use some alternative course.