Peterman, Brady win Canyons 100K races

The Canyons Endurance Runs returned to downtown Auburn over the weekend, drawing elite ultrarunners and a large field of competitors across multiple distances, but all eyes were on the 100K race with a Golden Ticket to the Western States Endurance Run on the line. Adam Peterman and Riley Brady captured victories in the men's and women's fields of the marquee race at The Canyons Endurance Runs on Saturday, each earning their spot in Western States. Peterman pulled away in the second half of the 100K race to win in 8 hours, 18 minutes, 47 seconds, adding to his 2022 title in Auburn. His 62-mile journey began at China Wall at 5 a.m. and finished in downtown Auburn, featuring more than 12,000 feet of climbing along portions of the Western States Trail. Zach Miller finished second in 8:21:05, sprinting to the line to secure one of three available Western States entries, while Hayden Hawks placed third in 8:23:28 to claim the final men's Golden Ticket. Can-Hua Luo was close behind in fourth at 8:25:17. The race served as the final opportunity for runners to qualify for this year's Western States, scheduled for late June. Peterman took control near the midway point and maintained his lead through the closing miles, separating from a tightly packed lead group that remained within minutes of each other deep into the race. Miller and Hawks battled throughout the final stretch, with Hawks making a late move to secure third place and the final qualifying spot. Brady surged late to claim the women's race in 9:41:09, one of the fastest times recorded on the current course. Brady overtook early leader Careth Arnold after the Foresthill checkpoint and steadily extended the lead over the final miles into Auburn. Arnold finished second in 9:56:36 but declined her Golden Ticket as she prepares for the Hardrock 100 later this summer. Sarah Allaben placed third in 10:14:58 and initially accepted a Western States entry while fourth-place finisher Sarah Humble (10:18:43) also moved into a qualifying position after roll-downs. The 100K field featured nearly 700 runners and is widely considered as the premier event of The Canyons since much of the course overlapped the historic route between Olympic Valley and Auburn. In the 100-mile race, Noa Ohms won the men's division and overall title in 17:50:12. Notably, three of the top four overall finishers were women, led by Spain's Aroa Sio, who placed second overall in 19:24:34. Alyssa Clark finished third overall in 19:44:09, followed by Amanda Basham in fourth at 20:16:26. The 50K race also produced record performances. Matt Daniels set a men's course record in 3:21:56, while Makena Morley established a women's mark in 3:47:14.