It has been a long 54-years since 20 U.S. Army infantrymen attempted to hike the Western States 100 route nonstop, thereby helping to create the iconic race. Since then, inspiring stories of speed and perseverance have been written annually. None more impressive than Ryan Montgomery’s journey to the podium at the 2026 running.
The Janji-sponsored athlete clocked 13:53:55 to finish as the fastest American in the race’s storied history. In a year when the course record fell, Montgomery’s performance ranks as the third-fastest ever at Western States, one of ultrarunning’s most prestigious events.
The result represents the culmination of perseverance through repeated setbacks.
After earning his place in the race, injuries forced Montgomery to withdraw from both the 2021 and 2022 editions. He finally made his Western States debut in 2023, beginning a steady progression at the iconic California event. In 2024, he competed despite unknowingly battling COVID-19. A seventh-place finish in 2025 suggested he was closing on the front of the field.
That momentum was nearly derailed.
Only weeks after his breakthrough performance, Montgomery underwent two surgeries to remove a bone spur from his left ankle and repair joint damage. Cleared to resume training in December 2025, he had just six months to prepare for another attempt at Western States.
The gamble paid off.
Montgomery not only reached the podium but also established himself as the fastest American ever to complete the race.
“To be on the podium in what may be the fastest Western States race ever run is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Janji co-founder and CEO Mike Burnstein. “Ryan’s journey to this moment reflects years of persistence, resilience and unwavering commitment. He continues to elevate what’s possible — not only through his performances, but through the way he shows up for the trail running community.”
Montgomery’s influence extends beyond race results. As one of trail running’s most prominent LGBTQ+ athletes, he has become an advocate for greater inclusion and representation within endurance sport. His success at the highest level demonstrates that excellence and visibility can coexist, providing a meaningful example for athletes who have historically seen few people like themselves at the front of elite trail races.
His performance at Western States stands as more than a personal best. It reflects the resilience required to return from injury, the patience to rebuild and the capacity to compete with the world’s finest ultrarunners on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
